release 1.0 – september 2006 1 listen first! when you select a frequency on which to transmit, the...

Release 1.0 – September 20061

Listen First!

When you select a frequency on which to transmit, the first thing you should always do is listen to determine whether the frequency is busy. If someone is already using the frequency, good amateur practice says you don’t stomp all over them. Besides, it’s just the right thing to do!


Repeater Manners – Calling Another Station

Since most Technicians get their start on repeaters, it is a good idea to know how to call another station on the repeater. For example, how do you call another station on a repeater if you know the station's call sign? It’s simple. Just say the station's call sign and identify your own station. Then wait for the other station to answer.

And guess what? If you want to call another station not on a repeater, you do the same thing - say the station's call sign and then identify your own station.


Just Looking For Some Conversation

Suppose you don’t know anyone on the band, but you just want to talk. How do you indicate you are looking for any station with which to make contact? It’s simple. Just say “CQ” followed by your call sign. CQ means “calling any station” and is the ham’s way of saying I just want to talk with anyone willing to talk.

But be careful about one thing. If you want

to talk to anyone who might be listening on a repeater, you don’t want to use “CQ.” By custom, if you want to talk on a repeater, you just transmit your call sign. (Some hams will transmit their call sign followed by the words “listening” or “monitoring.” That’s OK, too, but definitely avoid CQ on the repeater.


Suppose You Hear A CQ

When you hear someone transmitting CQ, and you are willing to talk with them, what should you transmit when responding to that call of CQ? Again, it’s very simple, and the same as calling another station. Transmit the other station's call sign followed by your call sign, and wait for an answer.


Test TransmissionsThe FCC says it is perfectly OK to test your

transmitter using a brief transmission, but you still must identify yourself. A brief test transmission that does not include any station identification is an illegal unidentified transmission. Always properly identify your station when testing! (See §97.119(a))

When you test your transmitter, find a frequency, listen, and if it is quiet, give your call sign. And it is a good idea, although not required by rule, to follow your call by the words “test” or “testing.”


How Often To ID When Testing

The requirement to ID when testing is the same as at any other time. The rule says station identification is required at least every ten minutes and at the end of every transmission.


Making Your Call Sign Understood

When conditions are bad, it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between spoken letters when they sound similar. For example, consider that B, C, D, E, G, P, T, V and Z may be easily misunderstood in noisy conditions. Fortunately, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has adopted a phonetic alphabet that is recognized world wide. It substitutes easily understood words for each of the letters of the alphabet.

You don’t have to know this alphabet for the Technician exam, but you do need to remember that these words are internationally recognized substitutes for letters. If you are having trouble being understood, you can give your call sign using these recognized phonetics. For example, KA4PUV becomes “kilo alfa four papa uniform victor.” (See §97.119(b)(2))


ITU Phonetic AlphabetLike we said, you do not have to know this

alphabet for the test, but just for fun let’s take a look at it. You can learn it once you get your license!

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Phonetic Alphabet

A Alpha J Juliet S Sierra B Bravo K Kilo T Tango C Charlie L Lima U UniformD Delta M Mike V Victor E Echo N November W Whiskey F Foxtrot O Oscar X X-rayG Golf P Papa Y Yankee H Hotel Q Quebec Z Zulu I India R Romeo


Avoid “Cutesy” Call Signs

Some hams like to use other older phonetic alphabets or invent their own words when giving their call sign phonetically. Other hams invent cute phrases to go with their call signs. None of these are illegal as long as you properly identify by stating your call sign in English as the rule requires. However, you should avoid them. Using non-standard phonetics or cute phrases can be a real problem because they are not easily understood by some operators.

10Release 1.0 – September 2006

Check-Up Time!

Now let’s try the questions from this group.

You should make a note of any that you miss for later review.


T3A01

Which of the following should you do when selecting a frequency on which to transmit?

A. Call CQ to see if anyone is listening

B. Listen to determine if the frequency is busy

C. Transmit on a frequency that allows your signals to be heard

D. Check for maximum power output


T3A01 Answer - B

This is a common sense answer. Before you talk, always listen to see whether someone else is already using the frequency.


