COMBINED FEDERAL REGULATIONS - PART 97 - AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE Subpart A General 97.1 Basis and purpose. The rules and regulations in this part are designed to provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the following principles: (a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications. (b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art. (c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur radio service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art. (d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts. (e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill. 97.3 Definitions. (a) Amateur radio service. A radio communication service of self-training, intercommunication, and technical investigation carried on by amateur radio operators. (b) Amateur radio communication. Non-commercial radio communication by or among amateur radio stations solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary or business interest. (c) Amateur radio operator means a person holding a valid license to operate an amateur radio station issued by the Federal Communications Commission. (d) Amateur radio license. The instrument of authorization issued by the Federal Communications Commission comprised of a station license, and in the case of the primary station, also incorporating an operator license. Operator license. The instrument of authorization including the class of operator privileges. Station license. The instrument of authorization for a radio station in the Amateur Radio Service. (e) Amateur radio station. A station licensed in the amateur radio service embracing necessary apparatus at a particular location used for amateur radio communication. (f) Primary station. The principal amateur radio station at a specific land location shown on the station license. (g) Military recreation station. An amateur radio station licensed to the person in charge of a station at a land location provided for the recreational use of amateur radio operators, under military auspices of the Armed Forces of the United States. (h) Club station. A separate amateur radio station licensed to an amateur radio operator acting as a station trustee for a bona fide amateur radio organization or society. A bona fide Amateur Radio organization or society shall be composed of at least two persons, one of whom must be a licensed amateur operator, and shall have: (1) A name, (2) An instrument of organization (e.g., constitution), (3) Management, and (4) A primary purpose which is devoted to amateur radio activities consistent with 97.1 and constituting the major portion of the club's activities. (i) Line A. Line A begins at Aberdeen, Washington, running by great circle arc to the intersection of 48`N., 120`W., thence along parallel 48`N., to the intersection of 95`W., thence by great circle arc through the southernmost point of Duluth, Minn., thence by great circle arc to 45`N., 85`W., thence southward along meridian 85`W., to its intersection with parallel 41`N., thence along parallel 41`N., to its intersection with meridian 82`W., thence by great circle arc through the southernmost point of Bangor, Maine, thence by great circle arc through the southernmost point of Searsport, Maine, at which point it terminates. (j) Terrestrial location. Any point within the major portion of the earth's atmosphere, including aeronautical, land and maritime locations. (k) National Radio Quiet Zone. The area bounded by 39` 15 N on the north, 78` 30 W on the east, 37` 30 N on the south and 80` 30 W on the west. (l) Amateur radio operation. Amateur radio communication conducted by amateur radio operators from amateur radio stations, including the following: Fixed operation. Radio communication conducted from the specific geographical land location shown on the station license. Portable operation. Radio communication conducted from a specific geographical location other than that shown on the station license. Mobile operation. Radio communication conducted while in motion or during halts at unspecified locations. Repeater operation. Radio communication other than auxiliary operation, for retransmitting automatically the radio signals of other amateur radio stations. Auxiliary operation. Radio communication for remotely controlling other amateur radio stations, for automatically relaying the radio signals of other amateur radio stations in a system of stations, or for intercommunicating with other amateur radio stations in a system of amateur radio stations. Beacon operation. One-way radio communication conducted in order to facilitate measurement of radio equipment characteristics, adjustment of radio equipment, observation of propagation or transmission phenomena, or other related experimental activities. Radio control operation. One-way radio communication for remotely controlling objects or apparatus other than amateur radio stations. (m) Control means techniques used for accomplishing the immediate operation of an Amateur Radio station. Control includes one or more of the following: (1) Local control. Manual control, with the control operator monitoring the operation on duty at the control point located at a station transmitter with the associated operating adjustments directly accessible. (Direct mechanical control, or direct wire control of a transmitter from a control point located on board any aircraft, vessel, or on the same premises on which the transmitter is located, is also considered local control.) (2) Remote control. Manual control, with the control operator monitoring the operation on duty at a control point located elsewhere than at the station transmitter, such that the associated operating adjustment are accessible through a control link. (3) Automatic control means the use of devices and procedures for control without the control operator being present at the control point when the station is transmitting. (n) Control link. Apparatus for effecting remote control between a control point and a remotely controlled station. (o) Control operator. An amateur radio operator designated by the licensee of an amateur radio station to also be responsible for the emissions from that station. (p) Control point. The operating position of an amateur radio station where the control operator function is performed. (q) Antenna structures. Antenna structures include the radiating system, its supporting structures, and any appurtenances mounted thereon. (r) Harmful interference. Interference which seriously degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts the operation of a radiocommunication service. (s) Transmitter. Apparatus for converting electrical energy received from a source into radio-frequency electromagnetic energy capable of being radiated. (t) Transmitting power. The radio frequency (RF) power generated by operations of an amateur radio station, including the following: (1) Transmitter power. The peak envelope power (output) present at the antenna terminals (where the antenna feedline, or if no feedline is used, the antenna, would be connected) of the transmitter. The term "transmitter" includes any external radio frequency power amplifier which may be used. Peak envelope power is defined as the average power during one radio frequency cycle at the crest of the modulation envelope, taken under normal operating conditions. (2) Effective radiated power. The product of the transmitter (peak envelope) power, expressed in watts, delivered to an antenna, and the relative gain of the antenna over that of a half-wave dipole antenna. (u) System network diagram. A diagram showing each station and its relationship to the other stations in a network of stations, and to the control point(s). (v) Third-party traffic. Amateur radio communication by or under the supervision of the control operator at an amateur radio station to another amateur radio station on behalf of anyone other than the control operator. (w) Emergency communication. Any amateur radio communication directly relating to the immediate safety of life of individuals or the immediate protection of property. (x) Automatic retransmission. Retransmission of signals by an amateur radio station whereby the retransmitting station is actuated solely by the presence of a received signal through electrical or electro-mechanical means, i.e., without any direct, positive action by the control operator. (y) External radio frequency power amplifier. Any device which, (1) when used in conjunction with a radio transmitter as a signal source, is capable of amplification of that signal, and (2) is not an integral part of the transmitter as manufactured. (z) External radio frequency power amplifier kit. Any number of electronic parts, usually provided with a schematic diagram or printed circuit board, which, when assembled in accordance with instructions, results in an external radio frequency power amplifier, even if additional parts of any type are required to complete assembly. (aa) Frequency coordinator. An individual or organization recognized in a local or regional area by amateur operators whose stations are eligible to engage in repeater or auxiliary operation which recommends frequencies and, where necessary, associated operating and technical parameters for amateur repeater and auxiliary operation in order to avoid or minimize potential interference. (bb) Business communications. Any transmission or communication the purpose of which is to facilitate the regular business or commercial affairs of any party. (cc) Spread spectrum transmission. An information bearing transmission in which information is conveyed by a modulated RF carrier and where the bandwidth is significantly widened, by means of a spreading function, over that needed to transmit the information alone. (dd) Coordinated station operation. The repeater or auxiliary operation of an amateur station for which the transmitting and receiving frequencies have been implemented by the licensee in accordance with the recommendation of a frequency coordinator. Subpart B Amateur Operator and Station Licenses 97.5 Classes of operator licenses Amateur Extra. Advanced. General. Technician. Novice. 97.7 Frequency privileges. The following transmitting frequency bands are available to amateur radio stations having a control operator of the license class designated, subject to the limitations of paragraph (g) of this section: (a) Novice class: Meter Terrestrial location of the amateur radio station Meterl ITU Region 1x ITU Region 2x ITU Region 3x. (See para. (g)) Limitations band ITU Region 1 ITU Region 2 ITU Region 3 (see para. (g)) kilohertz 80 3700-3750 3700-3750 3700-3750 1, 3, 32 5167.5 2 40 7050-7075 7100-7150 7050-7075 1, 3, 32 15 21100-21200 21100-21200 2100-21200 1, 32 10 28100-28500 28100-28500 28100-28500 1 megahertz 1.25 ---------- 222.1-223.91 ---------- 5 0.23 1270-1295 1270-1295 1270-1295 5, 22 (b) Technician class: All of the frequency bands listed in paragraph (f), as well as the frequency bands in the following table: Meter Terrestrial location of the amateur radio station Meterl ITU Region 1x ITU Region 2x ITU Region 3x. (See para. (g)) Limitations band ITU Region 1 ITU Region 2 ITU Region 3 (see para. (g)) kilohertz 80 3700-3750 3700-3750 3700-3750 1, 3, 32 5167.5 2 40 7050-7075 7100-7150 7050-7075 1, 3, 32 15 21100-21200 21100-21200 21100-21200 1, 32 10 28100-28500 28100-28500 28100-28500 1 (c) General class: All of the frequency bands listed in paragraph (f), as well as the frequency bands in the following table: Meter Terrestrial location of the amateur radio station Meterl ITU Region 1x ITU Region 2x ITU Region 3x. (See para. (g)) Limitations band ITU Region 1 ITU Region 2 ITU Region 3 (see para. (g)) kilohertz 160 1810-1850 1800-2000 1800-2000 3, 5, 21 80 3525-3750 3525-3750 3525-3750 3, 32 75 3850-4000 3850-3900 3, 32 5167.5 2 40 7025-7100 7025-7150 7025-7100 3, 32 40 7225-7300 3, 32 30 10100-10150 10100-10150 10100-10150 28, 32 20 14025-14150 14025-14150 14025-14150 32 20 14225-14350 14225-14350 14225-14350 32 15 21025-21200 21025-21200 21025-21200 32 15 21300-21450 21300-21450 21300-21450 32 12 24890-24990 24890-24990 24890-24990 29, 32 10 28000-29700 28000-29700 28000-29700 (d) Advanced class: All of the frequency bands listed in paragraph (f), as well as the frequency bands in the following table: Meter Terrestrial location of the amateur radio station Meterl ITU Region 1x ITU Region 2x ITU Region 3x. (See para. (g)) Limitations band ITU Region 1 ITU Region 2 ITU Region 3 (see para. (g)) kilohertz 160 1810-1850 1800-2000 1800-2000 3, 5, 21 80 3525-3750 3525-3750 3525-3750 3, 32 75 3775-3800 3775-4000 3775-3900 3, 32 5167.5 2 40 7025-7100 7025-7300 7025-7100 3, 32 30 10100-10150 10100-10150 10100-10150 28, 32 20 14025-14150 14025-14150 14025-14150 32 20 14175-14350 14175-14350 14175-14350 32 15 21025-21200 21025-21200 21025-21200 32 15 21225-21450 21225-21450 21225-21450 32 12 24890-24990 24890-24990 24890-24990 29, 32 10 28000-29700 28000-29700 28000-29700 (e) Amateur Extra class: All of the frequency bands listed in paragraph (f), as well as the frequency bands in the following table: Meter Terrestrial location of the amateur radio station Meterl ITU Region 1x ITU Region 2x ITU Region 3x. (See para. (g)) Limitations band ITU Region 1 ITU Region 2 ITU Region 3 (see para. (g)) kilohertz 160 1810-1850 1800-2000 1800-2000 3, 5, 21 80/75 3500-3800 3500-4000 3500-3900 3, 32 5167.5 2 40 7000-7100 7000-7300 7000-7100 3, 32 30 10100-10150 10100-10150 10100-10150 28, 32 20 14000-14350 14000-14350 14000-14350 32 15 21000-21450 21000-21450 21000-21450 32 12 24890-24990 24890-24990 24890-24990 29, 32 10 28000-29700 28000-29700 28000-29700 (f) Frequency bands available to all amateur stations having a control operator of the Technician, General, Advanced or Amateur Extra class: Meter Terrestrial location of the amateur radio station Meterl ITU Region 1x ITU Region 2x ITU Region 3x. (See para. (g)) Limitations band ITU Region 1 ITU Region 2 ITU Region 3 (see para. (g)) megahertz 6 50-54 50-54 3 2 144-146 144-148 144-148 3, 32 1.25 220-225 3, 4, 5 0.70 430-440 420-450 420-450 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 30 0.35 902-928 3, 5, 8, 9 0.23 1240-1300 1240-1300 1240-1300 5, 11, 22 2300-2310 2300-2310 2300-2310 3, 5, 12, 13 2390-2450 2390-2450 2390-2450 3, 5, 13, 14 gigahertz 3.3-3.5 3.3-3.5 3, 5, 15, 16, 17 5.650-5.850 5.650-5.925 5.650-5.850 3, 5, 18, 19, 20 10.0-10.5 10.0-10.5 10.0-10.5 5, 21, 22, 23, 31 24.00-24.25 24.00-24.25 24.00-24.25 3, 5, 22, 24, 26 47.0-47.2 47.0-47.2 47.0-47.2 75.5-81 75.5-81 75.5-81 5, 21, 22 119.98-120.02 119.98-120.02 119.98-120.02 15, 25 142-149 142-149 142-149 5, 15, 21, 22 241-250 241-250 241-250 5, 21, 22, 27 above 300 above 300 above 300 15 (g) Limitations: (1) Control operators holding the Novice or Technician class operator license are limited to international Morse code when the station is transmitting emission A1A in the 80, 40, 15 and 10 meter bands. (2) This band may only be used by Amateur stations in the State of Alaska or within fifty nautical miles of the State of Alaska for emergency communications with other stations authorized to use this band in the State of Alaska. This frequency band is shared with licensees in the Alaska-private fixed service who may use it for certain non-emergency purposes. (3) Where, in adjacent regions or subregions, a band of frequencies is allocated to different services of the same category, the basic principle is the equality of right to operate. Accordingly, the stations of each service in one region or subregion must operate so as not to cause harmful interference to services in the other regions or subregions. (See International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations, RR 346 (Geneva, 1979).) (4) This band is allocated to the amateur, fixed and mobile services in the United States on a co-primary basis. The basic principle which applies is the equality of right to operate. Amateur, fixed and mobile stations must operate so as not to cause harmful interference to each other. (5) Amateur stations in the 1900-2000 kHz, 220-225 MHz, 420-450 MHz, 902-928 MHz, 1240-1300 MHz, 2300-2310 MHz, 2390-2450 MHz, 3.3-3.5 GHz, 5.650-5.925 GHz, 10.0-10.5 GHz, 24.05-24.25 GHz, 76- 81 GHz, 144-149 GHz and 241-248 GHz bands must not cause harmful interference to stations in the Government radiolocation service and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations in the Government radiolocation service. (6) No amateur station shall operate north of Line A (see 97.3(i)) in the 420-430 MHz band. (7) The 420-430 MHz band is allocated to the Amateur service in the United States on a secondary basis, but is allocated to the fixed and mobile (except aeronautical mobile) services in the International Table of Allocations on a primary basis. Therefore, amateur stations in this band must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the fixed and mobile (except aeronautical mobile) services and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the fixed and mobile (except aeronautical mobile) services. (8) In the 902-928 MHz band, amateur stations shall not operate within the States of Colorado and Wyoming, bounded by the area of: latitude 39 degrees N to 42 degrees N, and longitude 105 degrees W to 108 degrees W. Also in this band, amateur stations shall not operate in those portions of the states of Texas and New Mexico bounded on the south by latitude 31 degrees 41 N, on the east by longitude 104 degrees 11 W, on the north by latitude 34 degrees 30 N, and on the west by longitude 107 degrees 30 W. (9) This band is allocated on a secondary basis to the Amateur service subject to not causing harmful interference to the operations of government stations authorized in this band or to Automatic Vehicle Monitoring (AVM) systems authorized under Section 90.239. Stations in the Amateur service are not protected from any interference due to operation of industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) devices, AVM systems or government stations authorized in this band. (10) The 430-440 MHz band is allocated to the Amateur service on a secondary basis in ITU Regions 2 and 3. Amateur stations in this band in ITU Regions 2 and 3 must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the radiolocation service and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the radiolocation service. In ITU Region 1 the 430-440 MHz band is allocated to the Amateur service on a co-primary basis with the radiolocation service. As between these two services in this band in Region 1 the basic principle which applies is the equality of right to operate. Amateur stations authorized by the United States and radiolocation stations authorized by other nations in Region 1 must operate so as not to cause harmful interference to each other. (11) In the 1240-1260 MHz band amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the radionavigation-satellite service