Amateur Radio

Questions tagged [fcc]

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Questions about the practices of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a US government agency that regulates communications, including amateur radio. For questions not about the FCC per se, use [united-states] and either [license] or [legal] as appropriate, instead.

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1answer
46 views

What are the limitations of the 6.765 - 6.975 MHz ISM band in the United States? [closed]

There is a region of the lower 43 meter band designated for ISM use in the United States by the FCC starting at 6.765 MHz and ending at 6.975 MHz. Both "FIXED" and "MOBILE" usage ...
1
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1answer
69 views

FCC Guidelines for Radar

I'm working on some research for a project of mine. The project requires the use of millimeter wave radar. I am having a very hard time figuring out what the FCC's regulations on frequencies and ...
2
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1answer
94 views

How do businesses develop and test amateur radio products in the US if you cannot be paid for amateur radio use?

Certainly there are companies in the US (like Kenwood) that develop HAM products that transmit. For development and QA they would likely need to test the product outside of a Faraday cage. How can ...
2
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1answer
107 views

Is the mode on the band plan chart mandatory?

In the ARRL band plan found here in the bands where we are permitted to transmit, is the specified mode always mandatory? If I get caught making a silly mistake by the FCC transmitting on the wrong ...
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5answers
8k views

FCC sends "Notice of Dismissal" with quite threatening language just for denial of a vanity callsign?

I had applied for a vanity callsign which wasn't available. That was in March. The FCC license system shows my old callsign is still in effect. Today, after a longer absence from my mail, I open a &...
5
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2answers
1k views

What are the EXACT rules about FCC vanity call sign assignments?

I'm a US extra class, but a little late to the party, so to get a short 1x2 I have to fight it out at the vanity call sign fair. I thought I understood the rules, but apparently I don't. The only ...
4
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4answers
605 views

What nations still require Morse code testing for Amateur radio license?

Going a bit further I'll ask, for which licenses (all or just for licenses for HF operation) and at what speed (5 WPM, 10 WPM, none specified)? The reason I ask is because every so often I'll see ...
0
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3answers
152 views

Virtual Testing | How would it be done

How would testing be done on Zoom? Or would testing be pushed off until after COVID-19?
3
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2answers
156 views

Is the Alinco DJMD5 illegal for ham use?

I am quite interested in buying the Alinco DJMD5TGP as it seems like a full-featured radio for a low price. And I have already started studying for my Technician license so I can transmit. And then I ...
11
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3answers
11k views

Are Baofeng radios illegal in the U.S?

Having a low price budget, my search for my first ham radio to buy has led me towards Baofeng. A quick Google search on baofeng showed a lot of results that said that certain model baofeng handhelds ...
5
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1answer
108 views

Transmitting Callsigns

I started learning for my technician test and I noticed one of the FCC guidelines is that you have to Transmit your callsign at the beginning of radio contact, and every 10 minutes How does ...
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2answers
90 views

Are there restrictions placed on transmissions in licensed spectrum in the United States?

If I obtain a license to a chunk of spectrum, are there any limitations on what I can do in that spectrum? For example, would I need to declare to the FCC my intentions for using the spectrum (e.g. ...
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2answers
2k views

How long does it take the FCC to process vanity requests?

How long does it take for the FCC to process vanity callsign applications? My application shows as Pending in license manager but oddly does not show up at all in Application Search.
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2answers
78 views

Is the time code a way to reduce paper work when it comes to logs?

So a clock can listen to a station WWVB to update time. My question is: Could you use the time code to mark your logs in conjunction with a recorder thus doing away with paper logs all together.
3
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3answers
1k views

Do FCC obscenity regulations apply to ham radio transmissions?

In particular when ham-sters are using the VHF or UHF bands and talking to each other through repeaters(as well as local radio nets). But also what about DXing? Do FCC obscenity regulations apply ...
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0answers
34 views

power limit on wireless FM microphone transmitters [duplicate]

I am building a "toy" radio station as a teaching tool for high school students to work with. I intend to use a small (short-range) wireless FM microphone module as the transmitter. What is the legal ...
9
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2answers
1k views

Who enacts the FCC's rules and regulations?

