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Questions tagged [united-states]

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Questions specific to rules, regulations, and practices in the United States of America.

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2
votes
1answer
99 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
46 views

What are the unintentional radiation limits in U.S. HF bands?

What are the radiation limits in U.S. HF bands in terms, not in terms of uV/M, but in dBm or uV levels transmitted though an HF dipole antenna? I assume that if the antenna is connected to a receiver ...
2
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6answers
102 views

Extra Class Requirements and Study Guides for a General Class operator

I've had my general class license for 20 years. I never progressed farther. This was back when you had to learn morse code at 13 WPM for General. I'm just curious what the procedures are to upgrade ...
2
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3answers
122 views

Store and forward system like voicemail for hams

I want to be able to get in touch with hams in my area when we are not both on air at the same time, but are close enough to each other for VHF communication. I want to be able to use my radio to call ...
4
votes
1answer
130 views

Is A7RW a legal call sign?

I've seen a reference to the callsign A7RW. I can't find it in the FCC database or by searching the ARRL. Is it a legitimate US callsign?
17
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3answers
2k views

Why are proprietary codecs used in amateur radio?

This may be slightly off topic (maybe there's a Legal Stack Exchange :-D), but how is it that codecs like Yaesu's C4FM are allowed to be proprietary while still being used on Amateur bands? At the ...
4
votes
1answer
116 views

Does the FCC e-mail when a vanity call sign is approved?

I submitted an application for a vanity call sign a little over 18 days ago, and it's marked "pending". I presume that it will be processed soon, but the FCC's ULS search page is being slow ...
1
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4answers
274 views

Will the feds show up to my door? Is there a way to not get in trouble?

Ok so I am in the USA, and I have just bought a BFTECH BF-F5XP. I have a couple of questions. First of all, could I make my own Privacy code (Interference prevention code), and channels? What I am ...
1
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1answer
65 views

Will Brexit have any impact on UK recognition of foreign licenses

As a US license holder (and duel citizen of the US and UK) I know that I can operate in the UK for a couple of months using the M/W2*** prefix, while holding Amateur Extra, but I cannot apply for a UK ...
1
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1answer
98 views

Anytone 878 UV Commercial license?

This radio has a commercial mode but no where that I can find does it describe which commercial license. Looking at the tag under the battery... FCC ID T4KD887UV https://fccid.io/T4KD878UV ...so part ...
1
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1answer
51 views

Is a Foundation or Intermediate license from the UK recognised in the US?

I know that a Full license is recognised in the US, but is the same true for a Foundation or Intermediate license? On the surface they look equivalent to the US Technician and General licenses, so are ...
4
votes
2answers
246 views

Is the 1.5kW power limit per antenna? What about antenna arrays?

My son KJ7NLL just got his general, and while we don't (yet?) have plans to transmit at 1.5kW, he asks if the 1.5kW limit is per-antenna? If it is per-antenna, and you use an antenna array of 8 ...
0
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2answers
569 views

Can you use 144mhz and below without a license with a Baofeng

I have a Baofeng and all the people that I have asked said that I can use 144mhz and below without a license but what I see on the internet is that I can’t use the Baofeng without a license at all can ...
0
votes
1answer
95 views

DMR code plug for Anytone d878uv

Just moved from SoCal and there were sites out there for exchanging code plugs for the Anytone 878uv. I was wondering if there are similar sites for the northeast of the US. I would love to get a ...
4
votes
2answers
79 views

License document requirements

Are there any requirements to post, carry, or have available an official paper copy of one's radio license in order to operate in the U.S.? Do any states require physical possession of a printed ...
6
votes
2answers
265 views

Using radio for musical collaboration -- the line between conversation and broadcasting

I'd like to collaborate (e.g. play together) with other musicians in my local area and/or beyond. Coronavirus has made in-person collaboration difficult. Latency makes internet-based collaboration ...
0
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0answers
33 views

Using radio for musical collaboration [duplicate]

I'd like to collaborate (e.g. play together) with other musicians in my local area and/or beyond. Coronavirus has made in-person collaboration difficult. Latency makes internet-based collaboration ...
1
vote
2answers
265 views

Can you receive GPS coordinates from a Garmin Astro dog collar on a handheld ham radio that has APRS?

I want to get a Garmin Astro 320 (or 430) which transmits GPS coordinates to a Garmin handheld unit on frequency 151.820-ish and 154.600-ish. But I would like to have the Garmin Astro GPS collar on ...
0
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2answers
130 views

Where can I find a table listing the maximum PEP per band?

I'm building myself an Excel Cheat Sheet.
2
votes
1answer
82 views

Would the same callsign be issued after a license has fully lasped?

My license is set to expire in a couple of days. I know there is a grace period but I'd like to know if I were to take an exam after the grace period I would be reassigned the same callsign or a new ...
3
votes
1answer
174 views

Is it legal for an unlicensed person to transmit as long as they are under the direct supervision of a licensed amateur?