and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the radionavigation-satellite service. (12) In the United States, the 2300-2310 MHz band is allocated to the Amateur service on a co-secondary basis with the Government fixed and mobile services. In this band, the fixed and mobile services must not cause harmful interference to the Amateur service. (13) In the 2300-2310 MHz and 2390-2450 MHz bands, the Amateur service is allocated on a secondary basis in all ITU Regions. In ITU Region 1, stations in the Amateur service must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the fixed service, and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the fixed service. In ITU Regions 2 and 3, stations in the Amateur service must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the fixed, mobile and radiolocation services, and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the fixed, mobile and radiolocation services. (14) Amateur stations in the 2400-2450 MHz band are not protected from interference due to the operation of industrial, scientific and medical devices on 2450 MHz. (15) Amateur stations in the 3.332-3.339 GHz, 3.3458-3.3525 GHz, 119.98-120.02 GHz, 144.68-144.98-GHz, 145.45-145.75 GHz, 146.82- 147.12 GHz and 343-348 GHz bands must not cause harmful interference to stations in the radio astronomy service. Amateur stations in the 300-302 GHz, 324-326 GHz, 345-347 GHz, 363-365 GHz and 379-381 GHz bands must not cause harmful interference to stations in the space research service (passive) or Earth exploration-satellite service (passive). (16) In both ITU Regions 2 and 3 the 3.3-3.5 GHz band is allocated to the Amateur service on a secondary basis. In the 3.3-3.4 GHz band amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the radiolocation service, and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the radiolocation service. In the 3.4-3.5 GHz band amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the fixed and fixed-satellite services, and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the fixed and fixed-satellite services. (17) In the United States the 3.3-3.5 GHz band is allocated to the amateur service on a co-secondary basis with the non- government radiolocation service. (18) In the 5.650-5.725 GHz band, the Amateur service is allocated in all ITU regions on a co-secondary basis with the space research (deep space) service. In the 5.725-5.850 GHz band the Amateur service is allocated in all ITU regions on a secondary basis. In the 5.650-5.850 GHz band amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the radiolocation service, and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the radiolocation service. In the 5.725-5.850 GHz band amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the fixed-satellite service in ITU Region 1, and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the fixed-satellite service in ITU Region 1. In the 5.850-5.925 GHz band the Amateur service is allocated in ITU Region 2 on a co-secondary basis with the radiolocation service. In the 5.850- 5.925 GHz band amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the fixed, fixed-satellite and mobile services, and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the fixed, fixed-satellite and mobile services. (19) In the United States, the 5.850-5.925 GHz band is allocated to the Amateur service on a secondary basis to the non-government fixed-satellite service. In the 5.850-5.925 GHz band amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to stations in the non-government fixed- satellite service and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations in the non- government fixed-satellite service. (20) Amateur stations in the 5.725-5.875 GHz band are not protected from interference due to the operation of industrial, scientific and medical devices on 5.8 GHz. (21) Amateur stations in the 1900-2000 kHz, 10.45-10.50 GHz, 76- 81 GHz, 144-149 GHz and 241-248 GHz bands must not cause harmful interference to stations in the non-government radiolocation service and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations in the non- government radiolocation service. (22) Amateur stations in the 1240-1300 MHz, 10.0-10.5 GHz, 24.05-24.25 GHz, 76-81 GHz, 144-149 GHz and 241-248 GHz bands must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the radiolocation service and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the radiolocation service. (23) In the 10.00-10.45 GHz band in ITU Regions 1 and 3 amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the fixed and mobile services, and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations authorized by other nations in the fixed and mobile services. (24) In the United States, the 24.05-24.25 GHz band is allocated to the Amateur service on a co-secondary basis with the non- government radiolocation and Government and non-government Earth exploration-satellite (active) services. (25) The 119.98-120.02 GHz band is allocated to the Amateur service on a secondary basis. Amateur stations in this band must not cause harmful interference to stations operating in the fixed, inter-satellite and mobile services, and are not protected from interference caused by the operation of stations in the fixed, inter-satellite and mobile services. (26) Amateur stations in the 24.00-24.25 GHz band are not protected from interference due to the operation of industrial, scientific and medical devices on 24.125 GHz. (27) Amateur stations in the 244-246 GHz band are not protected from interference due to the operation of industrial, scientific and medical devices on 245 GHz. (28) Amateur stations in the 10100-10150 kHz band must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the fixed service. Amateur stations shall make all necessary adjustments (including termination of transmission) if harmful interference is caused. (29) Until July 1, 1989, amateur stations in this band must not cause harmful interference to stations authorized by other nations in the fixed and mobile services. Amateur stations must make all necessary adjustments (including termination of transmission) if harmful interference is caused. (30) Amateur stations in the 449.5-450 MHz band must not cause interference to and are not protected from interference due to the operation of stations in the space operation service, the space research service, or for space telecommand. (31) In the United States, the 10.0-10.5 GHz band is allocated to the Amateur service on a co-secondary basis with the non- government radiolocation service. (32) Amateur stations in these bands may be used for communications related to relief operations in connection with natural disasters. See Appendix 6 to this Part. 97.9 Eligibility for new operator license. Anyone except a representative of a foreign government is eligible for an amateur operator license. 97.11 Application for operator license. (a) An application (FCC Form 610) for a new operator license, including an application for change in operating privileges which will require an examination, shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of 97.26. (b) An application (FCC Form 610) for renewal and/or modification of license when no change in operating privileges is involved shall be submitted to the Commission's office at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. 97.13 Renewal or modification of operator license. (a) An amateur operator license may be renewed upon proper application. (b) The applicant shall qualify for a new license by examination if the requirements of this section are not fulfilled. (c) Application for renewal and/or modification of an amateur operator license shall be submitted on FCC Form 610 and shall be accompanied by the applicant's license or a photocopy thereof. Application for renewal of unexpired licenses must be made during the license term and should be filed within 90 days, but not later than 30 days, prior to the end of the license term. In any case in which the licensee has, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, made timely and sufficient application for renewal of an unexpired license, no license with reference to any activity of a continuing nature shall expire until such application shall have been finally determined. (d) If a license is allowed to expire, application for renewal may be made during a grace period of two years after the expiration date. During this grace period, an expired license is not valid. A license renewed during the grace period will be dated currently and will not be backdated to the date of its expiration. Application for renewal shall be submitted on FCC Form 610 and shall be accompanied by the applicant's expired license or a photocopy thereof. OPERATOR LICENSE EXAMINATIONS 97.19 When examination is required. Examination is required for the issuance of a new amateur operator license, and for a change in class of operating privileges. Credit may be given, however, for certain elements of examination as provided in 97.25. 97.21 Examination elements and standards. (a) A telegraphy examination shall be such as to prove that a person has the ability to send correctly by hand and to receive correctly by ear texts in the International Morse code at the speed listed for the appropriate examination element. (1) Element 1(A): Five (5) words per minute; (2) Element 1(B): Thirteen (13) words per minute; (3) Element 1(C): Twenty (20) words per minute. (b) A telegraphy examination shall consist of a prepared message containing all the letters of the alphabet, numerals 0-9, period, comma, question mark, AR, SK, BT, and DN. No telegraphy message known to the candidate shall be administered in a telegraphy receiving examination. (c) A written examination shall be such as to prove that a person possesses the operational and technical qualifications required to perform properly the duties of an amateur radio licensee. Each written examination shall be comprised of a question set, as follows: (1) Element 2: At least 30 questions concerning the privileges of Novice class licensees; (2) Element 3(A): At least 25 questions concerning the additional privileges of Technician class licensees; (3) Element (3B): At least 25 questions concerning the additional privileges of General class licensees; (4) Element 4(A): At least 50 questions concerning the additional privileges of Advanced class licensees; (5) Element 4(B): At least 40 questions concerning the additional privileges of Amateur Extra class licensees; (d) The topics and percentage of questions in each question set shall be that listed for the appropriate examination element. (1)m Federal Communications Commission'sm 35. 35. 35. 35. 10. Elements Topic 2 3(A) 3(B) 4(A) 4(B) (1) Federal Communications Commission's Rules for the Amateur Radio service 35 20 16 12 20 (2) Amateur station operating procedures 5 12 12 2 10 (3) Radio wave propagation characteristics of amateur frequency bands 5 12 12 4 5 (4) Amateur Radio Practices 15 16 20 8 10 (5) Electrical principles as applied to amateur station equipment 15 8 8 20 15 (6) Amateur station equipment circuit components 5 8 4 12 10 (7) Practical circuits employed in amateur station equipment 5 4 4 20 10 (8) Signals and emissions transmitted by amateur stations 5 8 8 12 10 (9) Amateur station antennas and feed lines 10 12 16 10 10 97.23 Examination requirements. Applicants for operator licenses will be required to pass the following examination elements; (a) Amateur Extra: Elements 1(C), 2, 3(A), 3(B), 4(A) and 4(B); (b) Advanced: Elements 1(B), 2, 3(A), 3(B) and 4(A); (c) General: Elements 1(B), 2, 3(A) and 3(B); (d) Technician: Elements 1(A), 2 and 3(A); (e) Novice: Elements 1(A) and 2. 97.25 Examination credit. (a) An applicant for a higher class of amateur operator license who holds a valid amateur operator license issued by the Federal Communications Commission will be given credit, as follows: (1) Novice: Elements 1(A) and 2; (2) Technician: Elements 1(A), 2 and 3(A) (3) General: Elements 1(B), 2, 3(A) and 3(B); (4) Advanced: Elements 1(B), 2, 3(A), 3(B) and 4(A). (b) Upon presentation of a certificate of successful completion of an examination (see Section 97.28(e)) for any examination element examiners shall give applicants for Amateur Radio operator licenses examination credit for any element that has been successfully completed within the previous 365 days. Examiners shall give applicants credit for Element 1(A) or 2 upon presentation of a photocopy of FCC Form 610 which has been submitted to the FCC indicating the applicant has qualified for the Novice operator license within the previous 365 days. (c) A person who applies for an amateur operator license will be given credit for any telegraphy element if that person holds a commercial radiotelegraph operator license or permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or has held one within 5 years of the Commission's receipt of that person's application for an amateur operator license. (d) No examination credit, except as herein provided, shall be allowed on the basis of holding or having held any amateur or commercial operator license. (e) An applicant holding a Technician operator license issued before March 21, 1987 will be given credit for Elements 1(A), 2, 3(A) and 3(B). 97.26 Examination procedure. (a) Each examination for an amateur operator license must be administered at a place and time chosen by the examiner(s). The number of candidates at any examination session may be limited. Public announcement must be made before all examinations for elements 1(B), 1(C), 3, 4(A) or 4(B). (b) The examiner(s) must be present and observing the candidate throughout the entire examination. (c) The examiner(s) will be responsible for the proper conduct and necessary supervision during each examination. (d) Each candidate for an amateur radio license, which requires the applicant to pass one or more examination elements, must present the examiner(s) with a properly completed FCC Form 610 on or before the registration deadline date for those examination sessions for which registration is required; otherwise, applicants shall submit FCC Form 610 at the examination session before the start of the examination(s). In cases where a registration deadline is required, it shall be specified by the VEC that issues the examination papers to the examiner. (e) The candidate shall comply with the instructions given by the examiner(s). The examiner(s) must immediately terminate the examination upon failure of the candidate to comply with the examiner(s)' instructions. (f) At the completion of the examination, the candidate shall return all test papers to the examiner(s). (g) A candidate whose physical disabilities require special procedures to allow participation in examination sessions shall attach a statement to his/her application. For examinations other than Novice Class the statement shall be retained in the files of the VEC that issues the test papers. The statement for Novice Class examinations shall be retained by the examiner for one year. The statement shall include: (1) a physician's certification indicating the nature of the disability; AND (2) the name(s) of the person(s) taking and transcribing the applicant's dictation of test questions and answers, if such a procedure is necessary. (h) (reserved) 97.27 Volunteer examiner examination preparation. (a) Each examination administered for the Novice operator license shall be prepared by the administering volunteer examiner. (b) Each examination administered for the Technician, General, Advanced or Amateur Extra operator license shall be prepared by the administering volunteer examiners according to instructions from their coordinating VEC, or obtained by the administering volunteer examiners from the coordinating VEC that accredited them. See Section 97.517. (c) Neither the same telegraphy message nor the same question set may be readministered to the same person. (d) Each VEC and each volunteer examiner must hold telegraphy messages and question sets for current and future examinations in confidence. No examination which has been compromised shall be administered to any candidate. 97.28 Examination administration. (a) Unless otherwise prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission, each examination for an amateur radio operator license (except the Novice operator license) shall be administered by three accredited (see 97.515) volunteer examiners. A volunteer examiner administering element 1(A) or element 2 (in conjunction with an examination other than a Novice operator examination), or element 3(A), must hold an Amateur Extra or Advanced radio operator license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. A volunteer examiner administering element 1(B), element 1(C), element 3(B), element 4(A), or element 4(B) must hold an Amateur Extra operator license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. (b) Unless otherwise prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission, each examination for a Novice operator license shall be administered by two volunteer examiners. The volunteer examiners do not have to be accredited. The volunteer examiners must hold current General, Advanced or Amateur Extra operator licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission. (c) Upon completion of an examination element, the examiner(s) shall immediately grade the test papers. (d) When the candidate does not score a passing grade on an examination element, the examiner(s) shall so inform the candidate by providing the percentage of questions answered correctly, and by returning the application (see 97.26) to the candidate. For examinations other than Novice Class examinations, the test papers, including answer sheets, shall be returned to the VEC that issued them. For Novice Class examinations, the test papers, including answer sheets, must be retained as part of the volunteer examiner's station records for one year from the date the examination is administered. (e) A certificate of successful completion of an examination will be issued by the examiners to an applicant who successfully completes an examination element coordinated by a VEC under Subpart I. A certificate is valid for a period of 365 days from the date of its issuance. (f) When the candidate scores a passing grade on all examination elements required for the operator license class sought (see 97.23), the examiners shall certify to the following information on the candidate's application form (see 97.26): (1) Examiners' names and amateur radio station call signs; (2) Examiners' qualifications to administer the examination; (see 97.31); AND (3) Examiners' signed statements that the applicant has passed the required examination elements. (g) Within ten days of the administration of a successful examination for the Novice Class operator license, the examiner shall submit the candidate's application to: Federal Communications Commission Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17326 (h) Within ten days of the administration of a successful examination for the Technician, General, Advanced or Amateur Extra Class operator license, the examiners shall submit the successful candidates' applications and all test papers to the VEC that originally issued that test. (i) The FCC reserves the right, without qualification, to: (1) administer examinations itself; OR (2) readminister examinations itself or under the supervision of an examiner designated by the FCC, to any person who obtained an operator license above the Novice Class through the volunteer examination process. (j) If a licensee fails to appear for readministration of an examination pursuant to paragraph (i)(2) of this section, or does not successfully complete the examination element(s) which are readministered, the licensee's operator license is subject to cancellation; in an instance of such cancellation, the licensee will be issued an operator license consistent with the completed examination elements which have not been invalidated by not appearing for or failing readministration of an examination. 