Questions tagged [fcc]
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.
51
questions
18
votes
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 &...
4
votes
2answers
704 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
votes
4answers
424 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
votes
3answers
149 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
votes
2answers
132 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 ...
10
votes
3answers
10k 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
votes
1answer
87 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 ...
0
votes
2answers
89 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. ...
3
votes
2answers
1k 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.
1
vote
2answers
73 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
votes
3answers
933 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 ...
1
vote
0answers
33 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
votes
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
votes
2answers
514 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 ...
5
votes
1answer
186 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
votes
3answers
115 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
votes
2answers
188 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
vote
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
votes
2answers
566 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
votes
1answer
143 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
votes
1answer
589 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
votes
2answers
336 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
votes
2answers
156 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
votes
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
votes
2answers
319 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
votes
2answers
274 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,...
3
votes
1answer
145 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
votes
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
votes
3answers
473 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.
1
vote
1answer
630 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
votes
1answer
579 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
votes
2answers
437 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 ...
14
votes
4answers
41k 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
votes
1answer
424 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
votes
1answer
134 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
votes
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
votes
2answers
4k 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
votes
3answers
972 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
votes
3answers
29k 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
votes
2answers
975 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
votes
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
votes
1answer
269 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
vote
2answers
978 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
votes
2answers
277 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
votes
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
votes
1answer
7k 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 ...
10
votes
3answers
1k views
What is the difference between FCC station and operator licenses?
I an studying for my technician class examination, and I came across this question:
What may result when correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable because the grantee failed to ...
8
votes
2answers
140 views
How do I notify and publish information on experimental modes?
I'm considering tinkering with a new mode. Of course I'll stick to experimental channels and low power for now, but as people notice my transmissions they won't immediately understand what is being ...
22
votes
3answers
518 views
What is the body of knowledge the U.S. written exams test?
I'm considering getting a U.S. amateur radio operator license.
If you want to study to pass a license test, there are many resources to learn the answers to the entirety of the question pool: online ...
11
votes
2answers
5k views
How do I renew my FCC amateur license?
I have a technician class license, and my license expires in March 2014. How do I renew my license?
I received a notification in the mail from W5YI-VEC informing me that I could renew my license ...
