Free Ham Radio General Class Test FCC Rules and Regulations Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under what circumstances, if any, may a General Class amateur operator be the control operator of a station transmitting data emissions on the 20-meter band?
- This is not permitted for General Class licensees.
- Only if the transmission is for emergency communications.
- Only when using a digital mode with a symbol rate of 300 baud or less. (Correct answer)
- At any time, as long as the station power does not exceed 100 watts PEP.
Correct answer: Only when using a digital mode with a symbol rate of 300 baud or less.
FCC Part 97 rules specify maximum symbol rates for data transmissions on different frequency bands. For HF bands below 10 meters, such as the 20-meter band, the maximum symbol rate for RTTY or data transmissions is 300 baud for General Class licensees.
Question 2: A General Class operator is communicating with a station in a foreign country that does not have a third-party traffic agreement with the U.S. When can the U.S. operator legally pass a message on behalf of a non-licensed person?
- When the message is of a personal, non-commercial nature.
- When the third party is another licensed amateur radio operator.
- During a declared state of emergency.
- Under no circumstances. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Under no circumstances.
FCC rules prohibit U.S. amateur operators from handling third-party traffic with stations in countries that have not entered into a specific agreement with the United States, unless the third party is also a licensed amateur. Emergency or disaster relief communications are an exception, but the question does not specify such a situation.
Question 3: What are the frequency privileges for a General Class licensee on the 60-meter band?
- All frequencies between 5.3305 MHz and 5.4064 MHz.
- A small segment for CW and digital modes only.
- Specific, channelized frequencies using USB with a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz. (Correct answer)
- The same privileges as an Amateur Extra Class licensee.
Correct answer: Specific, channelized frequencies using USB with a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz.
The 60-meter band is unique in that amateur radio is a secondary user and operations are restricted to five specific center frequencies (channels) with an upper sideband (USB) voice emission. The maximum permitted bandwidth is 2.8 kHz.
Question 4: According to FCC rules, what is the proper station identification procedure when operating your station?
- Transmit your call sign at the beginning of each communication.
- Transmit your call sign at least once every 10 minutes during a communication and at the end of the communication. (Correct answer)
- Transmit your call sign and geographic location every 5 minutes.
- Transmit your call sign only when requested by the other station.
Correct answer: Transmit your call sign at least once every 10 minutes during a communication and at the end of the communication.
FCC Part 97.119 requires amateur stations to transmit their assigned call sign at the end of each communication and at intervals not to exceed 10 minutes during a single communication. This ensures that the source of transmissions is clearly identified.
Question 5: A storm has caused a widespread power outage and failure of the local telephone system. A General Class operator with an emergency power source is asked by a neighbor to send a message to their relative in another state to let them know they are safe. Which of the following is true?
- The operator cannot transmit the message because it is third-party traffic.
- The operator must first get permission from the FCC.
- The operator may transmit the message as it relates to the immediate safety of human life and protection of property. (Correct answer)
- The operator can only transmit the message if the relative is also a licensed amateur.
Correct answer: The operator may transmit the message as it relates to the immediate safety of human life and protection of property.
In situations involving the immediate safety of human life or protection of property, and when normal communication systems are unavailable, FCC rules permit amateur radio operators to transmit necessary messages, including third-party traffic, to render aid.
Question 6: On which of the following bands is a General Class licensee granted all amateur frequency privileges, the same as an Amateur Extra Class licensee?
- 20 meters
- 40 meters
- 80 meters
- 160 meters (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 160 meters
While General Class operators have privileges on portions of the 80, 40, 20, and 15-meter bands, there are segments within these bands reserved for Advanced and Amateur Extra Class licensees. However, on the 160, 60, 30, 17, 12, and 10-meter bands, General Class licensees have the same full privileges as Extra Class licensees.
Free Ham Radio General Class Test FCC Rules and Regulations Questions and Answers
Under what circumstances, if any, may a General Class amateur operator be the control operator of a station transmitting data emissions on the 20-meter band?