chapter 7 licensing regulations. chapter 7 licensing regulations today’s agenda how fcc rules are...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 7
Licensing Regulations
Chapter 7Licensing Regulations
Today’s agenda
• How FCC rules are identified
• Amateur Radio’s “mission”
• Types of licenses
• Licensing exams and Volunteer Examiners
• Responsibilities of licensees
• Frequency and emission privileges
Chapter 7Licensing Regulations
Today’s agenda (Continued)
• International radio rules
• Amateur call signs
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Part 97 – The amateur service is defined by and operates according to the rules in Part 97 of the FCC’s rules.
The FCC’s rules are one part of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The FCC is responsible for 200 parts including Part 97 – The Amateur Radio Service.
Each rule is defined separately according to the following convention: Part 97.1, Part 97.25, Part 97.301, etc.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Subpart A - General Provisions Sec. 97.1 Basis and purpose. 97.3 Definitions. 97.5 Station license required. 97.7 Control operation required. 97.9 Operator license grant. 97.11 Stations aboard ships or aircraft. 97.13 Restrictions on station location. 97.15 Station antenna structures. 97.17 Application for new license grant. 97.19 Application for a vanity call sign.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Basis and Purpose
Part 97.1 – The “mission” of Amateur Radio
a.A voluntary, non-commercial communications service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
Hams provide communications during emergencies and disasters.
b.Contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
c.Enhance skills in the communications and technical phases of the art.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Basis and Purpose
Part 97.1 – The “mission” of Amateur Radio
d. Increase the number of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.
e. Continue to enhance international goodwill.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Definitions and Other Stuff
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) makes and enforces the rules for the Amateur Radio Service in the United States.
The FCC is the agency that grants your amateur radio license.
A license in the amateur radio service allows you to operate anywhere that the FCC regulates the amateur service – the 50 states and all possessions under US government control.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Definitions and Other Stuff
Amateur Service – “A radiocommunications service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.”
The Amateur service is one of over two dozen telecommunications services governed and administered by the FCC and it is one of a very few communications services
that require the participants to be licensed.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Definitions and Other Stuff
Amateur operator – “A person named in an amateur operator/primary license station grant on the Universal Licensing System (ULS) consolidated licensee database to be the control operator of an amateur station.”
Amateur station – “A station in an amateur radio service consisting of the apparatus [equipment] necessary for carrying on radio communications.”
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Type and Classes of Licenses
Other than a representative of a foreign government who cannot be granted an amateur radio license, anyone may be granted a U.S. amateur radio license.
• Citizens of other countries may be granted an amateur radio license.
• The are no gender, age, health or fitness requirements or restrictions to get an amateur radio license.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
6-year old Jessica Dowding, KD7PIO, earned her Tech license Dec 2001.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Type and Classes of Licenses
An amateur radio license consists of an operator license and a station license.
• The operator license gives you permission to operate an amateur station according to the rules of the amateur service.
• The station license authorizes you to have an amateur station.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Type and Classes of Licenses
There are three types of amateur radio licenses currently being granted:
Technician
General
Amateur Extra
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Type and Classes of Licenses
There are other classes of license that are still valid but are no longer being granted.
Novice
Technician Plus
Advanced
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Current and Previous License Classes
License ClassCurrentlyIssued?
Still Valid?
Amateur Extra Yes Yes
Advanced No Yes
General Yes Yes
Technician Plus No Yes
Technician Yes Yes
Novice No Yes
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Amateur License Class ExaminationsLicense Class
Exam Element
Number of Questions
Technician 2 (Written) 35 (passing is 26 correct)
General 3 (Written) 35 (passing is 26 correct)
Amateur Extra 4 (Written) 50 (passing is 37 correct)
Pass element 2 to earn TechnicianPass elements 2 and 3 to earn GeneralPass elements 2, 3 and 4 to earn Amateur Extra
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Examinations
Amateur radio operators develop the question pools for each license class and administer the license exams.
An amateur radio operator who gives the exams and runs the exam sessions is a “Volunteer Examiner” (VE)
A VE is accredited by one or more Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VEC) to administer amateur license exams.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Examinations
Each exam session requires three VEs to be present to administer amateur exams.