T3A02

How do you call another station on a repeater if you know the station's call sign?

A. Say "break, break" then say the station's call sign

B. Say the station's call sign then identify your own station

C. Say "CQ" three times then the other station's call sign

D. Wait for the station to call "CQ" then answer it


T3A02 Answer - B

Call the other station by saying the other station’s call sign first, followed by your own.


T3A03

How do you indicate you are looking for any station with which to make contact?

A. CQ followed by your callsign

B. RST followed by your callsign

C. QST followed by your callsign

D. SK followed by your callsign


T3A03 Answer - A

To invite any station listening to answer your call, always call “CQ.”


T3A04

What should you transmit when responding to a call of CQ?

A. Your own CQ followed by the other station's callsign

B. Your callsign followed by the other station's callsign

C. The other station's callsign followed by your callsign

D. A signal report followed by your callsign


T3A04 Answer - C

When answering a station, the procedure is the same as calling the station... Give their call sign first, followed by your own.


T3A05

What term describes a brief test transmission that does not include any station identification?

A. A test emission with no identification required

B. An illegal un-modulated transmission

C. An illegal unidentified transmission

D. A non-voice ID transmission


T3A05 Answer - C

Any time an operator transmits, that operator must identify by giving his or her call sign at least every ten minutes and at the end of the transmission. It is illegal not to identify, so this would be an illegal unidentified transmission.


T3A06

What must an amateur do when making a transmission to test equipment or antennas?

A. Properly identify the stationB. Make test transmissions only after 10:00 PM local time

C. Notify the FCC of the test transmission

D. State the purpose of the test during the test procedure


T3A06 Answer - A

Regardless of why the operator is transmitting, he or she must always properly identify the station. There are no special identification procedures for testing equipment.


T3A07

Which of the following is true when making a test transmission?

A. Station identification is not required if the transmission is less than 15 seconds

B. Station identification is not required if the transmission is less than 1 watt

C. Station identification is required only if your station can be heard

D. Station identification is required at least every ten minutes and at the end of every transmission.


T3A07 Answer - D

There are no special identification procedures for testing equipment. The identification requirements are the same as for any other type of transmission - at least every ten minutes and at the end of every transmission.


T3A08

What is the meaning of the procedural signal "CQ"?

A. Call on the quarter hourB. New antenna is being tested (no station should answer)

C. Only the called station should transmit

D. Calling any station


T3A08 Answer - D

“CQ” means calling any station. When you call CQ, you are inviting any ham who is listening to contact you.


T3A09

Why should you avoid using cute phrases or word combinations to identify your station?

A. They are not easily understood by some operators

B. They might offend some operatorsC. They do not meet FCC identification requirements

D. They might be interpreted as codes or ciphers intended to obscure your identification


T3A09 Answer - A§97.119(b)(2)

(b) The call sign must be transmitted with an emission authorized for the transmitting channel in one of the following ways: ***(2) By a phone emission in the English language. Use of a standard phonetic alphabet as an aid for correct station identification is encouraged;

When an operator makes up his or her own phonetics (which is not illegal), the phonetics are not always readily understood by others. You should learn the standard phonetic alphabet used by radio operators.


T3A10

What brief statement is often used in place of "CQ" to indicate that you are listening for calls on a repeater?

A. Say "Hello test" followed by your call sign

B. Say your call sign C. Say the repeater call sign followed by your call sign

D. Say the letters "QSY" followed by your call sign


T3A10 Answer - B

On a repeater, it is generally considered bad manners to call CQ. When using a repeater to invite a conversation, the generally accepted procedure is to simply state your call sign. That is enough to let others know you are available for a contact.


T3A11

Why should you use the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) phonetic alphabet when identifying your station?

A. The words are internationally recognized substitutes for letters

B. There is no advantageC. The words have been chosen to represent amateur radio terms

D. It preserves traditions begun in the early days of amateur radio


T3A11 Answer - A

§97.119(b)(2)

The FCC encourages the use of these phonetics. They are used by radio operators, pilots, mariners and the military services of many countries around the world, so they are widely recognized, even among non-English speaking people.


