Technician License Course Chapter 8 Lesson Module 17 – Interference, Remote & Automatic Operation, Prohibited Transmissions Page 8-7

2014 Technician License Course Interference QRN or “Static” Natural interference (thunderstorms) Man-made (appliances and power lines) QRM Interference caused by other signals Can be from transmitted signals Can be created internally by a receiver Review these “Q” signals. 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Page 8-7 Interference Harmful Interference that is disruptive, not necessarily willful. Deal with it as best you can, try to avoid causing harmful interference. Willful Intentionally causing interference. This becomes a legal and law enforcement issue. This is rare and there are procedures to deal with this (ARRL Official Observers can help). Give the students some techniques on how to identify the type of interference and how to deal with it. Most interference is unintentional. Everyone makes a mistake and, in fact, most hams cause unintentional interference at times. Willful interference is another matter. Stress that it is rare. Give the students some strategies on how to deal with this kind of interference. Document the interference and give the information to their local Official Observer. Also avoid giving the perpetrator an audience. In most cases the person doing the interfering will give up and go somewhere else if they do not get the response and attention they are looking for. In all cases, if the students receive an interference complaint, they need to take that complaint seriously and deal with it as best they can. 2014 Technician License Course

Preventing Interference Use common sense and courtesy Know how to operate your equipment to reduce generated and received interference No one owns a frequency; be a good neighbor and share – have a “Plan B” Recognize special operations and special circumstances It is hard to teach common sense, but try to give the students some techniques to avoid interference problems and how they can mitigate interference should it occur (and it will). It is important to stress that getting into an on-the-air argument about interference is counterproductive and should be avoided. 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Page 8-10 Control Point Where the control operator function is performed – not necessarily at the physical transmitter Local control: operator is at the transmitter Remote control: control point is linked to the transmitter by a control link which could be telephone, radio, or Internet Automatic control: control functions are operated by circuitry that ensures proper operation The control point is where the function of controlling a transmitter is performed by the control operator. That can be at the transmitter (local) or linked to the transmitter via some kind of control link (remote). 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Page 8-10 Automatic Control Control operator is always required Responsible for proper operation Repeaters, auxiliary stations, space stations, and beacons may operate under automatic control Repeater users are responsible for their transmissions through a repeater If the control function is performed by a circuit or program (automatic) a control operator is still needed to take responsibility for proper operation. The control operator just doesn’t need to be present when the station is transmitting. Automatic control systems usually have safeguards to prevent improper operation. Mention the time-out timer on a repeater as an example. 2014 Technician License Course

Prohibited Transmissions Page 8-11 Prohibited Transmissions Unidentified transmissions Not giving your call sign False or deceptive signals Using someone else’s call sign False distress or emergency signals Fake calls for help Obscene or indecent speech Up to interpretation, avoid controversial subjects Music This means turn off the music or shut the door to your shack. Most of these prohibited transmissions should be easy to identify. Obscene or indecent language is up to some interpretation. Give the students some examples of things to avoid discussing on the radio. Note that re-broadcasting programming from a commercial station is prohibited. Even incidental rebroadcasting is frowned on, so turn the car radio down when you’re operating a mobile station. 2014 Technician License Course

No Commercial Communications Page 8-12 No Commercial Communications Advertising ham radio gear is okay as long as it’s not your regular business. (Don’t advertise non-ham gear.) You may not use ham radio on behalf of your employer. Exception: teachers may use ham radio in their classrooms, clubs may employ an operator but only with restrictions on hours. This is also another area where it can get a little gray. Give some examples of acceptable and unacceptable business-related communications. It boils down to if the operator is going to profit in some way by the transmission, then they should not do it. If in doubt, don’t use ham radio for the transmission. In the scenario of professionals using ham radio during an emergency situation the usual factor to consider is whether there is an immediate threat to life or property and whether there is another more appropriate means of communication available. 2014 Technician License Course

