Release 1.0 September 2006

1
Listen First!

• When you select a frequency on which to
  transmit, the first thing you should always do is
  listen to determine whether the frequency is
  busy. If someone is already using the frequency,
  good amateur practice says you dont stomp all
  over them. Besides, its just the right thing to
  do!

2
Repeater Manners Calling Another Station

• Since most Technicians get their start on
  repeaters, it is a good idea to know how to call
  another station on the repeater. For example,
  how do you call another station on a repeater if
  you know the station's call sign? Its simple.
  Just say the station's call sign and identify
  your own station. Then wait for the other
  station to answer.
• And guess what? If you want to call another
  station not on a repeater, you do the same thing
  - say the station's call sign and then identify
  your own station.

3
Just Looking For Some Conversation

• Suppose you dont know anyone on the band, but
  you just want to talk. How do you indicate you
  are looking for any station with which to make
  contact? Its simple. Just say CQ followed by
  your call sign. CQ means calling any station
  and is the hams way of saying I just want to
  talk with anyone willing to talk.
• But be careful about one thing. If you want to
  talk to anyone who might be listening on a
  repeater, you dont want to use CQ. By custom,
  if you want to talk on a repeater, you just
  transmit your call sign. (Some hams will
  transmit their call sign followed by the words
  listening or monitoring. Thats OK, too, but
  definitely avoid CQ on the repeater.

4
Suppose You Hear A CQ

• When you hear someone transmitting CQ, and you
  are willing to talk with them, what should you
  transmit when responding to that call of CQ?
  Again, its very simple, and the same as calling
  another station. Transmit the other station's
  call sign followed by your call sign, and wait
  for an answer.

5
Test Transmissions

• The FCC says it is perfectly OK to test your
  transmitter using a brief transmission, but you
  still must identify yourself. A brief test
  transmission that does not include any station
  identification is an illegal unidentified
  transmission. Always properly identify your
  station when testing! (See 97.119(a))
• When you test your transmitter, find a
  frequency, listen, and if it is quiet, give your
  call sign. And it is a good idea, although not
  required by rule, to follow your call by the
  words test or testing.

6
How Often To ID When Testing

• The requirement to ID when testing is the same
  as at any other time. The rule says station
  identification is required at least every ten
  minutes and at the end of every transmission.

7
Making Your Call Sign Understood

• When conditions are bad, it is sometimes hard
  to tell the difference between spoken letters
  when they sound similar. For example, consider
  that B, C, D, E, G, P, T, V and Z may be easily
  misunderstood in noisy conditions. Fortunately,
  the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  has adopted a phonetic alphabet that is
  recognized world wide. It substitutes easily
  understood words for each of the letters of the
  alphabet.
• You dont have to know this alphabet for the
  Technician exam, but you do need to remember that
  these words are internationally recognized
  substitutes for letters. If you are having
  trouble being understood, you can give your call
  sign using these recognized phonetics. For
  example, KA4PUV becomes kilo alfa four papa
  uniform victor. (See 97.119(b)(2))

8
ITU Phonetic Alphabet

• Like we said, you do not have to know this
  alphabet for the test, but just for fun lets
  take a look at it. You can learn it once you get
  your license!
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  Phonetic Alphabet
• A Alpha J Juliet S Sierra
• B Bravo K Kilo T Tango
• C Charlie L Lima U Uniform
• D Delta M Mike V Victor
• E Echo N November W Whiskey
• F Foxtrot O Oscar X X-ray
• G Golf P Papa Y Yankee
• H Hotel Q Quebec Z Zulu
• I India R Romeo

9
Avoid Cutesy Call Signs

• Some hams like to use other older phonetic
  alphabets or invent their own words when giving
  their call sign phonetically. Other hams invent
  cute phrases to go with their call signs. None
  of these are illegal as long as you properly
  identify by stating your call sign in English as
  the rule requires. However, you should avoid
  them. Using non-standard phonetics or cute
  phrases can be a real problem because they are
  not easily understood by some operators.

10
Check-Up Time!

• Now lets try the questions from this group.
• You should make a note of any that you miss for
  later review.

11
T3A01

• Which of the following should you do when
  selecting a frequency on which to transmit?
• A. Call CQ to see if anyone is listening
• B. Listen to determine if the frequency is busy
• C. Transmit on a frequency that allows your
  signals to be heard
• D. Check for maximum power output

12
T3A01 Answer - B

• This is a common sense answer. Before you
  talk, always listen to see whether someone else
  is already using the frequency.