The Technician exam (Element 2) may be administered by three VEs with a General class license or above.
The General exam (Element 3) may be administered by three VEs with an Advanced class license or above.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Examinations
The Amateur Extra exam (Element 4) may be administered by three VEs with an Amateur Extra class license. The Anne Arundel Radio Club VE Team administers amateur license exams under the coordination of the Laurel VEC on the 2nd Saturday of every month.
Registration starts at Noon and testing around 1:00pm. Walk-ins are accepted.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Examinations
When you pass your exam you will be given a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE).
• Indicates which exam element(s) you passed
• Indicates which license you earned.
• Signed by three Volunteer Examiners
• Good for only 365 days
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
You’ll receive your license in the mail from the FCC in about 7-14 days.
• Sign it• Make 2-3 copies• Save original in safe location – you’ll need to bring it with you when you upgrade.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Terms of License and Renewal
Your amateur license is good for a term of 10-years.
You can renew it within 90 days or less of the expiration date.
• Renew on-line• Complete the FCC Form 605 and mail it in.• Renew at an exam session (bring your original and a copy of your current license).
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Term of License and Renewal
If you license expires you have a two-year grace period in which to renew your license. You do not have to retake the license exam during the grace period.
While your license is expired it’s almost as if you never had one. You cannot legally transmit with an expired license.
If you fail to renew your license within the grace period you must start over from the beginning by taking the Technician exam.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Term of License and Renewal
If you lose your license you can request a replacement from the FCC.
• On-line is easiest
• Mail a letter to the FCC – include your call sign
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Responsibilities
Unauthorized Operation – To prevent improper use of your station equipment when you’re not present, simply disconnect the microphone and power cables.
Personal Information – You must maintain a valid current mailing address with the FCC. If mail is returned as “undeliverable” your license can be suspended or revoked.
Chapter 7Licensing Terms
Responsibilities
Station Inspection – As a federal licensee, you are required to make your station available for inspection upon request by an FCC representative or US government official.
These visits are very rare and only occur when there is reason to believe that your station has been operated improperly.
Chapter 7Working with the FCC
The FCC ULS Web Sitewww.fcc.gov/uls
• Register for online access to your license information
• Make simple changes to your address & other information
• Renew your license
• Search for licensees by name, call sign or location
Chapter 7Working with the FCC
The FCC CORES Web Sitewww.fcc.gov/cores
• Register with FCC to get a Federal Registration Number (FRN) before your exam or you’ll have to enter your SSN on the license application.
• Once you have an FRN you don’t use your SSN for business with the FCC.
• When your license is granted a FRN is issued if you didn’t pre-register and your FRN is displayed on your license.
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Frequency Privileges
For questions dealing with what frequency is in a particular band or vice versa use the following formula:
Band (m) =
300 Freq (MHz)
Freq (MHz) = 300Band (m)
Table 7-2
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Frequency Privileges
Technician HF Privileges200 watts PEP maximum Output
Band (Wavelength) Frequency (MHz)
80 meters 3.525-3.600 (CW only)
40 meters 7.025-7.125 (CW only)
15 meters 21.025-21.200 (CW only)
10 meters28.000-28.300 (CW, RTTY and data)
28.300-28.500 (CW and SSB)
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Amateur Emission TypesEmission Description
CW Morse code telegraphy
Data Computer-to-computer communications aka “Digital”
Image Televisions (Fast scan and slow scan) and facsimile
MCW Tone –modulated CW (Morse code)
Phone Speech or voice
Pulse A sequence of pulses that are modulated to carry info
RTTY Narrow-band, direct printing telegraphy
SS Spread-spectrum – sig spread over wide band of freqs
Test Transmission carrying no information
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
VHF/UHF/HF Power Limits6 meters (50-54 MHz) 1500 w PEP Maximum
2 meters (144-148 MHz) 1500 w PEP Maximum
1.25 meters (219-220 and 222-224 MHz) 1500 w PEP Maximum
70 centimeters (420-450 MHz) 1500 w PEP Maximum
33 centimeters (902-928 MHz) 1500 w PEP Maximum
23 centimeters (1240-1300 MHz) 1500 w PEP Maximum
80 meters (3.525-3.600 MHz CW only) 200 w PEP Maximum
40 meters (7.025-7.125 MHz CW only) 200 w PEP Maximum
15 meters (21.025-21.200 MHz CW only) 200 w PEP Maximum
10 meters (28.000-28.500 MHz) 200 w PEP Maximum
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Power Limits
Amateur radio operators are required to use the MINIMUM power required to carry out the desired communication.