Group T3B

Group T3B covers the importance of the use of minimum power and amateur radio band plans. It also covers repeater

coordination and certain sub-bands with restricted modes.


Band PlansThe FCC has established the amateur radio

bands and has divided the bands up into sub-bands for different types of operation. Sometimes that isn’t enough, since there are several different modes using the use digital or data frequencies, and these modes could conflict with each other.

For that reason, the amateur community has come up with a number of band plans. A band plan is a voluntary guideline, beyond the divisions established by the FCC for using different operating modes within an amateur band. It is a sort of “gentlemen’s agreement” that lets several modes share limited frequencies. Band plans are voluntary. No rule makes them mandatory.


Repeater Band Plans

Repeaters almost always transmit on one frequency and receive on another. We call this split frequency operation. To make the best use of the frequencies available for repeaters, each area has a recognized frequency coordination body responsible for repeater band plans. For example, in the southeastern U.S., this body is SERA, or the Southeastern Repeater Association.


Repeater Coordination

These recognized frequency coordination organizations perform a valuable service by coordinating repeaters. Basically, a person or group that wants to put up a repeater furnishes information about the repeater location, power, antenna height and other data, and the local frequency coordinator assigned the repeater a frequency pair. The frequency pair is chosen to avoid interfering with other repeaters. This process is called “repeater coordination.” The main purpose of repeater coordination is to reduce interference and promote proper use of the available frequency spectrum.


Who Is Responsible?

Recall that repeaters are automatically controlled, so the repeater control operator is generally not required to be at the control point all the time. Suppose a ham begins using the repeater and starts using obscene language? Who is accountable if a repeater station inadvertently retransmits such communications that violate FCC rules? Since the repeater control operator is not required to be there all the time, the FCC says it is the transmitting station that will be held accountable. (See §97.205(g))


How Much Power Should You Use?

The FCC says that an amateur must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communication. (See §97.313(a))

The maximum power level allowed to hams is quite high, but the FCC has made it clear that hams must use only the power needed. Using excess power may create unnecessary interference and should be avoided.


More Memory Work

Some amateur bands are divided by the FCC into mode restricted sub bands. When a sub band is restricted by mode, only certain modes can be used on that portion of the band. The following bands available to Technician class licensees have mode restricted sub-bands: the 6-meter, 2-meter, and 1 1/4-meter bands. You need to remember this. (See §97.305(c))


And Still More Memory Work

Recall that the 6 meter band extends from 50 megahertz to 54 megahertz. The only emission mode permitted in the 50 to 50.1 megahertz sub band is CW (also known as “continuous wave” and used for Morse code).

Also recall that the 2 meter band goes from 144 megahertz to 148 megahertz. Likewise, the only emission mode permitted in the restricted sub-band at 144.0 to 144.1 megahertz is also CW.

Remember both of these as well.

(See §97.305 (a)&(c))


Check-Up Time!




T3B01

What is a band plan?

A. A voluntary guideline, beyond the divisions established by the FCC for using different operating modes within an amateur band

B. A guideline from the FCC for making amateur frequency band allocations

C. A guideline for operating schedules within an amateur band published by the FCC

D. A plan devised by a local group


T3B01 Answer - A

Band plans are voluntary, and are developed by groups such as the ARRL and others working together. They help keep some order on the bands by suggesting frequencies for different modes of operation, thus minimizing interference.


T3B02

Which of the following statements is true of band plans?

A. They are mandated by the FCC to regulate spectrum use

B. They are mandated by the ITU

C. They are voluntary guidelines for efficient use of the radio spectrum

D. They are mandatory only in the US


T3B02 Answer - C

The key word to remember about band plans is “voluntary.” A ham can not follow the band plan and still be arguably “legal.” However, disregarding band plans when operating is not “good amateur practice.” See §97.101(a).


T3B03

Who developed the band plans used by amateur radio operators?