13
T3A02

• How do you call another station on a repeater if
  you know the station's call sign?
• A. Say "break, break" then say the station's call
  sign
• B. Say the station's call sign then identify your
  own station
• C. Say "CQ" three times then the other station's
  call sign
• D. Wait for the station to call "CQ" then answer
  it

14
T3A02 Answer - B

• Call the other station by saying the other
  stations call sign first, followed by your own.

15
T3A03

• How do you indicate you are looking for any
  station with which to make contact?
• A. CQ followed by your callsign
• B. RST followed by your callsign
• C. QST followed by your callsign
• D. SK followed by your callsign

16
T3A03 Answer - A

• To invite any station listening to answer your
  call, always call CQ.

17
T3A04

• What should you transmit when responding to a
  call of CQ?
• A. Your own CQ followed by the other station's
  callsign
• B. Your callsign followed by the other station's
  callsign
• C. The other station's callsign followed by your
  callsign
• D. A signal report followed by your callsign

18
T3A04 Answer - C

• When answering a station, the procedure is the
  same as calling the station... Give their call
  sign first, followed by your own.

19
T3A05

• What term describes a brief test transmission
  that does not include any station identification?
  
• A. A test emission with no identification
  required
• B. An illegal un-modulated transmission
• C. An illegal unidentified transmission
• D. A non-voice ID transmission

20
T3A05 Answer - C

• Any time an operator transmits, that operator
  must identify by giving his or her call sign at
  least every ten minutes and at the end of the
  transmission. It is illegal not to identify, so
  this would be an illegal unidentified
  transmission.

21
T3A06

• What must an amateur do when making a
  transmission to test equipment or antennas?
• A. Properly identify the station
• B. Make test transmissions only after 1000 PM
  local time
• C. Notify the FCC of the test transmission
• D. State the purpose of the test during the test
  procedure

22
T3A06 Answer - A

• Regardless of why the operator is transmitting,
  he or she must always properly identify the
  station. There are no special identification
  procedures for testing equipment.

23
T3A07

• Which of the following is true when making a
  test transmission?
• A. Station identification is not required if the
  transmission is less than 15 seconds
• B. Station identification is not required if the
  transmission is less than 1 watt
• C. Station identification is required only if
  your station can be heard
• D. Station identification is required at least
  every ten minutes and at the end of every
  transmission.

24
T3A07 Answer - D

• There are no special identification procedures
  for testing equipment. The identification
  requirements are the same as for any other type
  of transmission - at least every ten minutes and
  at the end of every transmission.

25
T3A08

• What is the meaning of the procedural signal
  "CQ"?
• A. Call on the quarter hour
• B. New antenna is being tested (no station should
  answer)
• C. Only the called station should transmit
• D. Calling any station

26
T3A08 Answer - D

• CQ means calling any station. When you call
  CQ, you are inviting any ham who is listening to
  contact you.

27
T3A09

• Why should you avoid using cute phrases or word
  combinations to identify your station?
• A. They are not easily understood by some
  operators
• B. They might offend some operators
• C. They do not meet FCC identification
  requirements
• D. They might be interpreted as codes or ciphers
  intended to obscure your identification

28
T3A09 Answer - A

• 97.119(b)(2)
• (b) The call sign must be transmitted with an
  emission authorized for the transmitting channel
  in one of the following ways
• (2) By a phone emission in the English language.
  Use of a standard phonetic alphabet as an aid for
  correct station identification is encouraged
• When an operator makes up his or her own
  phonetics (which is not illegal), the phonetics
  are not always readily understood by others. You
  should learn the standard phonetic alphabet used
  by radio operators.

29
T3A10

• What brief statement is often used in place of
  "CQ" to indicate that you are listening for calls
  on a repeater?
• A. Say "Hello test" followed by your call sign
• B. Say your call sign
• C. Say the repeater call sign followed by your
  call sign
• D. Say the letters "QSY" followed by your call
  sign

30
T3A10 Answer - B

• On a repeater, it is generally considered bad
  manners to call CQ. When using a repeater to
  invite a conversation, the generally accepted
  procedure is to simply state your call sign.
  That is enough to let others know you are
  available for a contact.

31
T3A11

• Why should you use the International
  Telecommunication Union (ITU) phonetic alphabet
  when identifying your station?
• A. The words are internationally recognized
  substitutes for letters
• B. There is no advantage
• C. The words have been chosen to represent
  amateur radio terms
• D. It preserves traditions begun in the early
  days of amateur radio

32
T3A11 Answer - A

• 97.119(b)(2)
• The FCC encourages the use of these phonetics.
  They are used by radio operators, pilots,
  mariners and the military services of many
  countries around the world, so they are widely
  recognized, even among non-English speaking
  people.