97.29 Examination grading. (a) Each examination element shall be graded separately by the examiners. The examiners are responsible for determining the correctness of the candidate's answers. (b) An applicant passes a written examination if he/she answers at least 74 percent of the questions correctly. (c) An applicant passes a code element examination if he/she proves his/her ability to transmit correctly by hand key (straight key, or, if supplied by the applicant, any other type of hand operated key such as a semi-automatic or electronic key, but not a keyboard keyer) and to receive correctly by ear texts in the international Morse code at not less than the prescribed speed during a five-minute test period. Each five characters shall be counted as one word. Each punctuation mark and numeral shall be counted as two characters. 97.31 Volunteer examiner requirements. (a) Each volunteer examiner administering an examination for an amateur radio operator license must: (i) be at least 18 years of age; AND (ii) not be related to the candidate. (b) Any person who owns a significant interest in, or is an employee of, any company or other entity which is engaged in the manufacture or distribution of equipment used in connection with amateur radio transmissions, or in the preparation or distribution of any publication used in preparation for obtaining amateur station operator licenses, is ineligible to be a volunteer examiner for purposes of administering an amateur radio operator examination. However, a person who does not normally communicate with that part of an entity engaged in the manufacture or distribution of such equipment, or in the preparation or distribution of any publication used in preparation for obtaining amateur operator licenses, is eligible to be a volunteer examiner. (c) Volunteer examiners may not be compensated for services. They may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses, except for Novice class examinations (see 97.36). (d) Each volunteer examiner administering an examination for the Technician, General, Advanced or Amateur Extra Class operator license must be accredited by the Volunteer-Examiner Coordinator (see Subpart I). (e) The FCC will not accept the services of any person seeking to be a volunteer examiner if that person's amateur radio station license or amateur radio station operator's license has ever been revoked or suspended. 97.33 Volunteer examiner conduct. No volunteer examiner shall give or certify any examination by fraudulent means or for monetary or other consideration. Violation of this provision may result in the revocation of the amateur radio station license and the suspension of the amateur radio operator license of the volunteer examiner. This does not preclude a volunteer examiner from accepting reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses under 97.36. Reimbursement in any amount in excess of that permitted may result in the sanctions specified herein. 97.35 Temporary operating authority. Unless the FCC otherwise prescribes, an applicant already licensed in the Amateur Radio Service, upon successfully completing the amateur radio examination(s) required for a higher class, may operate an amateur radio station consistent with the rights and privileges of the higher class for a period of one year from the date of the most recently completed examination for that operator class provided that the applicant retains the certificate(s) for successful completion of the examination(s) (see 97.28(e)) at the station location, provided that the applicant uses the identifier code of the new class of license for which the applicant has qualified (KT for Technician Class, AG for General Class, AA for Advanced Class and AE for Amateur Extra Class) as a suffix to the present call sign (see 97.84), and provided that the FCC has not yet acted upon the application for a higher class of license. 97.36 Reimbursement for expenses. (a) Each volunteer examiner coordinator and each volunteer examiner may be reimbursed by examinees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in preparing, processing or administering examinations for amateur station operator licenses above the Novice class. The volunteer examiner coordinator or the volunteer examiners must collect the reimbursement fee, if any, from the examinees. No reimbursement may be accepted for preparing, processing or administering Novice class examination. (b) The maximum amount of reimbursement is $4.00 for 1984 and will be adjusted annually each January 1 thereafter for changes in the Department of Labor Consumer Price Index. Changes in the maximum amount of reimbursement will be announced by the Commission in a Public Notice. The amount of such reimbursement fee from any examinee for any one examination at a particular session regardless of the number of examination elements taken must not exceed the published maximum. (c) Each volunteer examiner coordinator and each volunteer examiner who accepts reimbursement must maintain records of out- of-pocket expenses and reimbursements for each examination session. They must certify on or before January 31 of each year to the Commission's office in Gettysburg, PA 17325 that all expenses for the period from January 1 to December 31 of the preceding year for which reimbursement was obtained were necessarily and prudently incurred. (d) The expense and reimbursement records must be retained by each volunteer examiner coordinator and each volunteer examiner for 3 years and made available to the FCC upon request. (e) Each volunteer examiner must forward on or before January 15 of each year the certification concerning expenses to the volunteer examiner coordinator who coordinated the efforts of the volunteer examiner and for which reimbursement was received. The volunteer examiner coordinator must forward all such certifications and its own certification concerning expenses to the FCC on or before January 31 of each year. (f) The volunteer examiner coordinator must disaccredit any volunteer examiner who fails to provide the annual certification. The volunteer examiner coordinator must advise the FCC on January 31 of each year of the volunteer examiners that it has disaccredited for this reason. STATION LICENSES 97.37 General eligibility for station license. (a) An Amateur Radio station license will be issued only to a licensed Amateur Radio operator, except that a military recreation station license may also be issued to an individual not licensed as an Amateur Radio operator (other than a representative of a foreign government), who is in charge of a proposed military recreation station not operated by the U.S. Government but which is to be located in approved public quarters. (b) Only modification and/or renewal station licenses will be issued for club and military recreation stations. No new licenses will be issued for these types of stations. 97.39 Eligibility of corporations or organizations to hold station license. An amateur station will not be issued to a school, company, corporation, association, or other organization, except that in the case of a bona fide Amateur Radio organization or society meeting the criteria set forth in Section 97.3, a station license may be issued to a licensed amateur operator, other than the holder of a Novice class license, as trustee for such society. 97.40 Station license required. (a) No transmitting station shall be operated in the Amateur Radio Service without being licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, except that an Amateur Radio station licensed by the Government of Canada may, in accordance with Section 97.41, be operated in the United States without the prior approval of the Commission. (b) Every Amateur Radio operator shall have one, but only one, primary Amateur Radio station license. 97.41 Operation of Canadian amateur stations in the United States. (a) An Amateur Radio station licensed by the Government of Canada may be operated in the United States without the prior approval of the Federal Communications Commission. (b) Operation of a Canadian amateur station in the United States must comply with all of the following: (1) The terms of the Convention between the United States and Canada (TIAS No. 2508) relating to the operation by citizens of either country of certain radio equipment or stations in the other country. (See Appendix 4 to Part 97.) (2) The operating terms and conditions of the amateur station license issued by the Government of Canada. (3) The provisions of subpart A through E of Part 97. (4) Any further conditions the Commission may impose upon the privilege of operating in the United States. (c) At any time the Commission may, in its discretion, modify, suspend, or cancel the privilege of any Canadian licensee operating an Amateur Radio station in the United States. 97.42 Application for station license. (a) Each application for a club or military recreation station license in the Amateur Radio Service shall be made on the FCC Form 610-B. Each application for any other Amateur Radio license shall be made on the FCC Form 610. (b) One application and all papers incorporated therein and made a part thereof shall be submitted for each amateur station license. If the application is only for a station license, it shall be filed directly with the Commission's Gettysburg, Pennsylvania office. If the application also contains an application for any class of amateur operator license, it shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of 97.11. (c) Each applicant in the Private Radio Services (1) for modification of a station license involving a site change or a substantial increase in tower height or (2) for a license for a new station must, before commencing construction, supply the environmental information, where required, and must follow the procedure prescribed by Subpart 1 of Part 1 of this chapter (1.1301 through 1.1319) unless Commission action authorizing such construction would be a minor action within the meaning of Subpart 1 of Part 1. (d) Protection for Federal Communications Commission Monitoring Stations: (1) Applicants for an Amateur Radio station license to operate in the vicinity of an FCC monitoring station are advised to give consideration, prior to filing applications, to the possible need to protect the FCC stations from harmful interference. Geographical coordinates of the facilities which require protection are listed in Section 0.121(c) of the Commission's Rules. Applications for stations (except mobile stations) in the vicinity of monitoring stations may be reviewed by Commission staff on a case-by-case basis to determine the potential for harmful interference to the monitoring station. Depending on the theoretical field strength value and existing root-sum- square or other ambient radio field signal levels at the indicated coordinates, a clause protecting the monitoring station may be added to the station license. (2) Advance consultation with the Commission is suggested prior to filing an initial application for station license if the proposed station will be located within one mile of any of the above-referenced monitoring station coordinates and is to be operated on frequencies below 1000 MHz. Such consultations are also suggested for proposed stations operating above 1000 MHz if they are to be located within one mile of any monitoring station designated in Section 0.121(c) as a satellite monitoring facility. (3) Regardless of any coordination prior to filing initial applications, it is suggested that licensees within one mile of a monitoring station consult the Commission before initiating any changes in the station which would increase the field strength produced over the monitoring station. (4) Applicants and licensees desiring such consultations should communicate with: Chief, Field Operations Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC 20054, Telephone 202- 632-6980. (5) The Commission will not screen applications to determine whether advance consultation has taken place. However, applicants are advised that such consultation can avoid objections from the Federal Communications Commission or modification of any authorization which will cause harmful interference. 97.43 Mailing address furnished by licensee. Each application shall set forth and each licensee shall furnish the Commission with an address in the United States to be used by the Commission in serving documents or directing correspondence to that licensee. Unless any licensee advises the Commission to the contrary, the address contained in the licensee's most recent application will be used by the Commission for this purpose. 97.44 Location of station. Every amateur radio station shall have one land location, the address of which appears in the station license, and at least one control point. 97.45 Limitations on antenna structures. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an antenna for a station in the Amateur Radio Service which exceeds the following height limitations may not be erected or used unless notice has been filed with both the FAA on FAA Form 7460-1 and with the Commission on Form 854 or on the license application form, and prior approval by the Commission has been obtained for: (1) Any construction or alteration of more than 200 feet in height above ground level at its site (17.7(a) of this chapter). (2) Any construction or alteration of greater height than an imaginary surface extending outward and upward at one of the following slopes (17.7(b) of this chapter): (i) 100 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 20,000 feet from the nearest point of the nearest runway of each airport with at least one runway more than 3,200 feet in length, excluding heliports and seaplane bases without specified boundaries, if that airport is either listed in the Airport Directory of the current Airman's Information Manual or is operated by a Federal military agency. (ii) 50 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 10,000 feet from the nearest point of the nearest runway of each airport with its longest runway no more than 3,200 feet in length, excluding heliports and seaplane bases without specified boundaries, if that airport is either listed in the Airport Directory or is operated by a Federal military agency. (iii) 25 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet from the nearest point of the nearest landing and takeoff area of each heliport listed in the Airport Directory or operated by a Federal military agency. (3) Any construction or alteration on an airport listed in the Airport Directory of the Airman's Information Manual (17.7(c) of this chapter). (b) A notification to the Federal Aviation Administration is not required for any of the following construction or alteration: (1) Any object that would be shielded by existing structures of a permanent and substantial character or by natural terrain or topographic features of equal or greater height, and would be located in the congested area of a city, town, or settlement where it is evident beyond all reasonable doubt that the structure so shielded will not adversely affect safety in air navigation. Applicants claiming such exemption shall submit a statement with their application to the Commission explaining the basis in detail for their finding (17.14(a) of this chapter). (2) Any antenna structure of 20 feet or less in height except one that would increase the height of another antenna structure (17.14(b) of this chapter). (c) Further details as to whether an aeronautical study and/or obstruction marking and lighting may be required, and specifications for obstruction marking and lighting when required, may be obtained from Part 17 of this chapter, "Construction, Marking and Lighting of Antenna Structures." Information regarding the inspection and maintenance of antenna structures requiring obstruction marking and lighting is also contained in Part 17 of this chapter. 97.47 Renewal and/or modification of amateur station license. (a) Application for renewal and/or modification of an individual station license shall be submitted on FCC Form 610, and application for renewal and/or modification of an amateur club or military recreation station shall be submitted on FCC Form 610-B. In every case the application shall be accompanied by the applicant's license or photocopy thereof. Applications for renewal of unexpired licenses must be made during the license term and should be filed not later than 60 days prior to the end of the license term. In any case in which the licensee has in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, made timely and sufficient application for renewal of an unexpired license, no license with reference to any activity of a continuing nature shall expire until such application shall have been finally determined. (b) If a license is allowed to expire, application for renewal may be made during a grace period of two years after the expiration date. During this grace period, an expired license is not valid. A license renewal during the grace period will be dated currently and will not be backdated to the date of its expiration. An application for an individual station license shall be submitted on FCC Form 610. An application for an amateur club or military recreation station license shall be submitted on FCC Form 610-B. In every case the application shall be accompanied by the applicant's expired license or a photocopy thereof. 