A. The US CongressB. The FCCC. The amateur communityD. The Interstate Commerce Commission


T3B02 Answer - C

The amateur community is all of us as represented by various clubs and amateur organizations such as the ARRL.


T3B04

Who is in charge of the repeater frequency band plan in your local area?

A. The local FCC field officeB. RACES and FEMAC. The recognized frequency coordination body

D. Repeater Council of America


T3B04 Answer - C

Having groups to coordinate repeaters results in less interference between repeaters and better communications for all amateurs. In the southeast U.S., the Southeast Repeater Association (SERA) coordinates repeater frequencies through volunteers who used sophisticated software and solid engineering practices to assign repeater frequencies.


T3B05

What is the main purpose of repeater coordination?

A. To reduce interference and promote proper use of spectrum

B. To coordinate as many repeaters as possible in a small area

C. To coordinate all possible frequencies available for repeater use

D. To promote and encourage use of simplex frequencies


T3B05 Answer - A

When repeaters are coordinated, nearby repeaters will not operate on the same frequencies. This prevents each repeater from interfering with the other making both repeaters useless.


T3B06

Who is accountable if a repeater station inadvertently retransmits communications that violate FCC rules?

A. The repeater trustee

B. The repeater control operator

C. The transmitting station

D. All of these answers are correct


T3B06 Answer - C§97.205(g)

The control operator of a repeater that retransmits inadvertently communications that violate the rules in this Part is not accountable for the violative communications.

A repeater owner spends a lot of money to make repeaters available to the amateur community, almost always at no expense to the community. The rules relieve the control operator from liability for the unlawful actions of a repeater user. Every ham is accountable for what he or she says over the air, whether on a repeater, or on simplex. Watch what you say!


T3B07

Which of these statements is true about legal power levels on the amateur bands?

A. Always use the maximum power allowed to ensure that you complete the contact

B. An amateur may use no more than 200 Watts PEP to make an amateur contact

C. An amateur may use up to 1500 Watts PEP on any amateur frequency

D. An amateur must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communication


T3B07 Answer - D

§97.313(a)

An amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.

Use only the power you need to communicate. Your signal will be cleaner and less likely to cause harmful interference to others.


T3B08

Which of the bands available to Technician class licensees have mode restricted sub-bands?

A. The 6-meter, 2-meter, and 70-centimeter bands

B. The 2-meter and 13-centimeter bandsC. The 6-meter, 2-meter, and 1 1/4-meter bands

D. The 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands


T3B08 Answer - C

§97.305(c)

This subsection contains another important table. You need to know the restrictions placed on the bands you will use as a Technician licensee.


T3B09

What emission modes are permitted in the restricted sub-band at 50.0-50.1 MHz?

A. CW only

B. CW and RTTY

C. SSB only

D. CW and SSB


T3B09 Answer - A

§97.305 (a)(c)

There are only three possible questions dealing with modes on specific bands. Chances are about 1 in 3 that you will have one on your exam. However, there is a 100% chance you will need to know this information when you get ready to make that first amateur contact. Don’t wait until then to learn what is allowed!


T3B10

What emission modes are permitted in the restricted sub-band at 144.0-144.1 MHz?

A. CW only

B. CW and RTTY

C. SSB only

D. CW and SSB


T3B10 Answer - A

§97.305 (a)(c)

Here’s a hint. The lower end of each band is generally reserved for CW.


Group T3C

Group T3C covers some of the most important aspects of amateur radio - courtesy and respect for others,

sensitive subject areas, and obscene and indecent


Breaking In On Another Conversation

In the CB world, it is considered perfectly normal to break into another conversation by saying “break break” or “breaker.” That is NOT the case in the amateur world!

When you want to break into a conversation between two stations that are using the frequency, you should simply say your call sign between their transmissions. Most hams don’t care too much for that CB slang!


More Repeater Manners

Good repeaters are sometimes very busy. Some things you should do when using a repeater include:

- Monitor before transmitting and keep transmissions short

- Identify legally

- Use only the minimum amount of transmitter power necessary


Staying Legal

Before responding to another stations call, you should always make sure you are operating on a permissible frequency for your license class. We know it sounds silly, but if you are not careful, you can easily stray outside of your privileges.