33
Group T3B

• Group T3B covers the importance of the use of
  minimum power and amateur radio band plans. It
  also covers repeater coordination and certain
  sub-bands with restricted modes.

34
Band Plans

• The FCC has established the amateur radio bands
  and has divided the bands up into sub-bands for
  different types of operation. Sometimes that
  isnt enough, since there are several different
  modes using the use digital or data frequencies,
  and these modes could conflict with each other.
• For that reason, the amateur community has come
  up with a number of band plans. A band plan is a
  voluntary guideline, beyond the divisions
  established by the FCC for using different
  operating modes within an amateur band. It is a
  sort of gentlemens agreement that lets several
  modes share limited frequencies. Band plans are
  voluntary. No rule makes them mandatory.

35
Repeater Band Plans

• Repeaters almost always transmit on one
  frequency and receive on another. We call this
  split frequency operation. To make the best use
  of the frequencies available for repeaters, each
  area has a recognized frequency coordination body
  responsible for repeater band plans. For
  example, in the southeastern U.S., this body is
  SERA, or the Southeastern Repeater Association.

36
Repeater Coordination

• These recognized frequency coordination
  organizations perform a valuable service by
  coordinating repeaters. Basically, a person or
  group that wants to put up a repeater furnishes
  information about the repeater location, power,
  antenna height and other data, and the local
  frequency coordinator assigned the repeater a
  frequency pair. The frequency pair is chosen to
  avoid interfering with other repeaters. This
  process is called repeater coordination. The
  main purpose of repeater coordination is to
  reduce interference and promote proper use of the
  available frequency spectrum.

37
Who Is Responsible?

• Recall that repeaters are automatically
  controlled, so the repeater control operator is
  generally not required to be at the control point
  all the time. Suppose a ham begins using the
  repeater and starts using obscene language? Who
  is accountable if a repeater station
  inadvertently retransmits such communications
  that violate FCC rules? Since the repeater
  control operator is not required to be there all
  the time, the FCC says it is the transmitting
  station that will be held accountable. (See
  97.205(g))

38
How Much Power Should You Use?

• The FCC says that an amateur must use the
  minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out
  the desired communication. (See 97.313(a))
• The maximum power level allowed to hams is
  quite high, but the FCC has made it clear that
  hams must use only the power needed. Using
  excess power may create unnecessary interference
  and should be avoided.

39
More Memory Work

• Some amateur bands are divided by the FCC into
  mode restricted sub bands. When a sub band is
  restricted by mode, only certain modes can be
  used on that portion of the band. The following
  bands available to Technician class licensees
  have mode restricted sub-bands the 6-meter,
  2-meter, and 1 1/4-meter bands. You need to
  remember this. (See 97.305(c))

40
And Still More Memory Work

• Recall that the 6 meter band extends from 50
  megahertz to 54 megahertz. The only emission
  mode permitted in the 50 to 50.1 megahertz sub
  band is CW (also known as continuous wave and
  used for Morse code).
• Also recall that the 2 meter band goes from 144
  megahertz to 148 megahertz. Likewise, the only
  emission mode permitted in the restricted
  sub-band at 144.0 to 144.1 megahertz is also CW.
• Remember both of these as well.
• (See 97.305 (a)(c))

41
Check-Up Time!

• Now lets try the questions from this group.
• You should make a note of any that you miss for
  later review.

42
T3B01

• What is a band plan?
• A. A voluntary guideline, beyond the divisions
  established by the FCC for using different
  operating modes within an amateur band
• B. A guideline from the FCC for making amateur
  frequency band allocations
• C. A guideline for operating schedules within an
  amateur band published by the FCC
• D. A plan devised by a local group

43
T3B01 Answer - A

• Band plans are voluntary, and are developed by
  groups such as the ARRL and others working
  together. They help keep some order on the bands
  by suggesting frequencies for different modes of
  operation, thus minimizing interference.

44
T3B02

• Which of the following statements is true of
  band plans?
• A. They are mandated by the FCC to regulate
  spectrum use
• B. They are mandated by the ITU
• C. They are voluntary guidelines for efficient
  use of the radio spectrum
• D. They are mandatory only in the US

45
T3B02 Answer - C

• The key word to remember about band plans is
  voluntary. A ham can not follow the band plan
  and still be arguably legal. However,
  disregarding band plans when operating is not
  good amateur practice. See 97.101(a).

46
T3B03

• Who developed the band plans used by amateur
  radio operators?
• A. The US Congress
• B. The FCC
• C. The amateur community
• D. The Interstate Commerce Commission

47
T3B02 Answer - C

• The amateur community is all of us as
  represented by various clubs and amateur
  organizations such as the ARRL.