97.49 Commission modification of station license. (a) Whenever the Commission shall determine that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served, or any treaty ratified by the United States will be more fully complied with, by the modification of any radio station license either for a limited time, or for the duration of the term thereof, it shall issue an order for such licensee to show cause why such license should not be modified. (b) Such order to show cause shall contain a statement of the grounds and reasons for such proposed modification, and shall specify wherein the said license is required to be modified. It shall require the licensee against whom it is directed to appear at a place and time therein named, in no event to be less than 30 days from the date of receipt of the order, to show cause why the proposed modification should not be made and the order of modification issued. (c) If the licensee against whom the order to show cause is directed does not appear at the time and place provided in said order, a final order of modification shall issue forthwith. CALL SIGNS 97.51 Assignment of call signs. (a) The Commission shall assign the call sign of an amateur radio station on a systematic basis. (b) The Commission shall not grant any request for a specific call sign. (c) From time to time the Commission will issue public announcements detailing the policies and procedures governing the systematic assignment of call signs and any changes in those policies and procedures. DUPLICATE LICENSES AND LICENSE TERM 97.57 Duplicate license. Any licensee requesting a duplicate license to replace an original which has been lost, mutilated, or destroyed, shall submit a statement setting forth the facts regarding the manner in which original license was lost, mutilated, or destroyed. If, subsequent to receipt by the licensee of the duplicate license, the original license is found, either the duplicate or the original license shall be returned immediately to the Commission. 97.59 License term. (a) Amateur operator licenses are normally valid for a period of ten years from the date of issuance of a new, modified or renewed license. (b) Amateur station licenses are normally valid for a period of ten years from the date of issuance of a new, modified or renewed license. All amateur station licenses, regardless of when issued, will expire on the same date as the licensee's amateur operator license. (c) A duplicate license shall bear the same expiration date as the license for which it is a duplicate. Subpart C Technical Standards 97.61 Authorized emissions. (a) kilohertz: Frequency Band Emissions Limitations (see paragraph (d)) 1800-2000 A1A, F1B, A3E, F3E, G3E, A3C, F3C, A3F, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E 3500-3750 A1A, F1B 1 3750-4000 A1A, A3E, F3E, G3E, A3C, A3F, F3C, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E 5167.5 J3E, R3E 7000-7075 A1A, F1B 1 7075-7100 A1A, F1B 1, 2 7100-7150 A1A, F1B 1 7150-7300 A1A, A3E, F3E, G3E, A3C, F3C, A3F, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E 10100-10150 A1A, F1B 14000-14150 A1A, F1B 14150-14350 A1A, A3E, F3E, A3C, F3C, A3F, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E 21000-21200 A1A, F1B 1 21200-21450 A1A, A3E, F3E, A3C, F3C, A3F, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E 24890-24930 A1A, F1B 24930-24990 A1A, A3E, F3E, G3E, A3C, F3C, A3F, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E 28000-29700 A1A 28000-28300 A1A, F1B 28300-29500 A1A, A3E, F3E, G3E, A3C, F3C, 3 A3F, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E 29500-29700 A1A, A3E, F2A, F3E, G3E, A3C, F3C, A3F, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E (b) 50-144.1 MHz: 50.0-50.1 A1A 50.1-51.0 A1A, A2A, A2B, A3E, A3C, A3F, F1B, F2A, F2B, F3E, G3E, F3C, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E 51.0-54.0 N0/N, A1A, A2A, A2B, A3E, A3C, A3F, F1B, F2A, F2B, F3E, G3E, F3C, F3F, H3E, J3E, R3E 144.0-144.1 A1A (c) Above 144.1 MHz: Amateur stations are authorized to transmit the following emissions on amateur frequencies above 144.1 MHz: N0/N, A1A, A2A, A2B, A3E, A3C, A3F, F1B, F2B, F3E, G3E, F3F, H3E, J3F, and R3E. P0/N emissions (the emission letters "K, L, M, Q, V, W and X" may also be used in place of the letter "P" for pulsed radars) may be transmitted at all amateur frequencies above 902 MHz, except in the 1240-1300 MHz and 10.0-10.5 GHz bands. Emission F8E may be transmitted on the 0.35 meter and shorter wavelength amateur service bands. In the 902-928 MHz band F8E emissions may also be used. (d) Limitations: (1) Novice and Technician class radio operators may not use F1B emissions in this band. (2) Amateur stations located in Regions 1 and 3, and amateur radio stations located within Region 2 which are west of 130 degrees West longitude or south of 20 degrees North latitude may also use A3E, F3E, G3E, H3E, J3E and R3E emissions. (3) A station with a Novice or Technician control operator is authorized to transmit only emissions A1A and J3E in this subband. 97.63 Selection and use of frequencies. (a) An amateur station may transmit on any frequency within any authorized amateur frequency band. (b) Sideband frequencies resulting from keying or modulating a carrier wave shall be confined within the authorized amateur band. (c) The frequencies available for use by a control operator of an amateur station are dependent on the operator license classification of the control operator and are listed in 97.7. 97.65 Emission limitations. (a) Type N0/N emission, where not specifically designated in the bands listed on 97.61, may be used for short periods of time when required for authorized remote control purposes or for experimental purposes. However, these limitations do not apply where type N0/N emission is specifically designated. (b) Whenever code practice, in accordance with 97.91(d), is conducted in bands authorized for A3E emission tone modulation of the radiotelephone transmitter may be utilized when interspersed with appropriate voice instructions. (c) On frequencies below 29.0 MHz, the bandwidth of an F3E or G3E emission (frequency or phase modulation) shall not exceed that of an A3E emission having the same audio characteristics. (d) On frequencies below 50 MHz, the bandwidth of A3C, A3F, F3C and F3F emissions shall not exceed that of an J3E single-sideband emission. (e) On frequencies between 50 MHz and 225 MHz: (1) The bandwidth of A3C and A3F single-sideband emissions shall not exceed the bandwidth of a J3E single-sideband emission. (2) The bandwidth of A3C and A3F double-sideband emissions shall not exceed the bandwidth of an A3E double- sideband emissions. (3) F3C and F3F emissions shall utilize a peak carrier deviation no greater than 5 kHz and a maximum modulating frequency no greater than 3 kHz or, alternatively, shall occupy a bandwidth no greater than 20 kHz. (For this purpose the bandwidth is defined as the width of the frequency band, outside of which the mean power of any emission is attenuated by at least 26 decibels below the mean power level of the total emission. A 3 kHz sampling bandwidth is used by the FCC in making this determination.) (f) Below 225 MHz, an A3C or A3F emission may be used simultaneously with an A3E emission on the same carrier frequency, provided that the total bandwidth does not exceed that of an A3E double-sideband emission. 97.67 Maximum authorized transmitting power. (a) Amateur stations may use no more than the maximum transmitter power specified in this Part. Additionally, within the constraints of this section, amateur stations must use no more than the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications. (b) Unless otherwise provided in this section, each amateur transmitter may be operated with a transmitter power not exceeding 1500 watts. (c) Reserved. (d) The peak envelope power output (transmitter power) of each amateur radio transmitter shall not exceed 200 watts when transmitting in any of the following frequency bands: (1) 3700-3750 kHz; (2) 7050-7075 kHz when the terrestrial location of the station is within Regions 1 or 3; (3) 7100-7150 kHz; (4) 10100-10150 kHz; (5) 21100-21200 kHz; or (6) 28100-28500 kHz when the control operator holds a Novice or Technician class operator license. (e) Within the limitations of paragraph (a) of this section, the peak envelope power output of an amateur radio station in beacon operation shall not exceed 100 watts. (f) An amateur radio station may transmit A3 emissions on or before June 1, 1990 with a transmitter power exceeding that authorized by paragraph (b) of this section, provided that the power input (both radio frequency and direct current) to the final amplifying stage supplying radio frequency power to the antenna feedline does not exceed 1000 watts, exclusive of power for heating the cathodes of vacuum tubes. Limitations of paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) of this section and limitations of 97.61 still apply. (g) On 5167.5 kHz the transmitter power shall not exceed 150 watts. (h) In the 420-450 MHz frequency band the transmitter power shall not exceed 50 watts in the following areas unless expressly authorized by the Federal Communications Commission after mutual agreement, on a case-by-case basis, between the Commission Engineer-in Charge at the appropriate District Office and the Military Area Frequency Coordinator at the appropriate military base: (1) Those portions of Texas and New Mexico bounded on the south by latitude 31` 45 N, on the east by longitude 104` 00 W, on the north by latitude 34` 30 N and on the west by longitude 107` 30 W. (The Military Area Frequency Coordinator for this area is located at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.) (2) The entire State of Florida including the Key West area and the areas enclosed within a 200 mile radius of Patrick Air Force Base, Florida (latitude 28` 21 N, longitude 80` 43 W), and within a 200-mile radius of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (latitude 30` 30 N, longitude 86` 30 W). (3) The entire State of Arizona. (4) Those portions of California and Nevada south of latitude 37` 10 N, and the area within a 200-mile radius of the Pacific Missile Test Center, Point Mugu, California (latitude 34` 09 N, longitude 119` 11 W). (5) In the State of Massachusetts within a 160- kilometer (100 mile) radius around locations at Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts (latitude 41` 45 N, longitude 70` 32 W). (6) In the State of California within a 240-kilometer (150 mile) radius around locations at Beale Air Force Base, California (latitude 39` 09 N, longitude 121` 26 W). (7) In the State of Alaska within a 160-kilometer (100 mile) radius of Clear, Alaska (latitude 64` 17 N, longitude 149` 10 W). (The Military Area Frequency Coordinator for this area is located at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.) (8) In the State of North Dakota within a 160-kilometer (100 mile) radius of Concrete, North Dakota (latitude 48` 43 N, longitude 97` 54 W). (The Military Area Frequency Coordinator for this area can be contacted at: HQ SAC/SXOE, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska 68113.) (9) In the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina within a 200 kilometer (124 mile) radius of Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia (latitude 32` 38 N, longitude 83` 35 W). (10) In the State of Texas within a 200 kilometer (124 mile) radius of Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas (latitude 31` 25 N, longitude 100` 24 W). (i) In the 902-928 MHz frequency band the transmitter power shall not exceed 50 watts for operation outside of the White Sands Missile Range but within 150 miles of its boundaries. Its boundaries are those portions of Texas and New Mexico bounded on the south by latitude 31 degrees 41 N, on the east by longitude 104 degrees 11 W, on the north by latitude 34 degrees 30 N, and on the west by longitude 107 degrees 30 W. (j) The transmitter power of each amateur station at which the control operator holds a Novice class operator license shall not exceed 25 watts peak envelope power when transmitting in the 1.25 meter band. (k) The transmitter power of each amateur station at which the control operator holds a Novice class operator license shall not exceed 5 watts peak envelope power when transmitting in the 0.23 meter band. 97.69 Digital communications. Subject to the special conditions contained in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) below, an amateur radio communication may include digital codes which represent alphanumeric characters, analogue measurements or other information. These digital codes may be used for such communications as (but not limited to) radio teleprinter, voice, facsimile, television, communications to control amateur radio stations, models and other objects, transference of computer programs or direct computer-to-computer communications, and communications in various types of data networks (including so-called "packet switching" systems); provided that such digital codes are not intended to obscure the meaning of, but are only to facilitate, the communications, and further provided that such operation is carried out in accordance with other regulations set forth in this part. (For purposes of this section, the sending speed (signaling rate), in baud, is defined as the reciprocal of the shortest (signaling) time interval (in seconds) that occurs during a transmission, where each time interval is the period between changes of transmitter state (including changes in emission amplitude, frequency, phase, or combination of these, as authorized).) (a) The use of the digital codes specified in paragraph (b) of this section is permitted on any amateur frequency where F1B emission is permitted, subject to the following requirements: (1) The sending speed shall not exceed the following: (i) 300 baud on frequencies below 28 MHz; (ii) 1200 baud on frequencies between 28 and 50 MHz; (iii) 19.6 kilobaud on frequencies between 50 and 220 MHz; (iv) 56 kilobaud on frequencies above 220 MHz. (2) When type A2B, F1B, F2B emissions are used on frequencies below 50 MHz, the radio or audio frequency shift (the difference between the frequency for the "mark" signal and that for the "space" signal), as appropriate, shall not exceed 1000 Hz. When these emissions are used on frequencies above 50 MHz, the frequency shift, in hertz, shall not exceed the sending speed, in baud, of the transmission, or 1000 Hz, whichever is greater. (b) Except as provided for in paragraph (c) of this section, only the following digital codes, as specified, may be used: (1) The International Telegraph Alphabet Number 2 (commonly known as Baudot); provided that transmission shall consist of a single channel, five unit (start-stop) teleprinter code conforming to the International Telegraph Alphabet Number 2 with respect to all letters and numerals (including the slant sign or fraction bar); however, in the "figures" positions not utilized for numerals, special signals may be employed for the remote control of receiving printers, or for other purposes indicated in this section. (2) The American Standard Code for Information Interchange (commonly known as ASCII); provided that the code shall conform to the American Standard Code for Information Interchange as defined in American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard X3.4-1968. (3) The International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) Recommendations 476-2 and 476-3 (commonly known as AMTOR); provided that the code, baud rate and emission timing shall conform to the specifications of CCIR 476-2 (1978) or CCIR 476-3 (1982), Mode A or Mode B. (c) In addition to the above provisions, the use of any digital code is permitted on amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, except those on which only A1 emission is permitted, subject to the following requirements: (1) Communications using such digital codes are authorized for domestic operation only (communications between points within areas where radio services are regulated by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission), except when special arrangements have been made between the United States and the administration of any other country concerned. (2) The bandwidth of an emission from a station using such digital codes shall not exceed the following (where for this purpose the bandwidth is defined as the width of the frequency band, outside of which the mean power of any emission is attenuated by at least 26 decibels below the mean power of the total emission; a 3 kHz sampling bandwidth being used by the FCC in making this determination): (i) 20 kHz on frequencies between 50 and 220 MHz; (ii) 100 kHz on frequencies between 220 and 902 MHz; (iii) On frequencies above 902 MHz any bandwidth may be used provided that the emission is in accordance with 97.63(b) and 97.73(c). (d) An amateur station may be under automatic control when transmitting digital communications on frequencies 50 MHz and above. (3) (Reserved.) (4) When deemed necessary by an Engineer-in-Charge of a Commission field facility to assure compliance with the rules of this part, a station licensee shall: (i) Cease the transmission of digital codes authorized under this paragraph. (ii) Restrict the transmission of digital codes authorized under this paragraph to the extent instructed. (iii) Maintain a record, convertible to the original information (voice, text, image, etc.), of all coded communications transmitted under authority of this paragraph. 