I came across an old answer on this site which makes the claim: It would take an act of Congress to change this [FCC Part 97] rule. Is that correct? I was under the impression that United States ...
4
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2answers
615 views

If I cancel my amateur license, will my address be removed from the FCC database?

When my university encouraged me to apply for an amateur radio license, they never mentioned the fact that my address would be listed on the public FCC database, for anyone who Googles my name to ...
6
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1answer
194 views

Does the FCC care about electrical arcs?

There are a lot of videos on YouTube from people who have built high voltage sources and are sending electric arcs from one place to another. Although they have no intention to emit radio waves, they ...
4
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3answers
116 views

How can I get a license to build broadcast transmitters?

I am in the United States. The title pretty much says it all. I am really into to building transmitters. It's even more fun for me than using them. I really have a lot of skills and would like to ...
0
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2answers
193 views

Amateur wanting to re-enter ham radio legally

I'm an Amateur Radio enthusiast from way back; mostly CB and 10 meters. I have a couple of hand-held Baofengs that I want to use for family communications and as a backup link in case of emergencies. ...
1
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1answer
300 views

2018/2019 proposed expansion of technician privileges

I read that arrl is petitioning the FCC to expand the privileges of the technician license. Can you summarize those changes with the schedule?
6
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2answers
598 views

Are old USA amateur radio licenses in the public FCC database?

My old man worked in avionics for 30+ years and taught me nearly everything I know about radios, like how a superheterodyne receiver works, how the ionosphere refracts signals, etc. He grew up only a ...
3
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1answer
156 views

Is there any point to keep the CSCE after the FCC registers the upgrade?

Is there any point to keeping the CSCE form after the FCC registers the exam/upgrade in its database? I'm trying to go paperless in my old age and if there's no reason not to have the paper copy, into ...
9
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1answer
611 views

What changes are being made to the Technician question pool in 2018?

On 2018 July 1, the FCC's question pool for the Technician class license will be changing. Has anyone written up a summary of the updates or made a list of differences from the previous pool? What ...
8
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2answers
365 views

Who should announce the call sign when an unlicensed operator is transmitting?

If an unlicensed operator is operating phone on an amateur frequency under the direct supervision of a licensed operator for, say, longer than ten minutes, should the unlicensed operator say the call ...
5
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2answers
159 views

How to get professional or official clarification of FCC Part 97 rules for specific complicated situations?

I'm specifically focusing this question on methods to get official clarification where one doesn't currently exist. I am not asking this audience for interpretations. As part of my volunteer work ...
3
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2answers
1k views

Can you request a vanity call sign when passing the exam?

In the US, just after passing your exam for Technician, General and/or Extra if you didn't have a call sign to begin with, can you request a vanity one right away or do you have to wait until one is ...
9
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2answers
374 views

Why is this requirement in 60m in the US?

According to the FCC, if you are using an antenna other than a dipole, in 60 meters, you must keep a record of the transmission and gain of the antenna. I don't remember seeing any other requirement ...
2
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2answers
286 views

Section 15.23 "Home-built devices" No license required... to build? Just to Transmit. But.....?

Title 47 › Chapter I › Subchapter A › Part 15 › Subpart A › Section 15.23 Home-built devices §15.23 Home-built devices. (a) Equipment authorization is not required for devices that are not marketed,...
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1answer
155 views

What are FCC/Industry Canada certification requirements for amateur radio related products?

I know for part 15 licensed devices, there's special FCC certification, and something similar on the Canadian side. What about for amateur radio transmitters? They follow part 97 laws, and it's the ...
3
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2answers
1k views

How do I apply for a vanity callsign online?

ARRL indicates that you can apply for vanity callsigns online by "by connecting to the FCC's web site[ and clicking] on the icon entitled “Online Filing LOG IN”". I can't seem to see any mention of ...
2
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3answers
474 views

legal - Do FCC regulations only apply in U.S.A?

