Why is There Ham Radio?

Technician License CourseChapter 7 Lesson Module 15:Licensing Regulations: Terms & Working with the FCC

Why is There Ham Radio? • Providing emergency communication capability. • Advancement of the art and science of radio. • Advance communication and technical skills of radio. • Provide a trained reservoir of operators, technicians, and electronics experts. • Promote and enhance international goodwill.

Some Definitions • Amateur Service – no pecuniary interest (private and personal, non commercial). • Amateur Operator – the person holding authorization (license) to operate an Amateur Radio station. • Amateur Station – equipment capable of transmitting on frequencies authorized for Amateur Service.

Licensing Authority • Federal Communications Commission • Amateur Radio operations covered by FCC rules published in Part 97 of Title 47 – Code of Federal Regulations. 47CFR97 • Use Part 97 for short

The Amateur License • No age limit or citizenship restrictions. • One exception – foreign representatives. • License actually contains two parts. • Operator License. • Station License (the Call Sign). • Three levels of operator privileges: Technician, General, Amateur Extra.

Examinations • Preparation • Study the content. • Question Pool. • Taking the exam • Proctored exam. 3+ Volunteer Examiners • Multiple choice. • What the fee pays for. • Volunteer Examiners (VEs). • Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs).

License Term and Renewal • The license is free and good for 10 years. • Renewable within 90 days prior to the expiration date. • May be renewed using the FCC ULS on-line system, or by mailed application. • An expired license may be renewed without re-examination within a two year grace period. • If your license expires, you must stop transmitting, until you renew your license.

License Term and Renewal • Some personal identification information is required. • Tax ID (Social Security number). • Current Mailing Address. • FCC Registration Number (FRN). • As soon as a call sign appears in the FCC ULS database, you may begin transmitting using your assigned call sign.

Responsibilities of Licensure • Prevent unauthorized operation of your station. • Provide personal information as required – keep a current mailing address on file. • If mail from the FCC is returned as undeliverable, they may cancel or suspend your license privileges. • You must make your station available to the FCC for inspection upon request.

For whom is the Amateur Radio Service intended? (T1A01) • A. Persons who have messages to broadcast to the public • B. Persons who need communications for the activities of their immediate family members, relatives and friends • C, Persons who need two-way communications for personal reasons • D. Persons who are interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest

What agency regulates and enforces the rules for the Amateur Radio service in the United States? (T1A02) • A. FEMA • B. The ITU • C. The FCC • D. Homeland Security

Which part of the FCC rules contains the rules and regulations governing the Amateur Radio Service? (T1A03) • A. Part 73 • B. Part 95 • C. Part 90 • D. Part 97

What is the FCC Part 97 definition of an amateur station? (T1A10) • A. A station in an Amateur Radio Service consisting of apparatus necessary for carrying on radio communications • B. A building where Amateur Radio receivers, transmitters, and RF power amplifiers are installed • C. An radio station operated by a non-professional • D. Any radio station for hobby use

What may result when correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable because the grantee failed to provide the correct mailing address? (T1C07) • A. Fine or imprisonment • B. Revocation of the station license or suspension of the operator license • C. Require the licensee to be re-examined • D. A reduction of one rank in operator class

What is the normal term for an FCC issued primary station/operator license grant? (T1C08) • A. Five years • B. Life • C. Ten years • D. Twenty years

What is the grace period following the expiration of an amateur license within which the license may be renewed? (T1C09) • A. Two years • B. Three years • C. Five years • D. Ten years

How soon may you operate a transmitter on an amateur service frequency after you pass the examination required for your first amateur radio license? (T1C10) • A. Immediately • B. 30 days after the test date • C. As soon as your name and call sign appear in the FCC’s ULS database • D. You must wait until you receive your license in the mail from the FCC

If your license has expired and is still within the allowable grace period, may you continue to operate a transmitter on amateur service frequencies? (T1C11) • A. No, transmitting is not allowed until the ULS database shows that the license has been renewed • B. Yes, but only if you identify using the suffix “GP” • C. Yes, but only during authorized nets • D. Yes, for up to two years

When must the station licensee make the station and its records available for FCC inspection? (T1F13) • A. Any time upon request by an official observer • B. Any time upon request by an FCC representative • C. 30 days prior to renewal of the station license • D. 10 days before the first transmission

FCC ULS Web Site • www.wireless.fcc.gov/uls • Register for on-line access to your license information. • Make changes to your address and other information. • Renew your license. • Search for other station information.

Why is There Ham Radio?