No Encrypted Transmissions Page 8-12 No Encrypted Transmissions Encryption means deliberately encoding information for transmission in order to hide or obscure the message. Encryption is only allowed for: Radio control Space station control Most students will not get involved in this situation. They should not try to hide or deceive anyone listening in on the transmission through the use of codes. The use of codes does not necessarily have to be technical in nature. 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Page 8-13 No Broadcasting Broadcasting is sending one-way transmissions to the general public: News Music Exceptions: Code practice Ham radio-related bulletins Retransmission of space station control communications 2014 Technician License Course

Special Circumstances Page 8-13 Special Circumstances Emergencies and critical situations create special circumstances. Special events may qualify as special circumstances. Normal rules return when the situation returns to normal. Though ham communication is generally intended for hams, there are special circumstances where the rules are set aside to support the community at large during the emergency or critical situation. Give the students some specific examples that they might come across in their communities or regions. 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Practice Questions 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following meets the FCC definition of harmful interference? A. Radio transmissions that annoy users of a repeater B. Unwanted radio transmissions that cause costly harm to radio station apparatus C. That which seriously degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a radio communication service operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations D. Static from lightning storms FCC Rule: [97.3(a)(23)] T1A04 HRLM (8-7) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following services are protected from interference by amateur signals under all circumstances? A. Citizens Radio Service B. Broadcast Service C. Land Mobile Radio Service D. Radionavigation Service FCC Rule: [97.101(d), 97.303(o)(2)] T1A06 HRLM (8-7) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course When is willful interference to other amateur radio stations permitted? A. Only if the station interfered is expressing extreme religious or political views B. At no time C. Only during a contest D. At any time, amateurs are not protected from willful interference FCC Rule: [ 97.101(d)] T1A11 HRLM (8-8) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course On which of the following occasions may an FCC-licensed amateur station exchange messages with a U.S. military station? A. During an Armed Forces Day Communications Test B. During a Memorial Day Celebration C. During an Independence Day celebration D. During a propagation test FCC Rule: [97.111(a)(5)] T1D02 HRLM (8-13) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course When is the transmission of codes or ciphers that hide the meaning of a message allowed by an amateur station? A. Only during contests B. Only when operating mobile C. Only when transmitting control commands to space stations or radio control craft D. Only when frequencies above 1280 MHz are used FCC Rule: [97.211(b), 97.215(b)] T1D03 HRLM (8-12) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What is the only time an amateur station is authorized to transmit music? A. When incidental to an authorized retransmission of manned spacecraft communications B. When the music produces no spurious emissions C. When the purpose is to interfere with an illegal transmission D. When the music is transmitted above 1280 MHz FCC Rule: [97.113(a)(4), 97.11(a)3(ii)] T1D04 HRLM (8-13) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course When may amateur radio operators use their stations to notify other amateurs of the availability of equipment for sale or trade? A. When the equipment is normally used in an amateur station and such activity is not conducted on a regular basis B. When the asking price is $100.00 or less C. When the asking price is less than its appraised value D. When the equipment is not the personal property of either the station licensee or the control operator or their close relatives FCC Rule: [97.113(a)(3)(ii)] T1D05 HRLM (8-12) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What, if any, are the restrictions concerning transmission of language that may be considered indecent or obscene? A. The FCC maintains a list of words that are not permitted to be used on amateur frequencies B. Any such language is prohibited C. The ITU maintains a list of words that are not permitted to be used on amateur frequencies D. There is no such prohibition FCC Rule: [97.113(a)(4)] T1D06 HRLM (8-11) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What types of amateur stations can automatically retransmit the signals of other amateur stations? A. Auxiliary, beacon, or Earth stations B. Auxiliary, repeater, or space stations C. Beacon, repeater, or space stations D. Earth, repeater, or space stations FCC Rule: [97.113(d)] T1D07 HRLM (8-13) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course In which of the following circumstances may the control operator of an amateur station receive compensation for operating the station? A. When engaging in communications on behalf of their employer B. When the communication is incidental to classroom instruction at an educational institution C. When re-broadcasting weather alerts during a RACES net D. When notifying other amateur operators of the availability for sale or trade of apparatus FCC Rule: [97.113(a)(3)(iii)] T1D08 HRLM (8-12) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Under which of the following circumstances are amateur stations authorized to transmit signals related to broadcasting, program production, or news gathering, assuming no other means is available? A. Only where such communications directly relate to the immediate safety of human life or protection of property B. Only when broadcasting communications to or from the space shuttle C. Only where noncommercial programming is gathered and supplied exclusively to the National Public Radio network D. Only when using amateur repeaters linked to the Internet FCC Rule: [97.113(5)(b)] T1D09 HRLM (8-13) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What is the meaning of the term "broadcasting" in the FCC rules for the amateur services? A. Two-way transmissions by amateur stations B. Transmission of music C. Transmission of messages directed only to amateur operators D. Transmissions intended for reception by the general public FCC Rule: [97.3(a)(10)] T1D10 HRLM (8-13) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Under which of the following circumstances may an amateur radio operator broadcast? A. Under no circumstances B. When transmitting code practice, information bulletins, or transmissions necessary to provide emergency communications C. At any time as long as no music is broadcast D. At any time as long as the material being broadcast did not originate from a commercial broadcast station FCC Rule: [97.111(b)(4,5,6)] T1D12 HRLM (8-13) 2014 Technician License Course