All amateurs are limited to 200 watts PEP on 30m band
All amateurs are limited to 50 watts PEP on 219-220 MHz
Beacons are limited to 100 watts PEP
All amateurs are limited to 50 watts PEP on 60m band
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Primary and Secondary Allocations
Many frequency bands or portions of frequency bands are allocated for exclusive use by radio amateurs.
Because the frequency spectrum is only so big and there are many potential users, sometimes two services are allocated a portion of frequency spectrum to share.
When frequency allocations are shared, one user is designated as the primary service [user] and the other is the secondary service [user].
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Primary and Secondary Allocations
The primary service is always protected from interference from the secondary service.
A user in the secondary service gains access to the shared frequency with the understanding that it cannot cause harmful interference to the users in the primary service.
A user in the secondary service gains access to the shared frequency with the understanding that it must accept interference from users in the primary service.
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Primary and Secondary Allocations
All of the UHF and higher-frequency bands share portions of the frequency spectrum.
Not all US amateur allocations are allocated to amateurs worldwide. Where there are competing allocations, the amateur service is considered to be a secondary user.
If your transmissions in the 23 cm band (1240-1300 MHz) are causing interference to a radiolocation service outside the U.S., you must stop operating until you can figure out how to stop the interference.
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Band Plans
Band plans organize different types of activity by frequency.
Grouping similar activities together, band plans allow the spectrum to be used more effectively.
Band plans have been developed by hams over time.
Band plans are voluntary arrangement for using different modes or for different activities. They are not “rules” but the FCC considers them to be “good amateur practice”.
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Band Plans
Band plans apply during normal conditions and DO NOT guarantee the use of any frequency at any time.
Radio amateurs are expected to be flexible on a day-to-day basis.
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Band Plans
A portion of the 2 meter (144-148 MHz) Band Plan
144.00 - 144.05 EME (CW)
144.05 - 144.10 General CW and weak signals
144.10 - 144.20 EME and weak-signal SSB
144.200 SSB calling frequency
144.200 - 144.275 General SSB operation
144.275 - 144.300 Propagation beacons
144.30 - 144.50 OSCAR [satellite] subband
144.50 - 144.60 Linear translator inputs
144.60 - 144.90 FM repeater inputs
Repeater Coordination
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Simply put, repeater and frequency coordination
brings order out of chaos.
Hams have developed a system of regional frequency coordination to insure that repeaters use the amateur bands wisely [effectively] and avoid interference to the greatest extent possible.
This is part of the Amateur Radio tradition of self-policing and self administration.
Repeater Coordination
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Repeaters and their auxiliary stations are grouped together into one or two segments of a band.
Their input and output frequencies are fixed and have a common offset in each region.
Common Repeater Offsets by Band
2 meters plus [+] or minus [-] 600 kHz
1.25 meters Minus [-] 1.6 MHz
70 cm Plus [+] or minus [-] 5 MHz
Repeater Coordination
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
Coordination of repeater input and output frequencies minimizes interference between repeaters and to other users of a band.
Frequency Coordinators are individuals or groups that recommend repeater input and output frequencies to reduce or eliminate interference between repeaters operating on or near the same frequency in the same geographical area.
Local or regional amateurs whose stations are eligible to be auxiliary or repeater stations select the frequency coordinator.
Repeater Coordination
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
In addition to repeater input and output frequencies, the frequency coordinator considers transmit power, height of antennas, and whether the repeater should employ access tones.
The Mid-Atlantic Repeater Council (T-MARC) coordinates Amateur VHF and UHF repeater operations in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
Repeater Coordination
Chapter 7Bands & Privileges
A coordinated repeater uses frequencies approved by a regional coordinator.
Un-coordinated repeaters are strongly discouraged as they often cause interference.
Once a frequency pair (input/output) have been assigned, the repeater owner can turn on their repeater.
Chapter 7International Rules
International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
The ITU was formed as an agency of the United Nations in 1949.