48
T3B04

• Who is in charge of the repeater frequency band
  plan in your local area?
• A. The local FCC field office
• B. RACES and FEMA
• C. The recognized frequency coordination body
• D. Repeater Council of America

49
T3B04 Answer - C

• Having groups to coordinate repeaters results
  in less interference between repeaters and better
  communications for all amateurs. In the
  southeast U.S., the Southeast Repeater
  Association (SERA) coordinates repeater
  frequencies through volunteers who used
  sophisticated software and solid engineering
  practices to assign repeater frequencies.

50
T3B05

• What is the main purpose of repeater
  coordination?
• A. To reduce interference and promote proper use
  of spectrum
• B. To coordinate as many repeaters as possible in
  a small area
• C. To coordinate all possible frequencies
  available for repeater use
• D. To promote and encourage use of simplex
  frequencies

51
T3B05 Answer - A

• When repeaters are coordinated, nearby
  repeaters will not operate on the same
  frequencies. This prevents each repeater from
  interfering with the other making both repeaters
  useless.

52
T3B06

• Who is accountable if a repeater station
  inadvertently retransmits communications that
  violate FCC rules?
• A. The repeater trustee
• B. The repeater control operator
• C. The transmitting station
• D. All of these answers are correct

53
T3B06 Answer - C

• 97.205(g)
• The control operator of a repeater that
  retransmits inadvertently communications that
  violate the rules in this Part is not accountable
  for the violative communications.
• A repeater owner spends a lot of money to make
  repeaters available to the amateur community,
  almost always at no expense to the community.
  The rules relieve the control operator from
  liability for the unlawful actions of a repeater
  user. Every ham is accountable for what he or
  she says over the air, whether on a repeater, or
  on simplex. Watch what you say!

54
T3B07

• Which of these statements is true about legal
  power levels on the amateur bands?
• A. Always use the maximum power allowed to ensure
  that you complete the contact
• B. An amateur may use no more than 200 Watts PEP
  to make an amateur contact
• C. An amateur may use up to 1500 Watts PEP on any
  amateur frequency
• D. An amateur must use the minimum transmitter
  power necessary to carry out the desired
  communication

55
T3B07 Answer - D

• 97.313(a)
• An amateur station must use the minimum
  transmitter power necessary to carry out the
  desired communications.
• Use only the power you need to communicate.
  Your signal will be cleaner and less likely to
  cause harmful interference to others.

56
T3B08

• Which of the bands available to Technician class
  licensees have mode restricted sub-bands?
• A. The 6-meter, 2-meter, and 70-centimeter bands
• B. The 2-meter and 13-centimeter bands
• C. The 6-meter, 2-meter, and 1 1/4-meter bands
• D. The 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands

57
T3B08 Answer - C

• 97.305(c)
• This subsection contains another important
  table. You need to know the restrictions placed
  on the bands you will use as a Technician
  licensee.

58
T3B09

• What emission modes are permitted in the
  restricted sub-band at 50.0-50.1 MHz?
• A. CW only
• B. CW and RTTY
• C. SSB only
• D. CW and SSB

59
T3B09 Answer - A

• 97.305 (a)(c)
• There are only three possible questions dealing
  with modes on specific bands. Chances are about
  1 in 3 that you will have one on your exam.
  However, there is a 100 chance you will need to
  know this information when you get ready to make
  that first amateur contact. Dont wait until
  then to learn what is allowed!

60
T3B10

• What emission modes are permitted in the
  restricted sub-band at 144.0-144.1 MHz?
• A. CW only
• B. CW and RTTY
• C. SSB only
• D. CW and SSB

61
T3B10 Answer - A

• 97.305 (a)(c)
• Heres a hint. The lower end of each band is
  generally reserved for CW.

62
Group T3C

• Group T3C covers some of the most important
  aspects of amateur radio - courtesy and respect
  for others, sensitive subject areas, and obscene
  and indecent

63
Breaking In On Another Conversation

• In the CB world, it is considered perfectly
  normal to break into another conversation by
  saying break break or breaker. That is NOT
  the case in the amateur world!
• When you want to break into a conversation
  between two stations that are using the
  frequency, you should simply say your call sign
  between their transmissions. Most hams dont
  care too much for that CB slang!

64
More Repeater Manners

• Good repeaters are sometimes very busy. Some
  things you should do when using a repeater
  include
• - Monitor before transmitting and keep
  transmissions short
• - Identify legally
• - Use only the minimum amount of transmitter
  power necessary

65
Staying Legal

• Before responding to another stations call, you
  should always make sure you are operating on a
  permissible frequency for your license class. We
  know it sounds silly, but if you are not careful,
  you can easily stray outside of your privileges.