Under what type of control do APRS network digipeaters operate? A. Automatic B. Remote C. Local D. Manual FCC Rule: [97.109(d)] T1E06 HRLM (8-11) 2014 Technician License Course

Which of the following is an example of automatic control? A. Repeater operation B. Controlling the station over the Internet C. Using a computer or other device to automatically send CW D. Using a computer or other device to automatically identify FCC Rule: [97.3(a)(6), 97.205(d)] T1E08 HRLM (8-11) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What type of control is being used when the control operator is at the control point? A. Radio control B. Unattended control C. Automatic control D. Local control FCC Rule: [97.109(b)] T1E09 HRLM (8-10) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following is an example of remote control as defined in Part 97? A. Repeater operation B. Operating a station over the Internet C. Controlling a model aircraft, boat or car by amateur radio D. All of these choices are correct FCC Rule: [97.3(a)(39)] T1E10 HRLM (8-10) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Who is accountable should a repeater inadvertently retransmit communications that violate the FCC rules? A. The control operator of the originating station B. The control operator of the repeater C. The owner of the repeater D. Both the originating station and the repeater owner FCC Rule: [97.205(g)] T1F10 HRLM (8-11) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What could cause your FM signal to interfere with stations on nearby frequencies? A. Microphone gain too high, causing over-deviation B. SWR too high C. Incorrect CTCSS Tone D. All of these choices are correct T2B07 HRLM (2-9) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What action should station operators take if they discover that they are both using the same frequency, causing interference? A. Common courtesy should prevail, but no one has absolute right to an amateur frequency B. Whoever has the strongest signal has priority on the frequency C. Whoever has been on the frequency the longest has priority on the frequency D. The station which has the weakest signal has priority on the frequency T2B08 HRLM (8-7) 2014 Technician License Course

Technician License Course Chapter 9 Lesson Module 18 – Safety and Amateur Radio Page 9-1 34

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-2 Electrical Injuries Shocks and burns. Low voltages can cause enough current to create problems. Equipment today uses lower voltage than tube equipment but it can still cause burns. Even low voltages are sometimes enough to cause hazardous current. Never assume voltage is harmless! Even though most modern equipment runs off of 12 volts, there are still dangerous voltages to be wary of, particularly in power supplies that convert 120 volts AC to 12 volt DC. Be cautious and vigilant around electricity. Remind students that current through the heart is the most dangerous: hand to hand, hand to foot And electricity moves a LOT faster than a person! 2014 Technician License Course 35

2014 Technician License Course Electrical Safety Avoiding contact is the most effective way of practicing electrical safety Unplug equipment before working on it Keep one hand in your pocket Make sure equipment is grounded Use power from GFCI-protected circuits Don’t provide a path for current through you. Don’t work on live equipment unless required to do so for adjustment or testing. Even then, don’t work alone! 2014 Technician License Course 36

