Questions tagged [united-states]
Questions specific to rules, regulations, and practices in the United States of America.
253
questions
2
votes
1answer
63 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
138 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
166 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
99 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
131 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
88 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
6k 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
44 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
66 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
143 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
80 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.
9
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
73 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
222 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
83 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
99 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
4
votes
2answers
903 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
77 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?”
2
votes
3answers
425 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
152 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
117 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
93 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
77 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
124 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
63 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
605 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
209 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
59 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
386 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
158 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
66 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
0
votes
3answers
173 views
Why are no 2w FRS walkie talkies on the market?
I have read that the new laws regarding FRS radios state that you may use up to 2 watts power, yet I can't find a single 2 way radio that advertises 2 watts power; only .5 watt, or they don't state ...
1
vote
4answers
119 views
Can a foreign student take a US license exam in the US and use that license in China?
The event I'm currently attending hosts Ham exams, and it's kind of likely that the student would pass on first attempt; would it make sense for him to take the exam? Can he just go home to China and ...
7
votes
4answers
3k views
What fraction of 2x2 USA call signs are vanity calls?
I found out a while back that, as things currently stand with the FCC, if you take and pass all three license class exams in the same sitting, you get a so-called "two by two" or 2x2 call -- two ...
1
vote
3answers
566 views
Frequency for UHF hot spot in the US
Approximately what frequency should my UHF Pi-Star be set on in the US? Is there a standard?
5
votes
2answers
233 views
Can anyone identify this military radio?
Hoping someone can identify the following military radio.
I spotted it at the curb and decided to make it a land-fill diversion project...
2
votes
2answers
518 views
Can I use my US callsign to transmit while in El Salvador?
I am traveling to El Salvador later this fall, and was wonder if there is any reciprocal agreement that would let me use a US callsign while there? If so, what privileges would I have there based on ...
7
votes
4answers
234 views
Required SSB sideband and carrier suppression?
Is there a legal (U.S. FCC) or a commonly accepted standard requirement for SSB opposite sideband and and carrier suppression for either manufactured or kit built transmitters?
Does the 43+ dB down ...
1
vote
0answers
135 views
Mismatched Radios: A Baofeng UV-5R & a Cobra ACXT 645 [closed]
I've got a Baofeng UV-5R and a Cobra ACXT 645, and I'm trying to get them to communicate.
The Cobra transmits and the Baofeng (programmed with CHIRP) receives, but not the other way around.
I've ...
3
votes
0answers
100 views
GnuRadio RF transmission, legal and safety issues
I'm trying to run some transmit/receive RF examples that I found online using GNU Radio with USRP B200. I read and heard about some cautions in terms of transmitted frequencies here in the USA which ...
2
votes
1answer
75 views
Transferring old callsign to a club?
A new vanity callsign will be granted to me (currently in pending level 2 stage).
Can I transfer my current soon to be cancelled callsign (vanity) to a club which I am trustee without waiting the ...
5
votes
3answers
133 views
Is Field Day a contest?
Is the ARRL Field Day a contest, or is it not a contest?
Kindly explain the reasoning behind your answer.
A non-ham could not tell the difference.
2
votes
1answer
184 views
Would a ham license allow me to use an uncertified radio on other (non-ham) bands I have permission to use?
I just purchased a UV-5R to hopefully integrate into business class radios my company uses. Do I need a technician or other class FCC license to operate these only on the frequencies I already access ...
13
votes
3answers
288 views
Testing blind license applicants
My friend is blind and would like to take the amateur radio license exam.
I understand that the question and the four possible answers can be read to them, and that is fine. The one question that we ...
4
votes
3answers
107 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
52 views
How old do you have to be to be a ARES volunteer?
Look at the title for the body because my question is short.
1
vote
2answers
94 views
What to do when accidental emission can't be given a call sign ID?
Yes, obviously, it would be best if there's not an emission that doesn't include a call sign ID. Part 97 seems to say this should never, ever occur (the law is often written in that kind of black-and-...
5
votes
3answers
675 views
Call sign ID for a “homebrew” or improvised repeater?
I saw a couple YouTube videos last night about setting up a repeater using a pair of cheap hand-held radios and, at its simplest, an audio patch cable to connect the speaker output of one radio to the ...