66
I Was Here First!

• There are only so many frequencies available.
  If two amateur stations want to use the same
  frequency, the FCC says no frequency will be
  assigned for the exclusive use of any station and
  neither operator has priority. (See 97.101(b))
• When there a conflict about the use of a
  frequency, nobody has an exclusive right to that
  frequency, so the operators will need to work it
  out between themselves hopefully as adults!

67
More on Indecent and Obscene Language

• You recall that indecent and obscene language
  is prohibited in the Amateur Service. Why?
  There are several reasons, including
• - It is offensive to some individuals
• - Young children may intercept amateur
  communications with readily available receiving
  equipment
• - And most importantly, such language is
  specifically prohibited by FCC Rules
• (See 97.113(a)(4))

68
So What Exactly Is Obscene or Indecent?

• There is no official list of prohibited obscene
  and indecent words that should not be used in
  amateur radio. There isnt an unofficial one
  either. You just have to use your good common
  sense here. If you dont think you can use common
  sense, perhaps you need to take up another hobby!

69
Racial And Ethnic Slurs

• Speaking of no official list, racial and ethnic
  slurs are not necessarily obscene or indecent
  speech and may not be illegal because of the
  First Amendment.
• However, legal or not, amateur radio operators
  should avoid the use of racial or ethnic slurs
  when talking to other stations, because they are
  offensive to some people and reflect a poor
  public image on all amateur radio operators.
  Dont use them!

70
We All Make Mistakes

• You are not even licensed yet, but when you do
  get your license, you can bet on one thing you
  will make mistakes! Once you have learned the
  ropes and you hear another new ham having trouble
  with his or her station, you should contact the
  person and (tactfully) offer to help with the
  problem. This is not a rule, but it is amateur
  tradition and the right thing to do!

71
OK, So What Can I Talk About?

• Other than indecent or obscene speech, just
  about anything else is fair game. You can engage
  in political discussions, tell jokes and stories,
  or talk about religion. But regardless of what
  you talk about, you should always bear in mind
  that others are listening, and some folks may be
  more easily offended than others. Even if
  something is legal, use good judgment about what
  you say on the air, and youll never go wrong.
• (See 97.113(a)(4))

72
Good Engineering and Amateur Practices

• No matter how many rules there are, they can
  never cover everything. So when circumstances
  are not specifically covered by FCC rules, what
  general operating standard must be applied to
  amateur station operation? The FCC says that if
  nothing else applies, the standard is always
  going to be good engineering and amateur
  practices. (See 97.101 (a))
• This phrase is not really defined, but it
  basically means doing what a good engineer or ham
  would do under similar circumstances.

73
Check-Up Time!

• Now lets try the questions from this group.
• You should make a note of any that you miss for
  later review.

74
T3C01

• What is the proper way to break into a
  conversation between two stations that are using
  the frequency?
• A. Say your call sign between their transmissions
• B. Wait for them to finish and then call CQ
• C. Say "Break-break" between their transmissions
• D. Call one of the operators on the telephone to
  interrupt the conversation

75
T3C01 Answer - A

• All you need to do is to say your call sign
  between transmissions. Unless there is an
  emergency, break-break should not be used. It
  is acceptable on CB, but frowned upon on the ham
  bands.

76
T3C02

• What is considered to be proper repeater
  operating practice?
• A. Monitor before transmitting and keep
  transmissions short
• B. Identify legally
• C. Use the minimum amount of transmitter power
  necessary
• D. All of these answers are correct

77
T3C02 Answer - D

• All of these answers are good amateur
  practice, as well as being required by rule.
  They are not only good practice for amateur
  frequencies, but for all contacts!

78
T3C03

• What should you do before responding to another
  stations call?
• A. Make sure you are operating on a permissible
  frequency for your license class
• B. Adjust your transmitter for maximum power
  output
• C. Ask the station to send their signal report
  and location
• D. Verify the other station's license class

79
T3C03 Answer - A

• You are responsible for the proper operation of
  your station, not the other persons. Keep your
  power to the minimum required to communicate, and
  make sure you are legal to operate on that
  frequency!