Mitigating Electrical Hazards Page 9-2 Mitigating Electrical Hazards If working on live equipment is required: Remove jewelry Avoid unintentional touching of circuitry Never bypass safety interlocks Discharge high-voltage points and components to ground Capacitors can store charge after power is off Storage batteries are dangerous when shorted Explain what an interlock is. Show the students a grounding stick if one is available or a photo of one. Explain how to use it and when it is necessary. Spend some time talking about battery safety. The energy capacities of today’s batteries makes even more important to avoid short-circuiting batteries. 2014 Technician License Course 37

Responding to Electrical Injury Page 9-3 Responding to Electrical Injury REMOVE POWER! Have ON/OFF switches and circuit breakers clearly marked. Install an emergency master power switch and make sure your family knows how to use it. Call for help. Learn CPR and first aid. Online safety websites have instructions for what to do in case of electrical injury. Remind students of the ARRL’s “Switch to Safety” program. 2014 Technician License Course 38

Electrical Grounding and Circuit Protection Page 9-3 Electrical Grounding and Circuit Protection Make sure your station wiring meets code Most ham equipment does not require special wiring or circuits Use 3-wire power cords Use circuit breakers, circuit breaker outlets, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers or outlets Use proper fuse or circuit breaker size Don’t overload single outlets or circuits Show the students a properly wired 3-prong plug and ac socket using proper color-coded wiring. 2014 Technician License Course 39

Grounding & Bonding at RF Page 9-4 Grounding & Bonding at RF RF burns from “hot spots” at high RF voltage Do not cause serious injury at ham power level Prevent by bonding (connecting) equipment together with heavy wire or strap – braided strap not recommended at RF Prevent by keeping people away from antennas and radial or counterpoise wires Ground equipment for AC safety Explain that connecting equipment to ground does little at RF since a ground path is often electrically long and acts more like an antenna. Discuss how bonding keeps all of the equipment at the same RF voltage so that hot spots do not form and RF current does not flow between pieces of equipment. 2014 Technician License Course 40

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-4 Lightning Protection Ground antennas and towers to local code Use 8-ft ground rod for each tower leg Bond rods to tower leg and the other rods Ground connections should be as short as possible Use lightning arrestors on a single ground plate where cables enter the house Unplug and disconnect equipment (including telephones and computers) and feed lines if lightning is expected Following local codes is important and may be required for insurance coverage. Keep ground connections short and direct. Use a common ground connection as much as possible for lightning. Mention the ARRL’s equipment insurance program as a benefit for members. 2014 Technician License Course 41

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-5 RF Exposure Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is not the same as radioactivity – much lower energy RF energy heats body tissues Heating depends on the RF intensity and frequency. If precautions are taken, RF exposure is minimal and not dangerous. Point out to the students that RF exposure only causes very mild heating of body tissues (much like happens in a microwave oven but to a FAR lower extent). With simple precautions, the potential of harm is very low. Repeat the simple rule of not standing near or touching an antenna when the transmitter is on. 2014 Technician License Course 42

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-6 RF Intensity Power Density Watts per square centimeter (w/cm2) Higher power density means higher RF exposure RF absorption varies with frequency because of body part size Safe exposure levels have been established by the FCC Here you will break down and discuss the two components of RF exposure, field intensity and frequency. Try to keep the discussion focused on the big picture, it is easy to get into details, charts and graphs, and vocabulary of units that can be very intimidating. Cover in general terms what influences RF exposure and how to limit the exposure. It makes sense that the more power you transmit, the more potential there is for harmful RF exposure. Assure the students that if they operate commercial, off-the-shelf equipment (which they probably will early in their ham radio careers) that the power levels are such that there will be little exposure danger. Beam antennas focus the RF energy in desired directions, therefore being close to the antenna in the favored direction of the beam will increase the hazard. 2014 Technician License Course 43

Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) Page 9-6 Show how MPE varies with frequency. The points at which the graph is the lowest are the points at which the body absorbs RF the most. These are the frequency ranges at which the body and limbs are close to ½ or ¼ wavelength and begin acting like antennas. 2014 Technician License Course 44