“I Was Here First!”

There are only so many frequencies available. If two amateur stations want to use the same frequency, the FCC says no frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station and neither operator has priority. (See §97.101(b))

When there a conflict about the use of a frequency, nobody has an exclusive right to that frequency, so the operators will need to work it out between themselves – hopefully as adults!


More on Indecent and Obscene Language

You recall that indecent and obscene language is prohibited in the Amateur Service. Why? There are several reasons, including:

- It is offensive to some individuals

- Young children may intercept amateur communications with readily available receiving equipment

- And most importantly, such language is specifically prohibited by FCC Rules

(See §97.113(a)(4))


So What Exactly Is Obscene or Indecent?

There is no official list of prohibited obscene and indecent words that should not be used in amateur radio. There isn’t an unofficial one either. You just have to use your good common sense here. If you don’t think you can use common sense, perhaps you need to take up another hobby!


Racial And Ethnic Slurs

Speaking of no official list, racial and ethnic slurs are not necessarily obscene or indecent speech and may not be illegal because of the First Amendment.

However, legal or not, amateur radio operators should avoid the use of racial or ethnic slurs when talking to other stations, because they are offensive to some people and reflect a poor public image on all amateur radio operators. Don’t use them!


We All Make Mistakes

You are not even licensed yet, but when you do get your license, you can bet on one thing – you will make mistakes! Once you have learned the ropes and you hear another new ham having trouble with his or her station, you should contact the person and (tactfully) offer to help with the problem. This is not a rule, but it is amateur tradition and the right thing to do!


OK, So What Can I Talk About?

Other than indecent or obscene speech, just about anything else is fair game. You can engage in political discussions, tell jokes and stories, or talk about religion. But regardless of what you talk about, you should always bear in mind that others are listening, and some folks may be more easily offended than others. Even if something is legal, use good judgment about what you say on the air, and you’ll never go wrong.

(See §97.113(a)(4))


Good Engineering and Amateur Practices

No matter how many rules there are, they can never cover everything. So when circumstances are not specifically covered by FCC rules, what general operating standard must be applied to amateur station operation? The FCC says that if nothing else applies, the standard is always going to be good engineering and amateur practices. (See §97.101 (a))

This phrase is not really defined, but it basically means doing what a good engineer or ham would do under similar circumstances.


Check-Up Time!




T3C01

What is the proper way to break into a conversation between two stations that are using the frequency?

A. Say your call sign between their transmissions

B. Wait for them to finish and then call CQC. Say "Break-break" between their transmissions

D. Call one of the operators on the telephone to interrupt the conversation


T3C01 Answer - A

All you need to do is to say your call sign between transmissions. Unless there is an emergency, “break-break” should not be used. It is acceptable on CB, but frowned upon on the ham bands.


T3C02

What is considered to be proper repeater operating practice?

A. Monitor before transmitting and keep transmissions short

B. Identify legally

C. Use the minimum amount of transmitter power necessary

D. All of these answers are correct


T3C02 Answer - D

All of these answers are “good amateur practice,” as well as being required by rule. They are not only good practice for amateur frequencies, but for all contacts!


T3C03

What should you do before responding to another stations call?

A. Make sure you are operating on a permissible frequency for your license class

B. Adjust your transmitter for maximum power output

C. Ask the station to send their signal report and location

D. Verify the other station's license class


T3C03 Answer - A

You are responsible for the proper operation of your station, not the other person’s. Keep your power to the minimum required to communicate, and make sure you are legal to operate on that frequency!


T3C04What rule applies if two amateur stations want to use the same frequency?

A. The station operator with a lesser class of license must yield the frequency to a higher-class licensee

B. The station operator with a lower power output must yield the frequency to the station with a higher power output

C. No frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station and neither has priority

D. Station operators in ITU Regions 1 and 3 must yield the frequency to stations in ITU Region 2


T3C04 Answer - C

§97.101(b)

Each station licensee and each control operator must cooperate in selecting transmitting channels and in making the most effective use of the amateur service frequencies. No frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station.