97.71 Spread-spectrum communications. (a) Subject to special conditions in paragraphs (b) through (i) of this section, amateur stations may employ spread-spectrum transmissions to convey information containing voice, teleprinter, facsimile, television, signals for remote control of objects, computer programs, data, and other communications including communication protocol elements. Spread-spectrum transmissions must not be used for the purpose of obscuring the meaning of, but only to facilitate transmission. (b) Spread-spectrum transmissions are authorized on amateur frequencies above 420 MHz. (c) Stations employing spread-spectrum transmissions shall not cause harmful interference to stations of good engineering design employing other authorized emissions specified in the table. Stations employing spread spectrum must also accept all interference caused by stations of good engineering design employing other authorized emissions specified in the table. (For the purposes of this subparagraph, unintended triggering of carrier operated repeaters is not considered to be harmful interference. Nevertheless, spread spectrum users should take reasonable steps to avoid this situation from occurring.) (d) Spread-spectrum transmissions are authorized for domestic radio communication only (communication between points within areas where radio services are regulated by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission), except where special arrangements have been made between the United States and the administration of any other country concerned. (e) Only frequency hopping and direct sequence transmissions are authorized. Hybrid spread-spectrum transmissions (transmissions involving both spreading techniques) are prohibited. (1) Frequency hopping. The carrier is modulated with unciphered information and changes at fixed intervals under the direction of a high-speed code sequence. (2) Direct sequence. The information is modulo-2 added to a high-speed code sequence. The combined information and code are then used to modulate a RF carrier. The high-speed code sequence dominates the modulating function, and is the direct cause of the wide spreading of the transmitted signal. (f) The only spreading sequences which are authorized must be from the output of one binary linear feedback shift register (which may be implemented in hardware or software). (1) Only the following sets of connections may be used: in shift register Taps used in Number of stages Taps used in in shift register feedback 7 [7,1] 13 [13,4,3,1] 19 [19,5,2,1] (The numbers in brackets indicate which binary stages are combined with modulo-2 addition to form the input to the shift register in stage 1. The output is taken from the highest numbered stage.) (2) The shift register must not be reset other than by its feedback during an individual transmission. The shift register must be used as follows. (i) For frequency hopping transmissions using x frequencies, n consecutive bits from the shift register must be used to select the next frequency from a list of frequencies sorted in ascending order. Each consecutive frequency must be selected by a consecutive block of n bits. (Where n is the smallest integer greater than log2x.) (ii) For a direct sequence transmissions using m-ary modulation, consecutive blocks of log2m bits from the shift register must be used to select the transmitted signal during each interval. (g) The station records shall document all spread-spectrum transmissions and shall be retained for a period of one year following the last entry. The station records must include sufficient information to enable the Commission, using the information contained therein, to demodulate all transmissions. The station records must contain at least the following: (1) A technical description of the transmitted signal. (2) Pertinent parameters describing the transmitted signal including the frequency or frequencies of operation, and, where applicable, the chip rate, the code, the code rate, the spreading function, the transmission protocol(s) including the method of achieving synchronization, and the modulation type; (3) A general description of the type of information being conveyed, for example, voice, text, memory dump, facsimile, television, etc.; (4) The method and, if applicable, the frequency or frequencies used for station identification. (5) The date of beginning and the date of ending use of each type of transmitted signal. (h) When deemed necessary by an Engineer-in-Charge of a Commission field facility to assure compliance with the rules of this part, a station licensee shall: (1) Cease spread-spectrum transmissions authorized under this paragraph; (2) Restrict spread-spectrum transmissions authorized under this paragraph to the extent instructed; (3) Maintain a record, convertible to the original information (voice, text, image, etc.) of all spread- spectrum communications transmitted under the authority of this paragraph. (i) The peak envelope power at the transmitter output shall not exceed 100 watts. 97.73 Purity of emissions. (a) Except for a transmitter or transceiver built before April 15, 1977 or first marketed before January 1, 1978, the mean power of any spurious emission or radiation from an amateur transmitter, transceiver, or external radio frequency power amplifier being operated with a carrier frequency below 30 MHz shall be at least 40 decibels below the mean power of the fundamental without exceeding the power of 50 milliwatts. For equipment of mean power less than five watts, the attenuation shall be at least 30 decibels. (b) Except for a transmitter or transceiver built before April 15, 1977 or first marketed before January 1, 1978, the mean power of any spurious emission or radiation from an amateur transmitter, transceiver, or external radio frequency power amplifier being operated with a carrier frequency above 30 MHz but below 225 MHz shall be at least 60 decibels below the mean power of the fundamental. For a transmitter having a mean power of 25 watts or less, the mean power of any spurious radiation supplied to the antenna transmission line shall be at least 40 decibels below the mean power of the fundamental without exceeding the power of 25 microwatts, but need not be reduced below the power of 10 microwatts. (c) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section notwithstanding, all spurious emissions or radiation from an amateur transmitter, transceiver, or external radio frequency power amplifier shall be reduced or eliminated in accordance with good engineering practice. (d) If any spurious radiation, including chassis or power line radiation, causes harmful interference to the reception of another radio station, the licensee may be required to take steps to eliminate the interference in accordance with good engineering practice. NOTE: For the purpose of this section, a spurious emission or radiation means any emission or radiation from a transmitter, transceiver, or external radio frequency power amplifier which is outside of the authorized Amateur Radio Service frequency band being used. 97.74 (Reserved). 97.75 Use of external radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers. (a) Any external radio frequency (RF) power amplifier used or attached at any amateur radio station shall be type accepted in accordance with Subpart J of Part 2 of the FCC's Rules for operation in the Amateur Radio Service, unless one or more of the following conditions are met: (1) The amplifier is not capable of operation on any frequency or frequencies below 144 MHz (the amplifier shall be considered incapable of operation below 144 MHz if the mean output power decreases, as frequency decreases from 144 MHz, to a point where 0 decibels or less gain is exhibited at 120 MHz and below and the amplifier is not capable of being easily modified to provide amplification below 120 MHz); (2) The amplifier was originally purchased before April 28, 1978; (3) The amplifier was (i) Constructed by the licensee, not from an external RF power amplifier kit, for use at his amateur radio station; (ii) Purchased by the licensee as an external RF power amplifier kit before April 28, 1978 for use at his amateur radio station; or (iii) Modified by the licensee for use at his amateur radio station in accordance with 2.1001 of the FCC's Rules; (4) The amplifier was purchased by the licensee from another amateur radio operator who (i) Constructed the amplifier, but not from an external RF power amplifier kit; (ii) Purchased the amplifier as an external RF power amplifier kit before April 28, 1978 for use at his amateur radio station; or (iii) Modified the amplifier for use at his amateur radio station in accordance with 2.1001 of the FCC's Rules; (5) The external RF power amplifier was purchased from a dealer who obtained it from an amateur radio operator who (i) Constructed the amplifier, but not from an external RF power amplifier kit; (ii) Purchased the amplifier as an external RF power amplifier kit before April 28, 1978, for use at his amateur radio station; or (iii) Modified the amplifier for use at his amateur radio station in accordance with 2.1001 of the FCC's Rules; or (6) The amplifier was originally purchased after April 28, 1978 and has been issued a marketing waiver by the FCC. (b) A list of type-accepted equipment may be inspected at FCC headquarters in Washington, DC or at any FCC field office. Any external RF power amplifier appearing on this list as type accepted for use in the Amateur Radio Service may be used in the Amateur Radio service. NOTE: No more than one unit of one model of an external RF power amplifier shall be constructed or modified during any calendar year by an amateur radio operator for use in the Amateur Radio Service without a grant of type acceptance. 97.76 Requirements for type acceptance of external radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers and external radio frequency power amplifier kits. (a) Any external radio frequency (RF) power amplifier or external RF power amplifier kit marketed (as defined in 2.815), manufactured, imported or modified for use in the Amateur Radio Service shall be type accepted for use in the Amateur Radio Service in accordance with Subpart J of Part 2 of the FCC's Rules. This requirement does not apply if one or more of the following conditions are met: (1) The amplifier is not capable of operation on any frequency or frequencies below 144 MHz. For the purpose of this part, an amplifier will be deemed to be incapable of operation below 144 MHz if the amplifier is not capable of being easily modified to increase its amplification characteristics below 120 MHz, and either; (i) The mean output power of the amplifier decreases, as frequency decreases from 144 MHz, to a point where 0 decibels or less gain is exhibited at 120 MHz and below 120 MHz; or (ii) The amplifier is not capable of even short periods of operation below 120 MHz without sustaining permanent damage to its amplification circuitry. (2) The amplifier was originally purchased before April 28, 1978 by an amateur radio operator for use at his amateur radio station; (3) The amplifier was constructed or modified by an amateur radio operator for use at his amateur radio station in accordance with 2.1001 of the FCC's Rules; (4) The amplifier was constructed or modified by an amateur radio operator in accordance with 2.1001 of the FCC's Rules and sold to another amateur radio operator or to a dealer; (5) The amplifier is purchased in used condition by an equipment dealer from a licensed amateur radio operator who constructed or modified the equipment in accordance with 2.1001 of the FCC's Rules and the amplifier is further sold to another amateur radio operator for use at his/her licensed amateur radio station. (6) The amplifier was manufactured before April 28, 1978 and has been issued a marketing waiver by the FCC. (b) No more than one unit of one model of an external RF power amplifier shall be constructed or modified during any calendar year by an amateur radio operator for use in the Amateur Radio Service without a grant of type acceptance. (c) A list of type-accepted equipment may be inspected at FCC headquarters in Washington, DC or at any FCC field office. Any external RF power amplifier appearing on this list as type- accepted for use in the Amateur Radio Service may be marketed for use in the Amateur Radio Service. 97.77 Standards for type acceptance of external radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers and external radio frequency power amplifier kits. (a) An external radio frequency (RF) power amplifier or external RF power amplifier kit will receive a grant of type acceptance under this Part only if a grant of type acceptance would serve the public interest, convenience or necessity. (b) To receive a grant of type acceptance under this Part, an external RF power amplifier shall meet the emission limitations of 97.73 when the amplifier is (1) Operated at its full output power; (2) Placed in the "standby" or "off" positions, but still connected to the transmitter; and (3) Driven with at least 50 watts mean radio frequency input power (unless a higher drive level is specified). (c) To receive a grant of type acceptance under this part, an external RF power amplifier shall not be capable of operation on any frequency or frequencies between 24.00 MHz and 35.00 MHz. The amplifier will be deemed incapable of operation between 24.00 MHz and 35.00 MHz if (1) The amplifier has no more than 6 decibels of gain between 24.00 MHz and 26.00 MHz and between 28.00 and 35.00 MHz. (This gain is determined by the ratio of the input RF driving signal (mean power measurement) to the mean RF output power of the amplifier); and (2) The amplifier exhibits no amplification (0 decibels of gain) between 26.00 MHz and 28.00 MHz. (d) Type acceptance of external radio frequency power amplifiers or amplifier kits may be denied when denial serves the public interest, convenience or necessity by preventing the use of these amplifiers in services other than the Amateur Radio Service. Other uses of these amplifiers, such as in the Citizens Band Radio Service, are prohibited (Section 95.509). Examples of features which may result in dismissal or denial of an application for type acceptance of an external RF power amplifier include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Any accessible wiring which, when altered, would permit operation of the amplifier in a manner contrary to the FCC's Rules; (2) Circuit boards or similar circuitry to facilitate the addition of components to change the amplifier's operating characteristics in a manner contrary to the FCC's Rules; (3) Instructions for operation or modification of the amplifier in a manner contrary to the FCC's Rules; (4) Any internal or external controls or adjustments to facilitate operation of the amplifier in a manner contrary to the FCC's Rules; (5) Any internal radio frequency sensing circuitry or any external switch, the purpose of which is to place the amplifier in the transmit mode; (6) The incorporation of more gain in the amplifier than is necessary to operate in the Amateur Radio Service. For purposes of this paragraph, an amplifier must meet the following requirements: (i) No amplifier shall be capable of achieving designed output (or designed d.c. input) power when driven with less than 50 watts mean radio frequency input power; (ii) No amplifier shall be capable of amplifying the input RF driving signal by more than 15 decibels. (This gain limitation is determined by the ratio of the input RF driving signal to the RF output power of the amplifier where both signals are expressed in peak envelope power or mean power.) If the amplifier has a designed peak envelope power output of less than 1,500 watts, the gain allowance is reduced accordingly. For example, an amplifier with a designed peak envelope output power of 500 watts shall not be capable of amplifying the input RF driving signal by more than 10 decibels. (ii) The amplifier shall not exhibit more gain than permitted by paragraph (d)(6)(ii) of this section when driven by a radio frequency input signal of less than 50 watts mean power; and (iv) The amplifier shall be capable of sustained operation at its designed power level. (7) Any attenuation in the input of the amplifier which, when removed or modified, would permit the amplifier to function at its designed output power when driven by a radio frequency input signal of less than 50 watts mean power. *Editor's Note: The Commission has temporarily waived 97.80(b) and 97.114(b)(4). Subpart D Operating Requirements and Procedures 97.78 Practice to be observed by all licensees. In all respects not specifically covered by these regulations each amateur station shall be operated in accordance with good engineering and good amateur practice. 97.79 Control operator requirements. (a) The licensee of an amateur station shall be responsible for its proper operation. (b) Every amateur radio station, when transmitting, must have a control operator. The control operator must be present at the control point of the station, except when the station is transmitting under automatic control. The control operator must be a licensed amateur radio operator or permittee designated by the station licensee. The control operator and the station licensee are both responsible for the proper operation of the station. For purposes of enforcement of the rules of this part, the FCC will presume that the station licensee is the control operator of the station, unless documentation to the contrary exists. 97.80 Operation under automatic control. (a) When under automatic control, devices must be installed and procedures must be implemented which will ensure compliance with the rules when the control operator is not present at the control point of the amateur station. (b) No amateur station may be operated under automatic control while transmitting third-party traffic, except an amateur station retransmitting digital packet radio communications on frequencies 50 MHz and above. Such stations must be using the American Radio Relay League, Inc. AX.25 Amateur Packet-Radio Link-Layer Protocol, Version 2.0 October 1984 (or compatible). The retransmitted messages must originate at an amateur station which is under local or remote control. (c) Automatic control of an amateur station must cease upon notification by the Engineer-in-Charge of a Commission field office that the station is transmitting improperly or causing harmful interference to other stations. Automatic operation must not be resumed without prior approval of the Engineer-in-Charge. 97.81 Authorized apparatus. (a) An amateur station license authorizes the use, under control of the licensee, of all transmitting apparatus at the fixed location specified in the station license which is operated on any frequency or frequencies allocated to the Amateur Radio Service, and, in addition, authorizes the use, under control of the licensee, of portable and mobile transmitting apparatus operated at other locations. (b) The apparatus authorized for use by paragraph (a) of this section shall be available for inspection upon request by an authorized Commission representative. 97.82 Availability of operator license. Each amateur radio operator must have the original or photocopy of his or her operator license in his or her personal possession when serving as the control operator of an amateur radio station. The original license shall be available for inspection by any authorized government official upon request made by an authorized representative of the Commission, except when such license has been filed with application for modification or renewal thereof, or has been mutilated, lost or destroyed, and request has been made for a duplicate license in accordance with Section 97.57. 97.83 Availability of station license. The original license of each amateur station or a photocopy thereof shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the room occupied by the licensed operator while the station is being operated at a fixed location or shall be kept in his or her personal possession. When the station is operated at other than a fixed location, the original station license or a photocopy thereof shall be kept in the personal possession of the station licensee (or a licensed representative) who shall be present at the station while it is being operated as a portable or mobile station. The original station license shall be available for inspection by any authorized Government official at all times while the station is being operated and at other times upon request made by an authorized representative of the Commission, except when such license has been filed with application for modification or renewal thereof, or has been mutilated, lost, or destroyed, and request has been made for a duplicate license in accordance with 97.57. 