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-7 RF Environment Controlled Environment. You know where people are standing in relation to your antenna and you can do something about it. Higher power density is allowed because you can make adjustments if needed. Uncontrolled Environment. You have no control of people near your antenna. Lower power density is allowed because you cannot control or adjust the exposure of people. If you have control of the environment around the antenna, you are allowed to use more power because you can take steps to limit exposure if required. Discuss several examples of controlled and uncontrolled environments. (See the ARRL Technology web page on RF Exposure or the ARRL’s RF Exposure and You. 2014 Technician License Course 45

Duty Cycle and Duty Factor Page 9-7 Duty Cycle and Duty Factor Duty cycle is the percentage of time that a transmitter is on during the evaluation period, from 0 to 100% Duty cycle = 100 x (time on / total time) Duty factor is the same as duty cycle, but given as a number from 0 to 1.0 Higher duty cycle or factor means higher average power density and exposure Note the relationship between the transmitter on/off duty cycle and that of the mode itself. Give some simple examples of duty cycle and illustrate with a simulated contact. 2014 Technician License Course 46

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-8 Mode Duty Cycle Accounts for the different characteristics of the transmitted signal’s waveform Note here, that FM, the mode most used by new hams, has a 100% duty cycle when the transmitter is on. 2014 Technician License Course 47

RF Exposure Evaluation Page 9-9 RF Exposure Evaluation All fixed stations must perform an exposure evaluation. Use online calculator (easiest) Model exposure with software (difficult) Measure RF power density (most difficult) At lower power levels, no evaluation is required. Varies with frequency – example: below 50 W at VHF. Re-evaluate exposure when station equipment or operating frequencies change. Stress that the online calculators are very easy to use and it’s actually quite rare for a ham to have to change the station or antenna configuration to comply with RF exposure rules. 2014 Technician License Course 48

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-10 Reducing RF Exposure Relocate or reorient antennas Raise the antenna Reduce antenna gain Reduce RF power output Change to a lower duty cycle mode 2014 Technician License Course 49

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-11 Mobile Safety Mobile Installations Secure all equipment Place equipment where you can operate it safely while driving Know local rules for use of communications equipment while driving May need hands-free microphone Make sure that equipment in cars is securely fastened so that it will not move around and create a hazard in an accident. Locate the controls of the equipment so that it does not present a hazard and distraction while driving. Some states now require hands-free microphones. Regardless, drive safely and don’t use the radio when your attention is needed on the road. 2014 Technician License Course 50

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-12 Power Line Safety Keep antennas well away from power lines Check for power lines before installing antennas in trees Provide a minimum of 10 feet of clearance if antenna falls Never attach antennas or guy lines to utility poles or structures Antennas generally need to be clear of obstacles and as high as practical. However, some common sense needs to be exercised to prevent antennas from becoming a safety hazard. Particular attention needs to be given to power lines and structure attachment points. Raising or lowering an antenna can be particularly risky if power lines are nearby. If the antenna and/or mast or tower falls, be sure that it can not fall into power lines. People are electrocuted every year in this way. 2014 Technician License Course 51

2014 Technician License Course Page 9-13 Tower Work Basic tower safety Proper clothing, hard hat and eye protection Use a proper climbing harness, not a lineman’s belt or rock-climbing gear Don’t climb a crank-up tower supported only by its lift cable – block and secure it first Use a gin pole to lift heavy items Don’t work alone – use a ground crew Finally go over some precautions and safety considerations that must be taken if the students will be doing or assisting with tower work for a friend or club. Most students will not be installing towers early in their ham careers, but they should be aware that special precautions should be taken and where they can review that information in the future. Suggest that they help out an experienced ham to learn how to do the work. 2014 Technician License Course 52

2014 Technician License Course Practice Questions 2014 Technician License Course 53

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following is a safety hazard of a 12 voltage storage battery? A. Touching both terminals with the hands can cause electrical shock B. Shorting the terminals can cause burns, fire, or an explosion C. RF emissions from the battery D. All of these choices are correct T0A01 HRLM (9-3) 2014 Technician License Course

