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.
36
questions
5
votes
1answer
128 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 ...
3
votes
3answers
95 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
150 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
287 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
291 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
93 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 ...
8
votes
1answer
478 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 ...
5
votes
2answers
248 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
127 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
620 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 ...
8
votes
2answers
198 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 ...
1
vote
2answers
207 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
97 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
402 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
443 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
249 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
329 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
336 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 ...
8
votes
4answers
25k 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
235 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
125 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
153 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
3k 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 ...
9
votes
3answers
925 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?
8
votes
3answers
19k 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
703 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
972 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
258 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
746 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
264 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.
14
votes
1answer
6k 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 ...
9
votes
3answers
799 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
134 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 ...
21
votes
3answers
445 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
4k 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 ...
14
votes
2answers
2k views
What defines music, per amateur radio regulations?
Sometimes when I access IRLP nodes, they have a very short melody telling you that you are connected; or when my local repeater's net begins, it does the famous doorbell 8-note sequence. What is the ...