I currently do not live in the USA. I would like to find out if I still have to abide by FCC regulations.
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1answer
692 views

How is the PRC-152 able to achieve such a wide frequency range?

I am referring to the Harris Falcon III designed for military. It has a frequency range from 30MHz - 870MHz. However, when I look at commercial radios, their frequency ranges are usually limited to ...
2
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1answer
619 views

What are the FCC's bandwidth restrictions for the various amateur bands?

Does the FCC restrict how much bandwidth an amateur radio operator can transmit? I've seen restrictions for transmitting data, like packet and ATV, but, for example, could I legally use a huge ...
5
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2answers
449 views

What does the FCC do with confiscated equipment?

When a station is repeatedly violating FCC rules, transmitting out of band etc, equipment may be confiscated in addition to the fine. I am sure they have collected a large chunk of inventory from ...
15
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4answers
45k views

FCC tracking of unlicensed FRS/GMRS transmissions

If a transceiver such as the BaoFeng UV-5R is used to transmit over FRS/GMRS frequencies (unlicensed), it is illegal in the United States due to FCC regulations that state that the power must be <0....
5
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1answer
469 views

How can I know whether a radio is FCC approved?

I'm considering buying a new HT radio (Hong Ying HX-860UV Handheld) from China. The company says the model is approved by the FCC. Since I can't see it in person (only a photograph), I can't confirm....
2
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1answer
139 views

Technical Questions on the FCC Technician Exam?

What type of technical questions are on the FCC Technician Exam? I am asking because I have been reading the FCC Rules as a study guide for the Technician Exam and I don't want there to be any ...
3
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2answers
158 views

Renewing, how do I transmit legally with the new certification process (USA)?

So, from what I hear, the FCC has done away with mailing out paper certificates. The way I read the regs, I'm required to have an official paper certificate either on my person or at the station I'm ...
4
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2answers
5k views

What's the unlicensed power limit for 5.8 GHz (5 cm) transmissions?

5.8 GHz NTSC video transmitters are popular for FPV (first person view) model aircraft flying. However, because the 5.8 GHz band (5725 to 5875 MHz) is also available for ISM (unlicensed) use, it's not ...
10
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3answers
992 views

Are hashes (such as md5) legal in the US

If I were to implement a remote computer control system using amateur radio, would using hashes (such as md5, sha-*, etc...) for authentication be permissible under the United States rules?
9
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3answers
31k views

When will my new license appear in the FCC database?

I tested and passed my Technician's test on Thursday, June 4, 2015. Approximately how long will my license take to appear in the FCC database?
6
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2answers
1k views

Is it possible to transfer an area-specific call sign from a deceased relative?

I passed my Technician exam today and my grandma, who's been a ham for decades, suggested that I could try to get my grandpa's call sign. He passed away several years ago, but his FCC registration is ...
6
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2answers
1k views

Is it legal to monitor police and weather channels without a license?

I have two HT's that I bought from Baofeng for emergency use and I don't have a license. I was wondering: is it perfectly legal in the USA for me to be monitoring police and weather channels without a ...
2
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1answer
272 views

What FCC rule allows Skywarn and other spotters to restrict repeater use?

When amateur radio operators associated with the national weather service "close the net" on a repeater and request only severe weather reports on that frequency, what FCC ruling is in effect, given ...
1
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2answers
1k views

Why does the FCC publish station address information?

How do hams deal with the privacy and security concern of your station location (usually a home) having the information published for everyone to see? It seems hams do not have proper concern for ...
3
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2answers
285 views

Is it legal to put IRLP on a 2 meter repeater?

I heard that it is illegal to put IRLP linking onto a repeater on 2 meters in the USA. I was wondering if this was actually the case.
16
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4answers
3k views

Does a FCC amateur license cost money?

If I wanted a FCC Amateur license, is this going to cost me anything? That includes tests, application fees, filing fees, and anything else but hardware.
14
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1answer
8k views

How do I change my registered address with the FCC?

I just moved, and I want to change my registered address with my call-sign. Is there a form or something somewhere that I can fill out? Do I have to mail it, or can I turn it in to the FCC or ...

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