No one “owns” any frequency. In the case of conflicts between operators, the matter should be resolved in an adult manner.


T3C05

Why is indecent and obscene language prohibited in the Amateur Service?

A. Because it is offensive to some individuals

B. Because young children may intercept amateur communications with readily available receiving equipment

C. Because such language is specifically prohibited by FCC Rules

D. All of these choices are correct


T3C05 Answer - D§97.113(a)(4)

No amateur station shall transmit: ***(4) Music using a phone emission except as specifically provided elsewhere in this section; communications intended to facilitate a criminal act; messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning, except as otherwise provided herein; obscene or indecent words or language; or false or deceptive messages, signals or identification;

Not only is it against the rules, it is just plain rude, so the other answers are correct as well. Consider that when you speak into the microphone people all over the world can possibly hear you. This is especially true with many repeaters now tied into Echolink and IRLP.


T3C06

Why should amateur radio operators avoid the use of racial or ethnic slurs when talking to other stations?

A. Such language is prohibited by the FCCB. It is offensive to some people and reflects a poor public image on all amateur radio operators

C. Some of the terms used may be unfamiliar to other operators

D. You transmissions might be recorded for use in court


T3C06 Answer - B

The FCC prohibits indecent or obscene language. Racial slurs may not fit into either category, but they do reflect poorly on all hams.


T3C07

What should you do if you hear a newly licensed operator that is having trouble with their station?

A. Tell them to get off the air until they learn how operate properly

B. Report them to the FCCC. Contact them and offer to help with the problem

D. Move to another frequency


T3C07 Answer - C

Amateur radio has a rich tradition of “Elmers” – more experienced hams who help newcomers learn the ropes. As you gain experience, you should always be willing to offer a helping hand instead of ignoring the problem or criticizing the new operator.


T3C08

Where can an official list be found of prohibited obscene and indecent words that should not be used in amateur radio?

A. On the FCC web site B. There is no official list of prohibited obscene and indecent words

C. On the Department of Commerce web site D. The official list is in public domain and found in all amateur study guides


T3C08 Answer - B

§97.113(a)(4)

There is NO list of forbidden words. It’s up to you to keep your speech decent. When in doubt, just don’t say it.


T3C09

What type of subjects are not prohibited communications while using amateur radio?

A. Political discussionsB. Jokes and stories C. Religious preferencesD. All of these answers are correct


T3C09 Answer - D

§97.113(a)(4)

You should know by now that the only prohibited speech is obscene or indecent speech. However, you should always bear in mind that many people can be listening to what you say. Legal or not, if it is likely to be offensive, seriously consider not saying it!


T3C10

When circumstances are not specifically covered by FCC rules, what general operating standard must be applied to amateur station operation?

A. Designated operator control B. Politically correct control C. Good engineering and amateur practices

D. Reasonable operator control


T3C10 Answer - C

§97.101 (a)

In all respects not specifically covered by FCC Rules each amateur station must be operated in accordance with good engineering and good amateur practice.


Group T3D

Group T3D covers how amateurs should deal with interference to and from

consumer devices. It also covers public relations, and intentional and

unintentional interference caused by an amateur operator.


“I’m Interfering?!?”

Suppose you receive a report that your transmissions are causing splatter or interference on nearby frequencies. What should you do?

The first thing you should do is stop transmitting and check your transmitter for off frequency operation or spurious emissions. If your equipment is not working right, you don’t want to use it until you find out what the problem is.


When You Accidentally Butt In

If you unintentionally interfere with another station or stations, the best course of action is to properly identify your station and move to a different frequency. If the other hams were there first, and you did not realize it until after you spoke, the polite thing to do is ID as required by the FCC and move on to an empty frequency.


Who Owns The Frequency?

OK, by now you should know that no station has exclusive use of any frequency. There is one exception, though.

