Questions tagged [united-states]
Questions specific to rules, regulations, and practices in the United States of America.
270
questions
1
vote
4answers
30 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
votes
3answers
83 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
110 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
votes
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
80 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
vote
4answers
246 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
vote
1answer
62 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
vote
1answer
64 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
vote
1answer
48 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
206 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
votes
2answers
276 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
76 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
74 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
248 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
votes
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
205 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
votes
2answers
98 views
Where can I find a table listing the maximum PEP per band?
I'm building myself an Excel Cheat Sheet.
2
votes
1answer
80 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
162 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
308 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
122 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
votes
3answers
147 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
122 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
9k 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
55 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
82 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
197 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
107 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
84 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
372 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
88 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
161 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
1k 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
vote
3answers
641 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
820 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
287 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
506 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
263 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
108 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
129 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
230 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
2k 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
462 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
60 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
769 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 ...
5
votes
1answer
179 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
4answers
69 views
what is a good way to study for the tech test
I took the test last week but I failed it I was in a program that went through all the chapters but I just very bad at taking tests is there a way to go around the test