An administrative forum for addressing international telecommunications treaties and laws including frequency allocations.
The ITU also maintains international radio laws that all UN countries agree to abide by.
Chapter 7International Rules
International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
Chapter 7International Rules
International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
The ITU divides the world into three regions for the purpose of frequency management.
Allocations for amateur radio above 50 MHz in Region 2 are different for amateurs in Regions 1 and 3.
North and South America including Alaska and Hawaii form Region 2. The US possessions of Guam, Johnston Island, and America Samoa are in Region 3 and must abide by the frequency rules for that region.
Chapter 7International Rules
International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
Chapter 7International Rules
International Operating
If you plan to operate from a foreign country…
• The foreign country must permit amateur operation
• You must have permission to operate
• Within the territorial boundaries including territorial waters of any country, you must operate according to their rules.
You may operate from any vessel of craft that is documented or registered in the United States.
Chapter 7International Rules
International Operating
To use your U.S. amateur license there must be a reciprocal operating agreement between the U.S. and the other country.
There are three ways of getting operating permission:
1. Reciprocal operating authority2. An International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP)3. The European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications Conference (CEPT).
Chapter 7International Rules
Reciprocal Operating Authority
Many countries have entered into reciprocal operating authority agreements which recognize each other’s amateur licenses.
These are formal government-to-government agreements.
Simply take a copy of your license and operate according to your host country’s rules and regulations.
Chapter 7International Rules
International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP)
Allows U.S. amateurs to operate from countries in North & South America without seeking a special license or permit to enter and operate from that country using their rules.
• IARP is issued by the ARRL
• Two classes:
• Class 1 = Amateur Extra• Class 2 = Technician (issued to Technicians, Generals and Advanced class licensees.)
Chapter 7International Rules
European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT)
A CEPT license allows U.S. Amateurs to travel to and operate from most European countries or their possessions without obtaining an additional license or permit.
You’ll need to bring:
• Passport
• Original version of your current license (not a copy)
• Copy of FCC’s public notice about CEPT licenses.
Two class just like IARP
Chapter 7International Rules
Permitted Contacts and Communications
Unless specifically prohibited by the government of either country, any ham can talk to any other ham.
International communications must be limited to the purposes of the amateur service or remarks of a personal nature.
Some countries do not recognize amateur radio (e.g., North Korea).
The FCC can impose restrictions on a U.S. ham as a result of a judgment or administrative ruling.
Chapter 7Call Signs
Prefix and Suffix
Every country is assigned at least one unique block of prefixes.
• Canadians use VA-VZ plus other letters• Hams in France have call signs that start with F• Japanese hams use call signs that start with J• Hams from Singapore use calls that begin with 9V
U.S. amateur call signs start with K, N, W or AA-ALIf a call sign starts with these letters then you know it’s a U.S. call sign!
Chapter 7Call Signs
Prefix and Suffix
Prefix
1-2 letters (K, N, W or AA-AL) and a single digit: 0-9
Suffix
1-3 letters following the single digit in the prefix
Chapter 7Call Signs
US Call Districts & Call Signs
US Amateur Call Signs in Districts 0-9
Group License Class Format
AAmateur
Extra
1 x 2 (starting with K, N or W) or 2 x 1 (starting with K, N or W) or 2 x 2 starting with AA-AL
1 x 2 = N3MB2 x 1 = WW3R2 x 2 = AE3RR
B Advanced
2 x 2 starting with K, N or WNA1DXKK4GVWW3ZZ
Chapter 7Call Signs
US Call Districts & Call Signs
US Amateur Call Signs in Districts 0-9
Group License Class Format
C General & Tech
1 x 3 starting with K, N, or WN3ADYK3BAYW3OKL
D Novice 2 x 3 starting with K or WKB3ATI, KB3MPR, KB3UDM,
Special Event Call Sign
1 x 1 starting with K, N or WK1D, W0W, N4N, K9K, W1N
Chapter 7Call Signs
US Call Districts & Call Signs
Unless you earn an Amateur Extra class license during your first exam session, your first call sign will come from Group D because all of the call signs in Group C have been granted.