If the FCC declares a communications emergency, it can specify that certain amateur frequencies may be used only by people working the emergency. Otherwise, repeat after me - no station has exclusive use of any frequency!


You’re On TV – Your Neighbor’s!

When signals from your transmitter are causing front end overload in your neighbor's television receiver, your neighbor is not likely to be happy. He’ll be even less happy when he finds out that as long as your equipment is operating properly, he as the owner of the television receiver is responsible for fixing the problem.


Why IS The TV Owner Responsible?

Here’s why. The FCC has set certain standards for the operation of your transmitter. If you are within those standards, you are in compliance with the law. Those standards are developed to insure that a well-designed TV will not be bothered by interference. Unfortunately, cheap consumer electronics products are sometimes under-engineered and susceptible to interference from legal equipment. When that happens, the owner has to fix it.

But here’s where you can shine as a ham. You are in a good position to (carefully) explain this to your neighbor, and more importantly, help him or her solve the problem. Better to make a friend than an enemy!


You’re On the Other Neighbor’s Phone!

Just like cheap TV’s, cheap phones are subject to interference from amateur equipment, even when the equipment is operating properly. The major cause of this interference is the same as well. It is likely that the telephone was not equipped with adequate interference protection when it was manufactured. As long as your gear is working properly, it is not your fault. (But don’t let that stop you from trying to help!)


Still Another Interference Problem!

Sometimes there is a break in a cable television transmission line. This could have an effect on your amateur operations because TV interference may result when the amateur station is transmitting, or interference may occur to the amateur receiver. Signals from your transmitter can sometimes penetrate the break and be carried into nearby TV sets via the cable, or the broken cable can act as a strong TV signal source that can possibly interfere with your receiver.


Use A Dummy Load, Dummy!

When you are testing your transmitter, you want to avoid putting out signals that could cause interference. There is a device called a “dummy load” that is connected to your radio where the antenna is usually connected. When you connect the dummy load and operate your transmitter, nearly all of the signal generated by your transmitter is converted to heat energy, and the potential for interference is greatly reduced! The best way to reduce on the air interference when testing your transmitter is to use a dummy load.


Use A Dummy Load to Prevent Harmful Interference!


FCC Rules in an Emergency

When you are using amateur radio at the request of public service officials or at the scene of an emergency, do you know what rules apply? You should. They are the same rules that apply all the time. FCC rules always apply to amateur operations. (See §97.103(a)


RACES and ARES

There are two very important groups to remember for amateur emergency communications. They are Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). RACES and ARES have in common that they both provide communications during emergencies.


Receiver Front-end Overload

A radio receiver is a wonderful thing. It can take the tiniest bit of electricity from the air generated half a world away and turn it into the voice of the person who generated it. A radio receiver is also a very sensitive piece of equipment. It can be overloaded by strong signals very close to it. This happens because of something called “receiver front-end overload.” Receiver front-end overload is interference caused by strong signals from a nearby source.


Check-Up Time!




T3D01

What should you do if you receive a report that your transmissions are causing splatter or interference on nearby frequencies?

A. Increase transmit powerB. Change mode of transmissionC. Report the interference to the equipment manufacturer

D. Check transmitter for off frequency operation or spurious emissions


T3D01 Answer - D

If you have reason to believe your transmitter is not working properly, you should stop transmitting until you determine whether you have an equipment problem. If so, you should determine exactly what the problem is and correct it.


T3D02

Who is responsible for taking care of the interference if signals from your transmitter are causing front end overload in your neighbor's television receiver?

A. You alone are responsible, since your transmitter is causing the problem

B. Both you and the owner of the television receiver share the responsibility

C. The FCC must decide if you or the owner of the television receiver is responsible

D. The owner of the television receiver is responsible


T3D02 Answer - D

Be careful here. If your equipment is working properly within FCC guidelines, and the TV set is still experiencing interference, it is probably due to the fact that the TV is not properly designed to prevent front end overload. In that case, it is the problem of the owner to solve. HOWEVER, to help yourself and your hobby, you should work with your neighbor to find solutions to the problem.


T3D03

What is the major cause of telephone interference?