80
T3C04

• What rule applies if two amateur stations want
  to use the same frequency?
• A. The station operator with a lesser class of
  license must yield the frequency to a
  higher-class licensee
• B. The station operator with a lower power output
  must yield the frequency to the station with a
  higher power output
• C. No frequency will be assigned for the
  exclusive use of any station and neither has
  priority
• D. Station operators in ITU Regions 1 and 3 must
  yield the frequency to stations in ITU Region 2

81
T3C04 Answer - C

• 97.101(b)
• Each station licensee and each control operator
  must cooperate in selecting transmitting channels
  and in making the most effective use of the
  amateur service frequencies. No frequency will be
  assigned for the exclusive use of any station.
• No one owns any frequency. In the case of
  conflicts between operators, the matter should be
  resolved in an adult manner.

82
T3C05

• Why is indecent and obscene language prohibited
  in the Amateur Service?
• A. Because it is offensive to some individuals
• B. Because young children may intercept amateur
  communications with readily available receiving
  equipment
• C. Because such language is specifically
  prohibited by FCC Rules
• D. All of these choices are correct

83
T3C05 Answer - D

• 97.113(a)(4)
• No amateur station shall transmit
• (4) Music using a phone emission except as
  specifically provided elsewhere in this section
  communications intended to facilitate a criminal
  act messages encoded for the purpose of
  obscuring their meaning, except as otherwise
  provided herein obscene or indecent words or
  language or false or deceptive messages, signals
  or identification
• Not only is it against the rules, it is just
  plain rude, so the other answers are correct as
  well. Consider that when you speak into the
  microphone people all over the world can possibly
  hear you. This is especially true with many
  repeaters now tied into Echolink and IRLP.

84
T3C06

• Why should amateur radio operators avoid the use
  of racial or ethnic slurs when talking to other
  stations?
• A. Such language is prohibited by the FCC
• B. It is offensive to some people and reflects a
  poor public image on all amateur radio operators
• C. Some of the terms used may be unfamiliar to
  other operators
• D. You transmissions might be recorded for use in
  court

85
T3C06 Answer - B

• The FCC prohibits indecent or obscene language.
  Racial slurs may not fit into either category,
  but they do reflect poorly on all hams.

86
T3C07

• What should you do if you hear a newly licensed
  operator that is having trouble with their
  station?
• A. Tell them to get off the air until they learn
  how operate properly
• B. Report them to the FCC
• C. Contact them and offer to help with the
  problem
• D. Move to another frequency

87
T3C07 Answer - C

• Amateur radio has a rich tradition of Elmers
  more experienced hams who help newcomers learn
  the ropes. As you gain experience, you should
  always be willing to offer a helping hand instead
  of ignoring the problem or criticizing the new
  operator.

88
T3C08

• Where can an official list be found of
  prohibited obscene and indecent words that should
  not be used in amateur radio?
• A. On the FCC web site
• B. There is no official list of prohibited
  obscene and indecent words
• C. On the Department of Commerce web site
• D. The official list is in public domain and
  found in all amateur study guides

89
T3C08 Answer - B

• 97.113(a)(4)
• There is NO list of forbidden words. Its up
  to you to keep your speech decent. When in
  doubt, just dont say it.

90
T3C09

• What type of subjects are not prohibited
  communications while using amateur radio?
• A. Political discussions
• B. Jokes and stories
• C. Religious preferences
• D. All of these answers are correct

91
T3C09 Answer - D

• 97.113(a)(4)
• You should know by now that the only prohibited
  speech is obscene or indecent speech. However,
  you should always bear in mind that many people
  can be listening to what you say. Legal or not,
  if it is likely to be offensive, seriously
  consider not saying it!

92
T3C10

• When circumstances are not specifically covered
  by FCC rules, what general operating standard
  must be applied to amateur station operation?
• A. Designated operator control
• B. Politically correct control
• C. Good engineering and amateur practices
• D. Reasonable operator control

93
T3C10 Answer - C

• 97.101 (a)
• In all respects not specifically covered by FCC
  Rules each amateur station must be operated in
  accordance with good engineering and good amateur
  practice.

94
Group T3D

• Group T3D covers how amateurs should deal with
  interference to and from consumer devices. It
  also covers public relations, and intentional and
  unintentional interference caused by an amateur
  operator.

95
Im Interfering?!?

• Suppose you receive a report that your
  transmissions are causing splatter or
  interference on nearby frequencies. What should
  you do?
• The first thing you should do is stop
  transmitting and check your transmitter for off
  frequency operation or spurious emissions. If
  your equipment is not working right, you dont
  want to use it until you find out what the
  problem is.

96
When You Accidentally Butt In

• If you unintentionally interfere with another
  station or stations, the best course of action is
  to properly identify your station and move to a
  different frequency. If the other hams were
  there first, and you did not realize it until
  after you spoke, the polite thing to do is ID as
  required by the FCC and move on to an empty
  frequency.