97.84 Station identification. (a) Each amateur radio station shall give its call sign at the end of each communication, and every ten minutes or less during a communication. (b) Under conditions when the control operator is other than the station licensee, the station identification shall be the assigned call sign for that station. However, when a station is operated within the privileges of the operator's class of license but which exceeds those of the station licensee, station identification shall be made by following the station call sign with the operator's primary station call sign (i.e., WN4XYZ/W4XX). (c) An amateur radio station in repeater operation or a station in auxiliary operation used to relay automatically the signals of other stations in a system of stations shall be identified by radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy at a level of modulation sufficient to be intelligible through the repeated transmission at intervals not to exceed ten minutes. (d) When an amateur radio station is in repeater, auxiliary or beacon operation, the following additional requirements shall apply: (1) When identifying by radiotelephony, a station in repeater operation shall transmit the word ""repeater'' at the end of the station call sign. When identifying by radiotelegraphy, a station in repeater operation shall transmit the fraction bar DN, followed by the letters ""RPT'' or ""R'' at the end of the station call sign. (2) When identifying by radiotelephony, a station in auxiliary operation shall transmit the word ""auxiliary'' at the end of the station call sign. When identifying by radiotelegraphy, a station in auxiliary operation shall transmit the fraction bar DN, followed by the letters ""AUX'' or ""A'' at the end of the station call sign. (3) When identifying by radiotelephony, a station in beacon operation shall transmit the word ""beacon'' at the end of the station call sign. When identifying by radiotelegraphy, a station in beacon operation shall transmit the fraction bar DN, followed by the letters ""BCN'' or ""B'' at the end of the station call sign. This station identification shall be made at intervals not to exceed one minute during any period of operation. (e) A station in auxiliary operation may be identified by the call sign of its associated station. (f) When operating under the temporary operating authority permitted by 97.35 with privileges which exceed the privileges for the class of operator license currently held by the licensee, a licensee must identify in the following manner: (1) On radiotelephony, by the transmission of the station call sign, followed by the word ""temporary,'' followed by the identifier code for the new class of license for which the licensee has qualified (see 97.35). (2) On radiotelegraphy, by the transmission of the station call sign, followed by the fraction bar DN, followed by the identifier code for the new class of license for which the licensee has qualified (see 97.35). (g) The identification required by this section shall be given on each frequency being utilized for transmission and shall be made in one of the following manners: (1) By telegraphy using the international Morse code (if this identification is made by an automatic device used only for identification, the code speed shall not exceed 20 words per minute); (2) By telephony using the English language (the Commission encourages the use of a nationally or internationally recognized standard phonetic alphabet as an aid for correct telephone identification); (3) By telegraphy using any code authorized by 97.69(b), when the particular code is used for transmission of all or part of the communication or when the communication is transmitted in any digital code on frequencies above 50 MHz; or (4) By video using readily legible characters when A5 emissions are used, the monochrome portions of which conform, at a minimum, to the monochrome transmission standards of 73.682(a)(6) through 73.682(a)(13), inclusive (with the exception of 73.682(a)(9)(iii) and 73.682(a)(9)(iv)). (5) When transmitting spread spectrum, by narrow band emission using the method described in (1) or (2) above, narrow band identification transmissions must be on only one frequency in each band being used. Alternatively, the station identification may be transmitted while in spread-spectrum operation by changing one or more parameters of the emission in a fashion such that CW or SSB or narrow band FM receivers can be used to identify the sending station. (h) At the end of an exchange of third-party communications with a station located in a foreign country, each amateur radio station shall also give the call sign of the station with which third-party communications were exchanged. 97.85 Repeater operation. (a) Emissions from a station in repeater operation shall be discontinued within five seconds after cessation of radiocommunications by the user station. Provisions to limit automatically the access to a station in repeater operation may be incorporated but are not mandatory. (b) Except for operation under automatic control, as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the transmitting and receiving frequencies used by a station in repeater operation shall be continuously monitored by a control operator immediately before and during periods of operation. (c) A station in repeater operation shall not concurrently retransmit amateur radio signals on more than one frequency in the same amateur frequency band, from the same location. (d) A station in repeater operation shall be operated in a manner ensuring that it is not used for broadcasting (see 97.113). (e) A station in repeater operation, either locally controlled or remotely controlled, may also be operated by automatic control when devices have been installed and procedures have been implemented to ensure compliance with the rules when a duty control operator is not present at a control point of the station. Upon notification by the Commission of improper operation of a station under automatic control, operation under automatic control shall be immediately discontinued until all deficiencies have been corrected. (f) The licensee of an Amateur Radio station, before modifying an existing station in repeater operation in the National Radio Quiet Zone, or before placing his/her amateur station in repeater operation in the National Radio Quiet Zone, shall, after May 13, 1981, give written notification thereof to the Director, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, P.O. Box No. 2, Green Bank, West Virginia 24944. Station modification is any change in frequency, power, antenna height or directivity or the location of the station. (1) The notification shall include the geographical coordinates of the antenna, antenna height, antenna directivity, if any, proposed frequency, type of emission and power. (2) The National Radio Quiet Zone is the area bounded by 39` 15 N. on the north, 78` 30 W. on the east, 37` 30 N. on the south and 80` 30 W. on the west. (3) If an objection to the proposed operation is received by the Commission from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, for itself or on behalf of the Naval Research Laboratory at Sugar Grove, Pendleton County, West Virginia, within 20 days from the date of notification, the Commission will consider all aspects of the problem and take whatever action is deemed appropriate. (g) Where an amateur radio station in repeater or auxiliary operation causes harmful interference to the repeater or auxiliary operation of another amateur radio station, the two stations are equally and fully responsible for resolving the interference unless one station's operation is coordinated (see 97.3(dd)) and the other's is not. In that case, the station engaged in the non- coordinated operation has primary responsibility to resolve the interference. (h) All amateur frequency bands above 29.5 MHz are available for repeater operation, except 50.0-52.0 MHz, 144.0-144.5 MHz, 145.5- 146.0 MHz, 220.0-220.5 MHz, 431.0- 433.0 MHz, and 435.0-438.0 MHz. Both the input (receiving) and output (transmitting) frequency of a station in repeater operation shall be frequencies available for repeater operation. (i) No amateur station at which the control operator or station licensee holds a Novice class operator license shall be in repeater operation. 97.86 Auxiliary operation. (a) A station in auxiliary operation, either locally controlled or remotely controlled, may also be operated by automatic control when it is operated as part of a system of stations in repeater operation operated under automatic control. (b) If a station in auxiliary operation is relaying signals of another amateur radio station(s) to a station in repeater operation, the station in auxiliary operation may use an input (receiving) frequency in frequency bands reserved for auxiliary operation, repeater operation, or both. (c) A station in auxiliary operation shall be used only to communicate with stations shown in the system network diagram. (d) All amateur frequency bands above 220.5 MHz, except 431-433 MHz and 435-438 MHz, are available for auxiliary operation. (e) No amateur station at which the control operator or station licensee holds a Novice class operator license shall be in auxiliary operation. 97.87 Beacon operation. (a) A station in beacon operation shall not concurrently operate on more than one frequency in the same amateur frequency band, from the same location. (b) A station in beacon operation, either locally controlled or remotely controlled, may also be operated by automatic control when devices have been installed and procedures have been implemented to ensure compliance with the rules when the duty control operator is not present at a control point of the station. (c) Beacon operation shall cease upon notification by an Engineer-in-Charge of a Commission field facility that the station is operating improperly or causing undue interference to other operations. Beacon operation shall not resume without prior approval of the Engineer-in-Charge. (d) The licensee of an amateur radio station, before modifying an existing station in automatically-controlled beacon operation in the National Radio Quiet Zone, or before placing his/her station in the National Radio Quiet Zone, shall give written notification thereof to the Director, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, P.O. Box 2, Green Bank, West Virginia 24944. Station modification is any change in frequency, power, antenna height or directivity, or the location of the station. In such cases, the rules of 97.85(f)(1) and (2) shall apply. (e) The following amateur frequency bands and emissions are available for automatically-controlled beacon operation: 28.20- 28.30 MHz, 50.06-50.08 MHz, 144.05-144.06 MHz, 220.05- 220.06 MHz, 222.05-222.06 MHz, and 432.07-432.08 MHz using type N0/N, A1A, F1B or J2A emissions (when type F1B or J2A emissions are employed in these bands, the radio or audio frequency shift, as appropriate, shall not exceed 1000 Hz). Additionally, all amateur frequency bands above 450 MHz are available for automatically- controlled beacon operation using emission types authorized under Section 97.61, provided that the licensee is authorized to operate on the frequency under Section 97.7. (f) No amateur station at which the control operator or station licensee holds a Novice class operator license shall be in beacon operation. 97.88 Operation of a station by remote control. An amateur radio station may be operated by remote control only if there is compliance with the following: (a) A photocopy of the license for the remotely controlled station shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the station location. (b) The name, address, and telephone number of the remotely controlled station licensee and at least one control operator shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the remotely controlled transmitter location. (c) Except for operation under automatic control, a control operator shall be on duty when the station is being remotely controlled. Immediately before and during the periods the remotely controlled station is in operation, the frequencies used for emission by the remotely controlled station shall be monitored by the control operator. The control operator shall terminate all transmissions upon any deviation from the rules. (d) Provisions must be incorporated to limit transmission to a period of no more than 3 minutes in the event of malfunction in the control link. (e) A station in repeater operation shall be operated by radio remote control only when the control link uses frequencies other than the input (receiving) frequencies of the station in repeater operation. (f) The station records shall include during any period of operation: (1) The names, addresses, and call signs of all persons authorized by the station licensee to be control operators; and (2) A functional block diagram of the control link and a technical explanation sufficient to describe its operation. (g) Each remotely controlled station shall be protected against unauthorized station operation, whether caused by activation of the control link, or otherwise. 97.89 Point of Communications. (a) Amateur stations may communicate with: (1) Other amateur stations, excepting those prohibited by Appendix 2. (2) Stations in other services licensed by the Commission and with the U.S. Government stations for civil defense purposes in accordance with Subpart F of this Part, in emergencies and, on a temporary basis, for test purposes. (3) Any station which is authorized by the Commission to communicate with amateur stations. (b) Amateur radio stations may transmit one-way signals to receiving apparatus while in beacon operation or radio control operation. 97.90 System network diagram required. When a station has one or more associated stations, that is, stations in repeater or auxiliary operation, a system network diagram (see 97.3(u)) shall be included in the station records during any period of operation. 97.91 (reserved) 97.92 Record of operations. When deemed necessary by the Engineer-in-Charge (EIC) of a Commission field facility to assure compliance with the rules of this Part, a station licensee shall maintain a record of station operations containing such items of information as the EIC may require under Section 0.314(x). 97.93 Modulation of carrier. Except for brief tests or adjustments, an amateur radiotelephone station shall not emit a carrier wave on frequencies below 51 megahertz unless modulated for the purpose of communication. Single audio frequency tones may be transmitted for test purposes of short duration for the development and perfection of amateur radio telephone equipment. STATION OPERATION AWAY FROM AUTHORIZED LOCATION 97.95 Operation away from the authorized fixed station location. (a) Operation within the United States, its territories or possessions is permitted as follows: (1) When there is no change in the authorized fixed operation station location, an amateur radio station, other than a military recreation station, may be operated portable or mobile under its station license anywhere in the United States, its territories or possessions, subject to 97.61. (2) When the authorized fixed station location is changed, the licensee shall submit an application for modification of the station license in accordance with 97.47. (b) When outside the continental limits of the United States, its territories, or possessions, an amateur radio station may be operated as portable or mobile only under the following conditions: (1) Operation may not be conducted within the jurisdiction of a foreign government except pursuant to, and in accordance with express authority granted to the licensee by such foreign government. When a foreign government permits Commission licensees to operate within its territory, the amateur frequency bands which may be used shall be as prescribed or limited by that government. (See Appendix 4 of this Part for the text of treaties or agreements between the United States and foreign governments relative to reciprocal amateur radio operation.) (2) (Reserved.) (3) (Reserved.) (4) Except as otherwise provided, amateur operation conducted outside the jurisdiction of a foreign government shall comply with all requirements of Part 97 of this chapter. THIS IS THE MAP CAPTION Note: Region 2 is defined as follows: On the east, a line (B) extending from the North Pole along meridian 10` of Greenwich to its intersection with parallel 72`; thence by Great Circle Arc to the intersection of meridian 50` W and parallel 40` N; thence by Great Circle Arc to the intersection of meridian 20` W and parallel 10` S; thence along meridian 20 degrees west to the South Pole. On the west, a line (C) extending from the North Pole by Great Circle Arc to the intersection of parallel 65`, 30 N with the international boundary in Bering Strait; thence by Great Circle Arc to the intersection of meridian 165` East of Greenwich and parallel 50` N; thence by Great Circle Arc to the intersection of meridian 170` West and parallel 10` N; thence along parallel 10` N to its intersection with meridian 120` West thence along meridian 12` West to the South Pole. SPECIAL PROVISIONS 97.99 Stations used only for radio control of remote model craft and vehicles. An amateur radio station in radio control operation with a mean output power not exceeding one watt may, when used for the control of a remote model craft or vehicle, be operated under the special provisions of this section, provided that a writing indicating the station call sign and the licensee's name and address is affixed to the transmitter. (a) Station identification is not required for transmission directed only to a remote model craft or vehicle. (b) Transmissions containing only control signals directed only to a remote model craft or vehicle are not considered to be codes or ciphers in the context of the meaning of 97.117. 97.101 Mobile stations aboard ships or aircraft. In addition to complying with all other applicable rules, an amateur mobile station operated on board a ship or aircraft must comply with all of the following special conditions: (a) The installation and operation of the amateur mobile station shall be approved by the master of the ship or captain of the aircraft; (b) The amateur mobile station shall be separate from and independent of all other radio equipment, if any, installed on board the same ship or aircraft; (c) The electrical installation of the amateur mobile station shall be in accord with the rules applicable to ships or aircraft as promulgated by the appropriate government agency; (d) The operation of the amateur mobile station shall not interfere with the efficient operation of any other radio equipment installed on board the same ship or aircraft; and (e) The amateur mobile station and its associated equipment, either in itself or in its method of operation, shall not constitute a hazard to the safety of life or property. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 97.107 Operation in emergencies. In the event of an emergency disrupting normally available communication facilities in any widespread area or areas, the Commission, in its discretion, may declare that a general state of communications emergency exists, designate the area or areas concerned, and specify the amateur frequency bands, or segments of such bands, for use only by amateurs participating in emergency communication within or with such affected area or areas. Amateurs desiring to request the declaration of such a state of emergency should communicate with the Commission's Engineer-in-Charge of the area concerned. Whenever such declaration has been made, operation of and with amateur stations in the area concerned shall be only in accordance with the requirements set forth in this section, but such requirements shall in nowise affect other normal amateur communication in the affected areas when conducted on frequencies not designated for emergency operation. (a) All transmissions within all designated amateur communications bands- other than communications relating directly to relief work, emergency service or the establishment and maintenance of efficient Amateur Radio networks for the handling of such communications shall be suspended. Incidental calling, answering, testing or working (including casual conversations, remarks or messages) not pertinent to constructive handling of the emergency situation shall be prohibited within these bands. (b) The Commission may designate certain amateur stations to assist in the promulgation of information relating to the declaration of a general state of communications emergency, to monitor the designated amateur emergency communications bands, and to warn non-complying stations observed to be operating in those bands. Such station, when so designated, may transmit for that purpose on any frequency or frequencies authorized to be used by that station, provided such transmissions do not interfere with essential emergency communications in progress; however, such transmissions shall preferably be made on authorized frequencies immediately adjacent to those segments of the amateur bands being cleared for the emergency. Individual transmissions for the purpose of advising other stations of the existence of the communications emergency shall refer to this section by number (97.107) and shall specify, briefly and concisely, the date of the Commission's declaration, the area and nature of the emergency, and the amateur frequency bands or segments of such bands which constitute the amateur emergency communications bands at the time. The designated stations shall not enter into discussions with other stations beyond furnishing essential facts relative to the emergency, or acting as advisors to stations desiring to assist in the emergency, and the operators of such designated stations shall report fully to the Commission the identity of any stations failing to comply, after notice, with any of the pertinent provisions of this section. (c) The special conditions imposed under the provisions of this section shall cease to apply only after the Commission or its authorized representative, shall have declared such general state of communications emergency to be terminated; however, nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to prevent the Commission from modifying the terms of its declaration from time to time as may be necessary during the period of a communications emergency, or from removing those conditions with respect to any amateur frequency band or segment of such band which no longer appears essential to the conduct of the emergency communications. -The frequency 5167.5 kHz may be used by any station authorized under this part to communicate with any other station in the State of Alaska for emergency communications. No airborne operations will be permitted on this frequency. All stations operating on this frequency must be located in or within 50 nautical miles of the State of Alaska. The frequency 5167.5 kHz may be used by licensees in the Alaska-private fixed service for calling and listening, but only for establishing communication before switching to another frequency. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUBPART E Prohibited Practices [[goes here]] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subpart F Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) GENERAL 97.161 Basis and purpose. The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service provides for amateur radio operation for civil defense communications purposes only, during periods of local, regional or national civil emergencies, including any emergency which may necessitate invoking of the President's War Emergency Powers under the provisions of section 606 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. 97.163 Definitions. For the purposes of this Subpart, the following definitions are applicable: (a) Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. A radio communication service conducted by volunteer licensed amateur radio operators, for providing emergency radiocommunications to local, regional, or state civil defense organizations. (b) RACES station. An amateur radio station licensed to a civil defense organization, at a specific land location, for the purpose of providing the facilities for amateur radio operators to conduct amateur radiocommunications in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. 97.165 Applicability of rules. In all cases not specifically covered by the provisions contained in this Subpart, amateur radio stations and RACES stations shall be governed by the provisions of the rules governing amateur radio stations and operators (Subpart A through E of this part). STATION AUTHORIZATIONS 97.169 Station license required. No transmitting station shall be operated in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service unless: (a) The station is licensed as a RACES station by the Federal Communications Commission, or (b) The station is an amateur station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, and is certified by the responsible civil defense organization as registered with that organization. 97.171 Eligibility for RACES station license. (a) A RACES station will only be licensed to a local, regional, or state civil defense organization. (b) Only modification and/or renewal station licenses will be issued for RACES stations. No new licenses will be issued for RACES stations. 97.173 Application for RACES station license. (a) Each application for a RACES station license shall be made on the FCC Form 610-B. (b) The application shall be signed by the civil defense official responsible for the coordination of all civil defense activities in the area concerned. (c) The application shall be countersigned by the responsible official for the governmental entity served by the civil defense organization. (d) If the application is for a RACES station to be in any special manner covered by 97.42, those showings specified for non-RACES stations shall also be submitted. 97.175 Amateur radio station registration in civil defense organization. No amateur radio station shall be operated in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service unless it is certified as registered in a civil defense organization by that organization. OPERATING REQUIREMENTS 97.177 Operator requirements. No person shall be the control operator of a RACES station, or shall be the control operator of an amateur radio station conducting communications in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service unless that person holds a valid amateur radio operator license and is certified as enrolled in a civil defense organization by that organization. 97.179 Operator privileges. Operator privileges in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service are dependent upon, and identical to, those for the class of operator license held in the Amateur Radio Service. 97.181 Availability of RACES station license and operator licenses. (a) The original license of each RACES station, or a photocopy thereof, shall be attached to each transmitter of such station, and at each control point of such station. Whenever a photocopy of the RACES station license is utilized in compliance with this requirement, the original station license shall be available for inspection by any authorized Government official at all times when the station is being operated and at other times upon request made by an authorized representative of the Commission, except when such license has been filed with application for modification or renewal thereof, or has been mutilated, lost, or destroyed, and request has been made for a duplicate license in accordance with 97.57. (b) In addition to the operator license availability requirements of 97.82, a photocopy of the control operator's amateur radio operator license shall be posted at a conspicuous place at the control point for the RACES station. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS 97.185 Frequencies available. (a) All of the authorized frequencies and emissions allocated to the Amateur Radio Service are also available to the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service on a shared basis. (b) In the event of an emergency which necessitates the invoking of the President's War Emergency Powers under the provisions of 606 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, unless otherwise modified or directed, RACES stations and amateur radio stations participating in RACES will be limited in operation to the following frequencies and frequency bands unless otherwise directed by the President of the United States, by a person or persons designated by the President of the United States or by the FCC on behalf of the President of the United States: Frequency or Frequency Bands Limita- Limita- kHz tions MHz tions 1800-1825 28.55-28.75 1975-2000 29.237-29.273 3500-3550 29.45-29.65 3930-3980 50.35-50.75 3984-4000 52-54 3997 2 53.302 7079-7125 53.35-53.75 7245-7255 144.50-145.71 10100-10150 1 146-148 14047-14053 220-225 4 14220-14230 420-450 3, 5 14331-14350 1240-1300 3 21047-21053 2390-2450 3 21228-21267 (c) Limitations: (1) This band is allocated to the fixed service on a primary basis outside the United States and its possessions. Transmissions of stations in the Amateur Radio Service in this band are secondary to foreign fixed service use in this band. (2) For use in emergency areas when required to make initial contact with a military unit; also, for communications with military stations on matters requiring coordination. (3) Those stations operating in the bands 420-450, 1240-1300 and 2390-2450 MHz shall not cause harmful interference to, and must tolerate any interference from, the Government Radiolocation Service; and also the Aeronautical Radionavigation Service in the case of the 1240-1300 MHz band. (4) Those stations operating in the band 220-225 MHz shall not cause harmful interference to, and must tolerate any interference from, the Government Radiolocation Service until January 1, 1990. Additionally, the Fixed and Mobile Services shall have equal right of operation. (5) No station shall operate north of Line A (see 97.3(i)) in the 420-430 MHz band. (6) (Reserved.) 97.189 Point of communications. (a) RACES stations may only be used to communicate with: (1) Other RACES stations; (2) Amateur radio stations certified as being registered with a civil defense organization, by that organization; (3) Stations in the Disaster Communications Service; (4) Stations of the United States Government authorized by the responsible agency to exchange communications with RACES stations; (5) Any other station in any other service regulated by the Federal Communications Commission, whenever such station is authorized by the Commission, to exchange communications with stations in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. (b) Amateur radio stations registered with a civil defense organization may only be used to communicate with: (1) RACES stations licensed to the civil defense organization with which the amateur radio station is registered: (2) Any of the following stations upon authorization of the responsible civil defense official for the organization in which the amateur radio station is registered: (i) Any RACES station licensed to other civil defense organizations; (ii) Amateur radio stations registered with the same or another civil defense organization; (iii) Stations in the Disaster Communications Service; (iv) Stations of the United States Government authorized by the responsible agency to exchange communications with RACES stations; (v) Any other station in any other service regulated by the Federal Communications Commission, whenever such station is authorized by the Commission to exchange communications with stations in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. 97.191 Permissible communications. All communications in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service must be specifically authorized by the civil defense organization for the area served. Stations in this service may transmit only civil defense communications of the following types: (a) Communications concerning impending or actual conditions jeopardizing the public safety, or affecting the national defense or security during periods of local, regional, or national civil emergencies: (1) Communications directly concerning the immediate safety of life or individuals, the immediate protection of property, maintenance of law and order, alleviation of human suffering and need, and the combating of armed attack or sabotage; (2) Communications directly concerning the accumulation and dissemination of public information or instructions to the civilian population essential to the activities of the civil defense organization or other authorized governmental or relief agencies. (b) Communications for training drills and tests necessary to ensure the establishment and maintenance of orderly and efficient operation of the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service as ordered by the responsible civil defense organization served. Such tests and drills may not exceed a total time of one hour per week. (c) Brief one way transmissions for the testing and adjustment of equipment. 97.193 Limitations on the use of RACES stations. (a) No station in the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service shall be used to transmit or to receive messages for hire, nor for communications for material compensation, direct or indirect, paid or promised. (b) All messages which are transmitted in connection with drills or tests shall be clearly identified as such by use of the words "drill" or "test", as appropriate, in the body of the messages. Subpart G Operation of Amateur Radio Stations in the United States by Aliens Pursuant to Reciprocal Agreements 97.301 Basis, purpose, and scope. (a) The rules in this subpart are based on, and are applicable solely to, alien amateur operations pursuant to section 303(1)(3) and 310(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. (See Pub. L 93-505, 88 Stat. 1576.) (b) The purpose of this subpart is to implement Public Law 88- 383 by prescribing the rules under which an alien, who holds an amateur operator and station license issued by his government (referred to in this subpart as an alien amateur), may operate an amateur radio station in the United States, in its possessions, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (referred to in this subpart only as the United States). 97.303 Permit required. Before he may operate an amateur radio station in the United States, under the provisions of sections 303(1)(3) and 310(c) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, an alien amateur licensee must obtain a permit for such operation from the Federal Communications Commission. A permit for such operation shall be issued only to an alien holding a valid amateur operator and station authorization from his government, and only when there is in effect a bilateral agreement between the United States and that government for such operation on a reciprocal basis by United States amateur radio operators. 97.305 Application for permit. (a) Application for a permit shall be made on FCC Form 610-A. Form 610-A may be obtained from the Commission's Washington, DC, office, from any of the Commission's field offices and, in some instances, from United States missions abroad. (b) The application form shall be completed in full in English and signed by the applicant. A photocopy of the applicant's amateur operator and station license issued by his government shall be filed with the application. The Commission may require the applicant to furnish additional information. The application must be filed by mail or in person with the Federal Communications Commission, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA. To allow sufficient time for processing, the application should be filed at least 60 days before the date on which the applicant desires to commence operation. 97.307 Issuance of permit. (a) The Commission may issue a permit to an alien amateur under such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate. If a change in the terms of a permit is desired, an application for modification of the permit is required. If operation beyond the expiration date of a permit is desired, an application for renewal of the permit is required. In any case in which the permittee has, in accordance with the provisions of this subpart, made a timely and sufficient application for renewal of an unexpired permit, such permit shall not expire until the application has been finally determined. Applications for modification or for renewal of a permit shall be filed on FCC Form 610-A. (b) The Commission, in its discretion, may deny any application for a permit under this subpart. If an application is denied, the applicant will be notified by letter. The applicant may, within 90 days of the mailing of such letter, request the Commission to reconsider its action. (c) Normally, a permit will be issued to expire 1 year after issuance but in no event after the expiration of the license issued to the alien amateur by his government. 97.309 Modification, suspension, or cancellation of permit. At any time the Commission may, in its discretion, modify, suspend, or cancel any permit issued under this subpart. In this event, the permittee will be notified of the Commission's action by letter mailed to his mailing address in the United States and the permittee shall comply immediately. A permittee may, within 90 days of the mailing of such letter, request the Commission to reconsider its action. The filing of a request for reconsideration shall not stay the effectiveness of the action, but the Commission may stay its action on its own motion. 