NOTE: The material in this post will become obsolete on July 1, 2020, when the new Extra Class question pool goes into effect. If you’re studying to take the test after then, refer to the updated blog post instead of this one.
E1F – Miscellaneous rules: external RF power amplifiers; business communications; compensated communications; spread spectrum; auxiliary stations; reciprocal operating privileges; special temporary authority
As the name of this section implies, it contains a hodgepodge of questions covering sometimes obscure rules. About the only way to get these right is to memorize the answers.
The use of spread-spectrum techniques is a topic that comes up from time to time. Many amateurs feel that the rules are too restrictive. For example, 10 W is the maximum transmitter power for an amateur station transmitting spread spectrum communications (E1F10), and only on amateur frequencies above 222 MHz are spread spectrum transmissions permitted. (E1F01)
All of these choices are correct when talking about the conditions that apply when transmitting spread spectrum emission: (E1F09)
- A station transmitting SS emission must not cause harmful interference to other stations employing other authorized emissions.
- The transmitting station must be in an area regulated by the FCC or in a country that permits SS emissions.
- The transmission must not be used to obscure the meaning of any communication.
External RF power amplifiers
The rules governing the use of external amplifiers is also somewhat controversial. A dealer may sell an external RF power amplifier capable of operation below 144 MHz if it has not been granted FCC certification if it was purchased in used condition from an amateur operator and is sold to another amateur operator for use at that operator’s station. (E1F03) One of the standards that must be met by an external RF power amplifier if it is to qualify for a grant of FCC certification is that it must satisfy the FCC’s spurious emission standards when operated at the lesser of 1500 watts, or its full output power. (E1F11)
There are regulations that protects Canadian Land/Mobile operations near the US/Canadian border from interference. Amateur stations may not transmit in the 420 – 430 MHz frequency segment if they are located in the contiguous 48 states and north of Line A. (E1F05) A line roughly parallel to and south of the US-Canadian border describes “Line A.” (E1F04) There is a corresponding “Line B” parallel to and north of the U.S./Canadian border.
Compensated communications
As you might expect, there are some questions about not making any money from operating an amateur radio station. Communications transmitted for hire or material compensation, except as otherwise provided in the rules are prohibited. (E1F08) An amateur station may send a message to a business only when neither the amateur nor his or her employer has a pecuniary interest in the communications. (E1F07)
This next question is a bit of a trick question. 97.201 states that only Technician, General, Advanced or Amateur Extra Class operators may be the control operator of an auxiliary station. (E1F12) It’s a trick question because there are also holders of Novice Class licenses, even though no new Novice licenses have been issued for many years.
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