97
Who Owns The Frequency?

• OK, by now you should know that no station has
  exclusive use of any frequency. There is one
  exception, though.
• If the FCC declares a communications emergency,
  it can specify that certain amateur frequencies
  may be used only by people working the emergency.
  Otherwise, repeat after me - no station has
  exclusive use of any frequency!

98
Youre On TV Your Neighbors!

• When signals from your transmitter are causing
  front end overload in your neighbor's television
  receiver, your neighbor is not likely to be
  happy. Hell be even less happy when he finds
  out that as long as your equipment is operating
  properly, he as the owner of the television
  receiver is responsible for fixing the problem.

99
Why IS The TV Owner Responsible?

• Heres why. The FCC has set certain standards
  for the operation of your transmitter. If you
  are within those standards, you are in compliance
  with the law. Those standards are developed to
  insure that a well-designed TV will not be
  bothered by interference. Unfortunately, cheap
  consumer electronics products are sometimes
  under-engineered and susceptible to interference
  from legal equipment. When that happens, the
  owner has to fix it.
• But heres where you can shine as a ham. You
  are in a good position to (carefully) explain
  this to your neighbor, and more importantly, help
  him or her solve the problem. Better to make a
  friend than an enemy!

100
Youre On the Other Neighbors Phone!

• Just like cheap TVs, cheap phones are subject
  to interference from amateur equipment, even when
  the equipment is operating properly. The major
  cause of this interference is the same as well.
  It is likely that the telephone was not equipped
  with adequate interference protection when it
  was manufactured. As long as your gear is
  working properly, it is not your fault. (But
  dont let that stop you from trying to help!)

101
Still Another Interference Problem!

• Sometimes there is a break in a cable
  television transmission line. This could have an
  effect on your amateur operations because TV
  interference may result when the amateur station
  is transmitting, or interference may occur to the
  amateur receiver.
• Signals from your transmitter can sometimes
  penetrate the break and be carried into nearby TV
  sets via the cable, or the broken cable can act
  as a strong TV signal source that can possibly
  interfere with your receiver.

102
Use A Dummy Load, Dummy!

• When you are testing your transmitter, you want
  to avoid putting out signals that could cause
  interference. There is a device called a dummy
  load that is connected to your radio where the
  antenna is usually connected. When you connect
  the dummy load and operate your transmitter,
  nearly all of the signal generated by your
  transmitter is converted to heat energy, and the
  potential for interference is greatly reduced!
  The best way to reduce on the air interference
  when testing your transmitter is to use a dummy
  load.

103
Use A Dummy Load to Prevent Harmful Interference!
104
FCC Rules in an Emergency

• When you are using amateur radio at the request
  of public service officials or at the scene of an
  emergency, do you know what rules apply? You
  should. They are the same rules that apply all
  the time. FCC rules always apply to amateur
  operations. (See 97.103(a)

105
RACES and ARES

• There are two very important groups to remember
  for amateur emergency communications. They are
  Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) and
  Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). RACES
  and ARES have in common that they both provide
  communications during emergencies.

106
Receiver Front-end Overload

• A radio receiver is a wonderful thing. It can
  take the tiniest bit of electricity from the air
  generated half a world away and turn it into the
  voice of the person who generated it. A radio
  receiver is also a very sensitive piece of
  equipment. It can be overloaded by strong
  signals very close to it. This happens because
  of something called receiver front-end
  overload. Receiver front-end overload is
  interference caused by strong signals from a
  nearby source.

107
Check-Up Time!

• Now lets try the questions from this group.
• You should make a note of any that you miss for
  later review.

108
T3D01

• What should you do if you receive a report that
  your transmissions are causing splatter or
  interference on nearby frequencies?
• A. Increase transmit power
• B. Change mode of transmission
• C. Report the interference to the equipment
  manufacturer
• D. Check transmitter for off frequency operation
  or spurious emissions

109
T3D01 Answer - D

• If you have reason to believe your transmitter
  is not working properly, you should stop
  transmitting until you determine whether you have
  an equipment problem. If so, you should
  determine exactly what the problem is and correct
  it.

110
T3D02

• Who is responsible for taking care of the
  interference if signals from your transmitter are
  causing front end overload in your neighbor's
  television receiver?
• A. You alone are responsible, since your
  transmitter is causing the problem
• B. Both you and the owner of the television
  receiver share the responsibility
• C. The FCC must decide if you or the owner of the
  television receiver is responsible
• D. The owner of the television receiver is
  responsible

111
T3D02 Answer - D

• Be careful here. If your equipment is working
  properly within FCC guidelines, and the TV set is
  still experiencing interference, it is probably
  due to the fact that the TV is not properly
  designed to prevent front end overload. In that
  case, it is the problem of the owner to solve.
  HOWEVER, to help yourself and your hobby, you
  should work with your neighbor to find solutions
  to the problem.