97.311 Operating conditions. (a) The alien amateur may not under any circumstances begin operation until he has received a permit issued by the Commission. (b) Operation of an amateur station by an alien amateur under a permit issued by the Commission must comply with all of the following: (1) The terms of the bilateral agreement between the alien amateur's government and the government of the United States; (2) The provisions of this subpart and of Subparts A through E of this part; (3) The operating terms and conditions of the license issued to the alien amateur by his government; and (4) Any further conditions specified on the permit issued by the Commission. 97.313 Station identification. (a) The alien amateur shall identify his station as follows: (1) Radio telegraph operation: The amateur shall transmit the call sign issued to him by the licensing country followed by a slant (/) sign and the United States amateur call sign prefix letter(s) and number appropriate to the location of his station. (2) Radiotelephone operation: The amateur shall transmit the call sign issued to him by the licensing country followed by the words "fixed", "portable" or "mobile", as appropriate, and the United States amateur call sign prefix letter(s) and number appropriate to the location of his station. The identification shall be made in the English language. (b) At least once during each contact with another amateur station, the alien amateur shall indicate, in English, the geographical location of his station as nearly as possible by city and state, commonwealth or possession. Subpart H Amateur-Satellite Service GENERAL 97.401 Purposes. The Amateur-Satellite Service is a radiocommunication service using stations on earth satellites for the same purpose as those of the Amateur Radio Service. 97.403 Definitions. (a) Space operation. Space-to-earth, and space-to-space, Amateur Radio communication from a station which is beyond, is intended to go beyond, or has been beyond the major portion of the earth's atmosphere. (b) Earth operation. Earth-to-space-to-earth amateur radiocommunication by means of radio signals automatically retransmitted by stations in space operation. (c) Telecommand operation. Earth-to-space Amateur Radio communication to initiate, modify, or terminate functions of a station in space operation. (d) Telemetry. Space-to-earth transmissions, by a station in space operation, of results of measurements made in the station, including those relating to the function of the station. 97.405 Applicability of rules. The rules contained in this Subpart apply to radio stations in the Amateur-Satellite Service. All cases not specifically covered by the provisions of this Subpart shall be governed by the provisions of the rules governing Amateur Radio stations and operators (Subpart A through E of this Part). 97.407 Eligibility for space operation. Amateur Radio stations licensed to Amateur Extra Class operators are eligible for space operation (see 97.403(a)). The station licensee may permit any Amateur Radio operator to be the control operator, subject to the privileges of the control operator's class of license (see 97.7). 97.409 Eligibility for earth operation. Any Amateur Radio station is eligible for earth operation (see 97.403(b)), subject to the privileges of the control operator's class of license (see 97.7). 97.411 Eligibility for telecommand operation. Any Amateur Radio station designated by the licensee of a station in space operation is eligible to conduct telecommand operation with the station in space operation, subject to the privileges of the control operator's class of license (see 97.7). 97.413 Space operations requirements. An Amateur Radio station may be in space operation where: (a) The station has not been ordered by the Commission to cease radio transmissions. (b) The station is capable of effecting a cessation of radio transmissions by commands transmitted by station(s) in telecommand operation whenever such cessation is ordered by the Commission. (c) There are, in place, sufficient Amateur Radio stations licensed by the Commission capable of telecommand operation to effect cessation of space operation, whenever such is ordered by the Commission. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS 97.415 Frequencies available. (a) The frequency bands in the following table are available for space operation, Earth operation and telecommand operation. Unless otherwise specified in this Subpart the rules for authorized emission modes (97.61 and 97.65) and authorized transmitting power (97.67) are applicable for each of the listed frequency bands. Frequency Limitations (see band paragraph (b)) kilohertz 7000-7100 14000-14250 21000-21450 24890-24990 28000-29700 megahertz 144-146 1 435-438 1, 4 1260-1270 1 2400-2450 gigahertz 3.40-3.41 1, 2 5.65-5.67 1, 4 5.83-5.85 1, 3 10.45-10.50 5 24.00-24.05 47.0-47.2 75.5-81.0 142-149 241-250 (b) Limitations: (1) Stations in the Amateur-Satellite Service must not cause harmful interference to other authorized stations operating in accordance with the Table of Frequency Allocations in this band, except radiolocation systems authorized in accordance with Footnote US217. (2) This frequency band is not available in ITU Region 1. (3) Stations in the Amateur-Satellite Service in this band are limited to Earth-to-space transmissions and are not protected from interference caused by fixed-satellite stations in Region 1, radiolocation stations, or industrial, scientific and medical equipment operating in this band. (4) Stations in the Amateur-Satellite Service in this band are limited to Earth-to-space transmissions. (5) Stations in the Amateur-Satellite Service in this band must not cause harmful interference to and are not protected from interference caused by stations in the Government radiolocation service. SPECIAL PROVISIONS 97.417 Space operation. (a) Stations in space operation are exempt from the station identification requirements of 97.84 on each frequency band when in use. (b) Stations in space operation may automatically retransmit the radio signals of other stations in earth operation, and space operation. (c) Stations in space operation are exempt from the control operator requirements of 97.79 and from the provisions of 97.88 pertaining to the operation of a station by remote control. 97.419 Telemetry. (a) Telemetry transmission by stations in space operation may consist of specially coded messages intended to facilitate communications. (b) Telemetry transmissions by stations in space operation are permissible one-way communications. 97.421 Telecommand operation. (a) Stations in telecommand operation may transmit special codes intended to obscure the meaning of command messages to the station in space operation. (b) Stations in telecommand operation are exempt from the station identification requirements of 97.84. (c) Stations in telecommand operation may transmit from within the military areas designated in 97.61(b)(7) in the frequency band 435-438 MHz with a maximum of 611 watts effective radiated power (1000 watts equivalent isotropically radiated power). The transmitting-antenna elevation angle between the lower half-power (-3 decibels relative to the peak or antenna bore sight) point and horizon must always be greater than 10`. 97.422 Earth operation. Stations in earth operation may transmit from within the military areas designated in 97.61(b)(7) in the frequency band 435-438 MHz with a maximum of 611 watts effective radiated power (1000 watts equivalent isotropically radiated power). The transmitting-antenna elevation angle between the lower half-power (-3 decibels relative to the peak or antenna bore sight) point and the horizon must always be greater than 10`. 97.423 Notification required. (a) The licensee of every station in space operation shall give written notifications to the Private Radio Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC 20554. (b) Pre-space operation notification. (1) Three notifications are required prior to initiating space operation. They are: First notification. Required no less than twenty-seven months prior to initiating space operation. Second notification. Required no less than fifteen months prior to initiating space operation. Third notification. Required no less than three months prior to initiating space operation. (2) The pre-space operation notification shall consist of: Space operation date. A statement of the expected date space operations will be initiated, and a prediction of the duration of the operation. Identity of satellite. The name by which the satellite will be known. Service area. A description of the geographic area on the Earth's surface which is capable of being served by the station in space operation. Specify for both the transmitting and receiving antennas of this station. Orbital parameters. A description of the anticipated orbital parameters as follows: Non-geostationary satellite 1) Angle of inclination 2) Period 3) Apogee (kilometers) 4) Perigee (kilometers) 5) Number of satellites having the same orbital characteristics Geostationary satellite 1) Nominal geographical longitude 2) Longitudinal tolerance 3) Inclination tolerance 4) Geographical longitudes marking the extremities of the orbital arc over which the satellite is visible at a minimum angle of elevation of 10` at points within the associated service area. 5) Geographical longitudes marking the extremities of the orbital arc within which the satellite must be located to provide communications to the specified service area. 6) Reason when the orbital arc of (5) is less than that of (4) Technical Parameters. A description of the proposed technical parameters for: (1) the station in space operation; and (2) a station in earth operation suitable for use with the station in space operation; and (3) a station in telecommand operation suitable for use with the station in space operation. The description shall include: (1) Carrier frequencies if known; otherwise give frequency range where carrier frequencies will be located. (2) Necessary bandwidth. (3) Class of emission. (4) Total peak power. (5) Maximum power density (watts/Hz) (6) Antenna radiation pattern- (7) Antenna gain (main beam)- (8) Antenna pointing accuracy (geostationary satellites only)- (9) Receiving system noise temperature^ (10) Lowest equivalent satellite link noise temperature (c) In-space operation notification. Notification is required after space operation has been initiated. The notification shall update the information contained in the pre-space notification. In-space operation notification is required no later than seven days following initiation of space operation. (d) Post-space operation notification. Notification of termination of space operation is required no later than three months after termination is complete. If the termination is ordered by the Commission, notification is required no later than twenty-four hours after termination is complete. These antenna characteristics shall be provided for both transmitting and receiving antennas. For a station in space operation. The total noise temperature at the input of a typical amateur radio station receiver shall include the antenna noise (generated by external sources (ground, sky, etc.) peripheral to the receiving antenna and noise re-radiated by the satellite), plus noise generated internally to the receiver. The additional receiver noise is above thermal noise, kToB. Referred to the antenna input terminals, the total system noise temperature is given by Ts = Ta + (L - 1)To = LTr where: Ta: antenna noise temperature L: line losses between antenna output terminals and receiver input terminals To: ambient temperature, usually given as 290` K Tr: receiver noise temperature; this is also given as (NF - 1)To, where NF is receiver noise figure. Subpart I Volunteer-Examiner Coordinators 97.501 Purpose. The rules in this subpart are designed to provide for the establishment of volunteer-examiner coordinators to coordinate the efforts of volunteer examiners in preparing and administering examinations for amateur radio operator licenses. 97.503 Definitions. For the purpose of this subpart, the following definitions are applicable: (a) Volunteer-examiner coordinator (VEC). An organization which has entered into an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission to coordinate the efforts of volunteer examiners in preparing and administering examination for amateur radio operator licenses. (b) Volunteer examiner. An amateur radio operator who prepares or administers examinations to applicants for amateur radio operator licenses. 97.505 Applicability of rules. These rules apply to each organization that serves as a volunteer-examiner coordinator. 97.507 VEC Qualifications. In order to be a VEC, an organization must: (a) Be organized at least partially for the purpose of furthering amateur radio; (b) Be at least regional in scope, serving one or more of the following regions: (1) Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont; (2) New Jersey and New York; (3) Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Pennsylvania; (4) Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia; (5) Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas; (6) California; (7) Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; (8) Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia; (9) Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin; (10) Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota; (11) Alaska; (12) Caribbean Insular areas: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands (50 islets and cays) and Navassa Island; AND (13) Pacific Insular areas: Hawaii, American Samoa (seven islands), Baker Island, Commonwealth of Northern Mariannas Islands, Guam Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Island (Islets East, Johnston, North and Sand), Kingman Reef, Midway Island (Islets Eastern and Sand), Palmyra Island (more than 50 islets) and Wake Island (Islets Peale, Wake and Wilkes). (c) Be capable of acting as a VEC in one or more of the regions listed in paragraph (b); (d) Agree to coordinate all amateur radio operator examination elements for all amateur radio operator license classes except Novice Class; (e) Agree not to accept any compensation from any source for its services as a VEC, except reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses permitted by 97.36; and (f) Agree to assure that for any examination every candidate qualified under these rules is registered without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin or membership (or lack thereof) in any amateur radio organization. 97.509 Conflicts of interest. An organization engaged in the manufacture or distribution of equipment used in connection with amateur radio transmissions, or in the preparation or distribution of any publication used in preparation for obtaining amateur radio station operator licenses, may be a VEC only upon a persuasive showing to the Commission that preventive measures have been taken to preclude any possible conflict of interest. VOLUNTEER-EXAMINER COORDINATOR FUNCTIONS 97.511 Agreement required. No organization may serve as a VEC until that organization has entered into a written agreement with the Federal Communications Commission to do so. The VEC must abide by the terms of the agreement. 97.513 Scheduling of examinations. A VEC will coordinate the dates and times for scheduling examinations (see 97.26) throughout the region(s) it serves. Any VEC may also coordinate the scheduling of testing opportunities outside of the regions listed in Section 97.507(b). 97.515 Coordinating Volunteer examiners. A VEC will accredit amateur radio operators, licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, as volunteer examiners (see 97.30). A VEC will seek to recruit a broad representation of amateur radio operators to be volunteer examiners. A VEC may not discriminate in accrediting volunteer examiners on the basis of race, sex, religion or national origin. A VEC may not refuse to accredit a volunteer on the basis of membership (or lack thereof) in an amateur radio organization. A VEC may not discriminate in accrediting volunteer examiners based upon their accepting or declining to accept reimbursement. A VEC must not accredit an amateur radio operator volunteering to be an examiner if: (a) the volunteer examiner does not meet minimum statutory qualifications or minimum qualifications as prescribed by the rules; (b) the FCC refuses to accept the voluntary and uncompensated services of the volunteer examiner; (c) the VEC determines that the volunteer is not competent to perform the function for which he/she volunteered; OR (d) the VEC determines that questions of the volunteer's integrity or honesty could compromise the examination(s). 97.517 Examination materials provided by a VEC. (a) The coordinating VEC may provide telegraphy messages and question sets to the administering volunteer examiners it accredits for use in examination sessions it coordinates. See Section 97.27. (b) Each telegraphy message provided by a VEC shall be prepared by volunteer examiner of the proper operator class, as follows: (1) Element 1(C): Amateur Extra class; (2) Element 1(B): Amateur Extra class; (3) Element 1(A): Amateur Extra class, Advanced class or General class. (c) Each question on each VEC question pool and question set shall be prepared by a volunteer examiner of the proper operator class, as follows: (1) Element 4(A) and 4(B): Amateur Extra class; (2) Element 3: Amateur Extra class and Advanced class; (3) Element 2: Amateur Extra class, Advanced class, General class or Technician class. 97.519 Examination procedures. At the completion of each examination, a VEC will collect the candidates' application forms, answer sheets and test results from the volunteer examiners (see 97.28(h)). A VEC will: (a) Make a record of the date and place of the test; the names of the volunteer examiners and their qualifications; the names of the candidates; the test results; and, related information. (b) Screen the application for completeness and authenticity. (c) Forward the application within ten days of its receipt from the examiners to: Federal Communications Commission, Licensing Division, Private Radio Bureau, Gettysburg, PA 17325. (d) Make available to any authorized FCC representative any requested examination records. 97.521 VEC question pools. All VECs must cooperate in maintaining one standard question pool for each written examination element. Each standard question pool must contain at least ten times the number of questions required for a single examination. See Section 97.21. No question in a question set may be used for a written examination in an examination session coordinated by any VEC unless it appears on the standard question pool. The standard question pools must be published and made available to the public prior to their use for making question sets. 97.523 Reserved.