A. The telephone wiring is inadequateB. Tropospheric ducting at UHF frequencies

C. The telephone was not equipped with adequate interference protection when manufactured.

D. Improper location of the telephone in the home


T3D03 Answer - C

Many inexpensive consumer devices allow interference from radio frequency (RF) sources. Often this is due to poor design or cost cutting by eliminating a few simple parts that would prevent the problem. Either way, the consumer loses and the amateur is often blamed for the problem. It is very important that you work with your neighbor to locate and fix the problem, even though it may not be not required by law.


T3D04

What is the proper course of action if you unintentionally interfere with another station?

A. Rotate your antenna slightlyB. Properly identify your station and move to a different frequency

C. Increase power D. Change antenna polarization


T3D04 Answer - B

If you become the interfering station, you have an obligation to cease the interference. The best way is to properly ID and then move off the frequency.


T3D05

When may you deliberately interfere with another station's communications?

A. Only if the station is operating illegally

B. Only if the station begins transmitting on a frequency you are using

C. NeverD. You may cause deliberate interference because it can't be helped during crowded band conditions


T3D05 Answer - C

§97.101(d)

Deliberate interference is NEVER lawful, and there is no justification for it.


T3D06

Who has exclusive use of a specific frequency when the FCC has not declared a communication emergency?

A. Any net station that has trafficB. The station first occupying the frequency

C. Individuals passing health and welfare communications

D. No station has exclusive use of any frequency


T3D06 Answer - D

No station or net "owns" any frequency. However, it is good amateur practice to yield to the stations there first, or if necessary, ask them to move. Even if they don't, to attempt to communicate over them is deliberate interference and is unlawful.


T3D07What effect might a break in a cable television transmission line have on amateur communications?

A. A break cannot affect amateur communicationsB. Harmonic radiation from the TV may cause the

amateur transmitter to transmit off-frequencyC. TV interference may result when the amateur

station is transmitting, or interference may occur to the amateur receiver

D. The broken cable may pick up very high voltages when the amateur station is transmitting


T3D07 Answer - C

The cable acts as an antenna. If the shielding is broken, some of the radio frequency (RF) emissions may get from the break to a nearby amateur receiver, causing interference. In the same way, RF from your antenna may penetrate the break, causing interference in the TV receiver.


T3D08

What is the best way to reduce on the air interference when testing your transmitter?

A. Use a short indoor antenna when testing

B. Use upper side band when testing C. Use a dummy load when testingD. Use a simplex frequency instead of a repeater frequency


T3D08 Answer - C

A good dummy load will absorb nearly all of the RF energy from your transmitter, minimizing the chances of interference to other stations.


T3D09

What rules apply to your station when using amateur radio at the request of public service officials or at the scene of an emergency?

A. RACES

B. ARES

C. FCC

D. FEMA


T3D09 Answer - C

FCC rules always apply to the use of an amateur station!


T3D10

What do RACES and ARES have in common?

A. They represent the two largest ham clubs in the United States

B. One handles road traffic, the other weather traffic

C. Neither may handle emergency traffic

D. Both organizations provide communications during emergencies


T3D10 Answer - D

RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) and ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Communications) are both organizations that provide emergency communications services.


T3D11

What is meant by receiver front-end overload?

A. Too much voltage from the power supply

B. Too much current from the power supply

C. Interference caused by strong signals from a nearby source

D. Interference caused by turning the volume up too high


T3D11 Answer - C

Strong signals from a nearby source, whether or not it is on the same frequency, can overload a receiver, making it temporarily useless for receiving other stations. If the transmitted signal is very strong or very close, it can permanently damage the receiver.


Three Down, Seven to Go!

This concludes Study Guide # 3.

Once you are satisfied that you can answer 80% of the questions in this Sub-element, you

are ready to move on to Study Guide # 4.

release 1.0 – september 2006 1 listen first! when you select a frequency on which to transmit, the...

Documents

station identification

repeater manners

brief test transmission

brief transmission

test transmissions

good idea

right thing

dont stomp