112
T3D03

• What is the major cause of telephone
  interference?
• A. The telephone wiring is inadequate
• B. Tropospheric ducting at UHF frequencies
• C. The telephone was not equipped with adequate
  interference protection when manufactured.
• D. Improper location of the telephone in the home

113
T3D03 Answer - C

• Many inexpensive consumer devices allow
  interference from radio frequency (RF) sources.
  Often this is due to poor design or cost cutting
  by eliminating a few simple parts that would
  prevent the problem. Either way, the consumer
  loses and the amateur is often blamed for the
  problem. It is very important that you work with
  your neighbor to locate and fix the problem, even
  though it may not be not required by law.

114
T3D04

• What is the proper course of action if you
  unintentionally interfere with another station?
• A. Rotate your antenna slightly
• B. Properly identify your station and move to a
  different frequency
• C. Increase power
• D. Change antenna polarization

115
T3D04 Answer - B

• If you become the interfering station, you have
  an obligation to cease the interference. The
  best way is to properly ID and then move off the
  frequency.

116
T3D05

• When may you deliberately interfere with another
  station's communications?
• A. Only if the station is operating illegally
• B. Only if the station begins transmitting on a
  frequency you are using
• C. Never
• D. You may cause deliberate interference because
  it can't be helped during crowded band conditions

117
T3D05 Answer - C

• 97.101(d)
• Deliberate interference is NEVER lawful, and
  there is no justification for it.

118
T3D06

• Who has exclusive use of a specific frequency
  when the FCC has not declared a communication
  emergency?
• A. Any net station that has traffic
• B. The station first occupying the frequency
• C. Individuals passing health and welfare
  communications
• D. No station has exclusive use of any frequency

119
T3D06 Answer - D

• No station or net "owns" any frequency.
  However, it is good amateur practice to yield to
  the stations there first, or if necessary, ask
  them to move. Even if they don't, to attempt to
  communicate over them is deliberate interference
  and is unlawful.

120
T3D07

• What effect might a break in a cable television
  transmission line have on amateur communications?
• A. A break cannot affect amateur communications
• B. Harmonic radiation from the TV may cause the
  amateur transmitter to transmit off-frequency
• C. TV interference may result when the amateur
  station is transmitting, or interference may
  occur to the amateur receiver
• D. The broken cable may pick up very high
  voltages when the amateur station is transmitting

121
T3D07 Answer - C

• The cable acts as an antenna. If the shielding
  is broken, some of the radio frequency (RF)
  emissions may get from the break to a nearby
  amateur receiver, causing interference. In the
  same way, RF from your antenna may penetrate the
  break, causing interference in the TV receiver.

122
T3D08

• What is the best way to reduce on the air
  interference when testing your transmitter?
• A. Use a short indoor antenna when testing
• B. Use upper side band when testing
• C. Use a dummy load when testing
• D. Use a simplex frequency instead of a repeater
  frequency

123
T3D08 Answer - C

• A good dummy load will absorb nearly all of the
  RF energy from your transmitter, minimizing the
  chances of interference to other stations.

124
T3D09

• What rules apply to your station when using
  amateur radio at the request of public service
  officials or at the scene of an emergency?
• A. RACES
• B. ARES
• C. FCC
• D. FEMA

125
T3D09 Answer - C

• FCC rules always apply to the use of an amateur
  station!

126
T3D10

• What do RACES and ARES have in common?
• A. They represent the two largest ham clubs in
  the United States
• B. One handles road traffic, the other weather
  traffic
• C. Neither may handle emergency traffic
• D. Both organizations provide communications
  during emergencies

127
T3D10 Answer - D

• RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service)
  and ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Communications)
  are both organizations that provide emergency
  communications services.

128
T3D11

• What is meant by receiver front-end overload?
• A. Too much voltage from the power supply
• B. Too much current from the power supply
• C. Interference caused by strong signals from a
  nearby source
• D. Interference caused by turning the volume up
  too high

129
T3D11 Answer - C

• Strong signals from a nearby source, whether or
  not it is on the same frequency, can overload a
  receiver, making it temporarily useless for
  receiving other stations. If the transmitted
  signal is very strong or very close, it can
  permanently damage the receiver.

130
Three Down, Seven to Go!

• This concludes Study Guide 3.
• Once you are satisfied that you can answer 80 of
  the questions in this Sub-element, you are ready
  to move on to Study Guide 4.