Based on another question here, I think it is legal, but I would like it directly from the people who know. Thank you for your time.
4
votes
1answer
458 views

Change of Address and Callsign Zone

I'm about to permanently move to another US state, which is in another callsign zone. Will I be forced to get a new callsign in the new zone? Also, when I started, when one was traveling in another ...
1
vote
1answer
163 views

When are licenses required for 900 MHz operation in the US? When are they not required?

Forgive me if this is not the proper forum, but I am an electrical engineer and a total radio novice. I am designing a product that may contain off-the-shelf industrial radios that act as repeater ...
0
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3answers
151 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
139 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
60 views

Podcasts for Technician Test

Is there a podcast to listen to that teaches in-depth the technician class questions? All I could find is podcasts that just read the questions and answers. Is there a podcast that goes in-depth to ...
5
votes
1answer
99 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 ...
6
votes
7answers
220 views

Space Requirements

As I progress in my path to getting a ham license I notice that a lot of radio enthusiasts avidly talk about their radio shacks (or do they call it cabins?). Do I need that much space to start? Do I ...
5
votes
1answer
119 views

What does a License look like?

What does the HAM license look like? Is it a card? A document? All I could find on google is ham radio license plates.
11
votes
4answers
3k views

Can a ham license be used for a job?

If you get a ham license, can you, later on, get a job with that license, or at least display it on a resume? Or are there further licenses after ham radio licenses?
4
votes
2answers
85 views

Equipment Pricing

I am wondering about the exact pricing of kits. What is the range of each radio? How long do they last? Should I buy a portable or not? My complete budget is $100.
5
votes
3answers
427 views

Getting Started In Ham Radio

I'm 13 years old. I hear all the fuss about ham radio how awesome it is. I really want to join, but I hear you have to get a certification. How much does it cost? How long does it take? How much 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. ...
2
votes
2answers
462 views

how do get a duplicate of my radio amateur license KP4CSJ

My call KP4CSJ (general) I will like to get a copy or duplicate of my license. I lost my and i will like to to hang it in may shack. I am an old timer ham radio over 50 years. Thanks for your help
5
votes
2answers
2k views

What are the regulation requirements for running a repeater?

When I try to find information on the requirements to run a repeater, I just see a lot of results related to building one. But I'm wondering about USA regulations. Does one need a particular license?...
1
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3answers
1k views

GMRS Call Sign for Technician

I have a GMRS License and currently studying for my Technician’s License. Once I pass the exam, can I use my GMRS “Call Sign?”
3
votes
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 ...
3
votes
2answers
367 views

Maximum legal QRQ CW speed?

Computer generated and decoded Morse Code seems to be a not-uncommon operating practice in the HF bands. Given this, and that there's no reason why Morse/CW signals can't be synthesized and decoded ...
10
votes
3answers
5k views

Is it legal for a non-profit to use ham radios for emergency purposes?

I've been tasked to help update my organization's emergency contingencies and ham radios were brought up. We provide residential services to the mentally handicapped and we are looking at ways to make ...
1
vote
1answer
751 views

General Vs Technician Call Sign?

Is there a distinction between a call sign for a General vs. Technician? I recently upgraded to general, I am curious about changing call sign to reflect license upgrade?
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 ...
1
vote
3answers
452 views

How safe is 100 watts on 2-40 meters?

So I have the misfortune of being an apartment dweller. I know that 50 watts is pretty safe as it is what first responders use on 2 meters. Am I really going to have to run around with an analyzer ...
2
votes
2answers
114 views

Amateur Radio License classes in Central Iowa

I'm looking for an amateur radio license class in central Iowa, near Des Moines. I've been unable to locate anything through web searches.
0
votes
1answer
137 views

Why does the 60 meter band have special operating characteristics?

Why does this band have special operating characteristics and what do they mean.
3
votes
2answers
368 views

What VHF & UHF frequencies are important during an emergency?

If something bad goes down (state-wide or nationwide), what frequencies should I be tuning into? I did see this answer, but I have a BaoFeng UV-82HP which cannot do HF at all, so what are my options? ...
4
votes
3answers
3k views

What Frequencies Are Open To People Without A License?

I am in rural Alaska and I am very far from anywhere that gives Ham Exams. I got a Ham Radio and I want to operate it and talk to people. However, I read that frequencies are not allowed to be ...
4
votes
2answers
558 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
62 views

To obtain operating privileges after the 2 year grace

I have been under medically supervised treatment for the past few years. I have been on heavy meds. I presently am showing signs of improvement from cognitive issues which were troubling me. I ...
1
vote
2answers
841 views

GMRS not transmitting within a half mile

I recently got my GMRS license from the FCC, and I wanted to try out a couple radios for hiking and emergency communication. I have two tenway UV-5R pro radios (these do have an FCC ID) that are set ...

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