How does current flowing through the body cause a health hazard? A. By heating tissue B. It disrupts the electrical functions of cells C. It causes involuntary muscle contractions D. All of these choices are correct T0A02 HRLM (9-2) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What is connected to the green wire in a three-wire electrical AC plug? A. Neutral B. Hot C. Safety ground D. The white wire T0A03 HRLM (9-4) 2014 Technician License Course

What is a good way to guard against electrical shock at your station? Use three-wire cords and plugs for all AC powered equipment Connect all AC powered station equipment to a common safety ground Use a circuit protected by a ground-fault interrupter D. All of these choices are correct T0A06 HRLM (9-3) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of these precautions should be taken when installing devices for lightning protection in a coaxial cable feed line? A. Include a parallel bypass switch for each protector so that it can be switched out of the circuit when running high power B. Include a series switch in the ground line of each protector to prevent RF overload from inadvertently damaging the protector C. Keep the ground wires from each protector separate and connected to station ground D. Ground all of the protectors to a common plate which is in turn connected to an external ground T0A07 HRLM (9-5) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What safety equipment should always be included in home-built equipment that is powered from 120V AC power circuits? A. A fuse or circuit breaker in series with the AC "hot" conductor B. An AC voltmeter across the incoming power source C. An inductor in series with the AC power source D. A capacitor across the AC power source T0A08 HRLM (9-4) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What kind of hazard might exist in a power supply when it is turned off and disconnected? A. Static electricity could damage the grounding system B. Circulating currents inside the transformer might cause damage C. The fuse might blow if you remove the cover D. You might receive an electric shock from the charged stored in large capacitors T0A11 HRLM (9-3) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course When should members of a tower work team wear a hard hat and safety glasses? A. At all times except when climbing the tower B. At all times except when belted firmly to the tower C. At all times when any work is being done on the tower D. Only when the tower exceeds 30 feet in height T0B01 HRLM (9-13) 2014 Technician License Course

What is a good precaution to observe before climbing an antenna tower? A. Make sure that you wear a grounded wrist strap B. Remove all tower grounding connections C. Put on a climbing harness and safety glasses D. All of the these choices are correct T0B02 HRLM (9-13) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Under what circumstances is it safe to climb a tower without a helper or observer? A. When no electrical work is being performed B. When no mechanical work is being performed C. When the work being done is not more than 20 feet above the ground D. Never T0B03 HRLM (9-14) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following is an important safety precaution to observe when putting up an antenna tower? A. Wear a ground strap connected to your wrist at all times B. Insulate the base of the tower to avoid lightning strikes C. Look for and stay clear of any overhead electrical wires D. All of these choices are correct T0B04 HRLM (9-12) 2014 Technician License Course

What is the purpose of a gin pole? A. To temporarily replace guy wires B. To be used in place of a safety harness C. To lift tower sections or antennas D. To provide a temporary ground T0B05 HRLM (9-14) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What is the minimum safe distance from a power line to allow when installing an antenna? A. Half the width of your property B. The height of the power line above ground C. 1/2 wavelength at the operating frequency D. So that if the antenna falls unexpectedly, no part of it can come closer than 10 feet to the power wires T0B06 HRLM (9-12) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following is an important safety rule to remember when using a crank-up tower? A. This type of tower must never be painted B. This type of tower must never be grounded C. This type of tower must never be climbed unless it is in the fully retracted position D. All of these choices are correct T0B07 HRLM (9-14) 2014 Technician License Course

What is considered to be a proper grounding method for a tower? A. A single four-foot ground rod, driven into the ground no more than 12 inches from the base B. A ferrite-core RF choke connected between the tower and ground C. Separate eight-foot long ground rods for each tower leg, bonded to the tower and each other D. A connection between the tower base and a cold water pipe T0B08 HRLM (9-13) 2014 Technician License Course