US Amateur Call Signs in Districts 0-9
Group License Class Format
C General & Tech1 x 3 starting with K, N, or W
Not Available
D Novice 2 x 3 starting with K or WKB3ATI, KB3MPR, KB3UDM,
Chapter 7Call Signs
US Call Districts & Call Signs
KL7=AlaskaKH6 = HawaiiKH4 = Johnston IsKH8 – American Samoa
KP2 = US Virgin Is. & KP4 = Puerto Rico
Chapter 7Call Signs
US Call Districts & Call Signs
U.S. amateur call signs can tell a lot about the amateur station in most cases:
• Class of license
• General location
• Type and height of antenna (Just kidding)
Chapter 7Call Signs
Portable & Upgrade
If you operate outside the continental U.S., you must add the prefix of the country from which you are operating to your call sign. This includes Alaska (KL7) and Hawaii (KH6).
• KI3DS/VE3 = You are operating in Ontario Province, Canada
• KI3DS/KH6 = You are operating from Hawaii
• KI3DS/KP2 = You are operating from U.S. Virgin Islands
Chapter 7Call Signs
Portable & Upgrade
We often append our call signs to indicate a particular activity such as operating mobile or portable.
• When operating mobile (Car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.) we simply say, “KI3DS mobile”. We might also indicate a state or county if appropriate.
• When operating from a temporary location other our home location we say, “KI3DS portable”. We might also indicate a state or county if appropriate.
• “KI3DS portable Greene County Texas”
Chapter 7Call Signs
Portable & Upgrade
When operating CW we send, “KI3DS/mob” to indicate we’re operating from a car, motorcycle, bicycle, horseback, etc. We might also indicate a state or county if appropriate.
When we use self-assigned designators we cannot use any designator that would conflict with the prefix of another country. For example we can not use the following self-assigned designators when sending via Morse code:
KI3DS/P – Indicates we are operating in Brazil
W3VPR/R – Indicates we are operating in Russia
Chapter 7Call Signs
Portable & Upgrade
When we upgrade our license we have to append our call signs with specific designators until the FCC data base has been updated to show your new license class.
Must use the appropriate designator below, when using your new license privileges
• KT = Upgrade from Novice to Technician• AG = Upgrade from Novice or Technician to General• AE = Upgrade from Novice, Technician, General to
Amateur extra
Chapter 7Call Signs
Portable & Upgrade
When you upgrade your license and it is not yet in the FCC data base and you are using your new license privileges, you must appropriately append your call sign to indicate your upgrade.
On phone you would say, KI3DS temporary [or interim] Kilo Tango, Alpha Golf or Alpha Echo to indicate the upgrade to Technician, General or Amateur Extra.
Using CW or Digital you would send: KI3DS/KT, KI3DS/AG or KI3DS/AE
Chapter 7Call Signs
Choosing a Call Sign
Don’t like your call sign because ______________________?
Why doesn’t matter. The good news is that you can change it through the Vanity Call Sign program.
You can pick any call sign as long as it is authorized for your license
class.
www.vanityhq.com
Chapter 7Call Signs
Club & Special Event Call Signs
Amateur radio clubs can have their own call signs
AARC = W3VPR
AARC Jr. = KI3DS
There are some rules:
• At least 4 members
• The FCC can ask for documentation showing the club exists and has meetings.
Chapter 7Call Signs
Club & Special Event Call Signs
Club licenses are granted to the person the club designates as the trustee for the club station.
Clubs apply for a call sign by contacting a Club Station Call Sign Administrator.
After being granted a Group D call sign, the club can apply for a vanity call.
Chapter 7Call Signs
Club & Special Event Call Signs
Any FCC-licensed amateur or club can obtain a special 1 x 1 call sign (e.g., K1D, W0W, K7K, N5N, etc) for a short duration significant event (Anniversary of a club, County fair, etc.) – usually no more than 15 days
Application for a Special Event call is made to a Special Call Sign Coordinator – there are five of these.
These call signs are unique because they have a single letter in both the prefix and suffix.
Chapter 7Call Signs
Club & Special Event Call Signs
The special event call sign must be given once every 10 minutes and at the end of the contact.
The call sign or the amateur or club that requested the special event call must be given once per hour .
Chapter 7Call Signs
Questions?
Read Chapter 8 for the next session.