Why should you avoid attaching an antenna to a utility pole? A. The antenna will not work properly because of induced voltages B. The utility company will charge you an extra monthly fee C. The antenna could contact high-voltage power wires D. All of these choices are correct T0B09 HRLM (9-12) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following is true concerning grounding conductors used for lightning protection? A. Only non-insulated wire must be used B. Wires must be carefully routed with precise right-angle bends C. Sharp bends must be avoided D. Common grounds must be avoided T0B10 HRLM (9-4) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following establishes grounding requirements for an amateur radio tower or antenna? A. FCC Part 97 Rules B. Local electrical codes C. FAA tower lighting regulations D. Underwriters Laboratories' recommended practices T0B11 HRLM (9-4) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following is good practice when installing ground wires on a tower for lightning protection? A. Put a loop in the ground connection to prevent water damage to the ground system B. Make sure that all bends in the ground wires are clean, right angle bends C. Ensure that connections are short and direct D. All of these choices are correct T0B12 HRLM (9-4) 2014 Technician License Course

What type of radiation are VHF and UHF radio signals? A. Gamma radiation B. Ionizing radiation C. Alpha radiation D. Non-ionizing radiation T0C01 HRLM (9-5) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following frequencies has the lowest Maximum Permissible Exposure limit? A. 3.5 MHz B. 50 MHz C. 440 MHz D. 1296 MHz T0C02 HRLM (9-7) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What is the maximum power level that an amateur radio station may use at VHF frequencies before an RF exposure evaluation is required? A. 1500 watts PEP transmitter output B. 1 watt forward power C. 50 watts PEP at the antenna D. 50 watts PEP reflected power T0C03 HRLM (9-9) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What factors affect the RF exposure of people near an amateur station antenna? A. Frequency and power level of the RF field B. Distance from the antenna to a person C. Radiation pattern of the antenna D. All of these choices are correct T0C04 HRLM (9-9) 2014 Technician License Course

Why do exposure limits vary with frequency? A. Lower frequency RF fields have more energy than higher frequency fields B. Lower frequency RF fields do not penetrate the human body C. Higher frequency RF fields are transient in nature D. The human body absorbs more RF energy at some frequencies than at others T0C05 HRLM (9-6) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following is an acceptable method to determine that your station complies with FCC RF exposure regulations? A. By calculation based on FCC OET Bulletin 65 B. By calculation based on computer modeling C. By measurement of field strength using calibrated equipment D. All of these choices are correct T0C06 HRLM (9-9) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What could happen if a person accidentally touched your antenna while you were transmitting? A. Touching the antenna could cause television interference B. They might receive a painful RF burn C. They might develop radiation poisoning D. All of these choices are correct T0C07 HRLM (9-6) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Which of the following actions might amateur operators take to prevent exposure to RF radiation in excess of FCC-supplied limits? A. Relocate antennas B. Relocate the transmitter C. Increase the duty cycle D. All of these choices are correct T0C08 HRLM (9-10) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course How can you make sure your station stays in compliance with RF safety regulations? A. By informing the FCC of any changes made in your station B. By re-evaluating the station whenever an item of equipment is changed C. By making sure your antennas have low SWR D. All of these choices are correct T0C09 HRLM (9-9) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course Why is duty cycle one of the factors used to determine safe RF radiation exposure levels? A. It affects the average exposure of people to radiation B. It affects the peak exposure of people to radiation C. It takes into account the antenna feed line loss D. It takes into account the thermal effects of the final amplifier T0C10 HRLM (9-7) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course What is the definition of duty cycle during the averaging time for RF exposure? A. The difference between the lowest power output and the highest power output of a transmitter B. The difference between the PEP and average power output of a transmitter C. The percentage of time that a transmitter is transmitting D. The percentage of time that a transmitter is not transmitting T0C11 HRLM (9-7) 2014 Technician License Course

How does RF radiation differ from ionizing radiation (radioactivity)? A. RF radiation does not have sufficient energy to cause genetic damage B. RF radiation can only be detected with an RF dosimeter C. RF radiation is limited in range to a few feet D. RF radiation is perfectly safe T0C12 HRLM (9-5) 2014 Technician License Course

2014 Technician License Course If the averaging time for exposure is 6 minutes, how much power density is permitted if the signal is present for 3 minutes and absent for 3 minutes rather than being present for the entire 6 minutes? A. 3 times as much B. 1/2 as much C. 2 times as much D. There is no adjustment allowed for shorter exposure times T0C13 HRLM (9-7) 2014 Technician License Course