T4-1 Chapter 4 – Station Licensee Duties The Application Your License Antenna Structure Location The Control Operator Station Records Emergency Communications

T4-2 The Application FCC Form 605 –Provides a mailing address where the FCC can contact you with any questions about your station or operation. –You may be fined or your license suspended if you do not respond to FCC correspondence regarding your amateur station. –You can update your station address information either by mail or by using the Universal Licensing System (ULS) web system (wireless.fcc.gov/uls/). You need to first register with the Commission Registration System (CORES) to obtain a unique FCC Registration Number (FRN).

T4-3 Your License The Amateur Radio license consists of two parts: –Operator license which gives your license class and authority to operate an amateur radio station. –Station license portion includes the address of your primary, or main, Amateur Radio station. You can operate an Amateur Radio station anywhere the FCC regulates the amateur service. With certain restrictions, you may be able to operate while on board a commercial airplane or on board a ship.

T4-4 Operator/Primary Station License

T4-5 Antenna Structure Location To build an antenna structure over 200 feet high you must: –Register with and obtain FCC approval. –Notify the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). –The height may be limited if within 4 miles of an airport. Antenna location considerations –Away from nearby structures. –As high as possible above average terrain.

T4-6 Control Operator Responsible for transmission from an amateur station to assure compliance with FCC rules. Only a licensed ham may be a control operator. Operating privileges reflect the license class of the control operator. Both the designated control operator and station licensee share responsibility for station operation. A control operator must be present at the station control point whenever a transmitter is operating.

T4-7 Station Records Station records include any written documentation about your amateur station and operations. A logbook is commonly used to list station operation; however, it is not required to be kept by FCC rules. FCC can conduct an inspection of your station and station records at any time.

T4-8 Station Access An amateur station must not be used by unauthorized persons. A key-operated on/off switch in the station main ac-power line can prevent unauthorized operation of a home station. In a mobile installation, the microphone should be disconnected and removed when the operator leaves the vehicle.

T4-9 Emergency Communications FCC encourages licensed hams to assist in emergency situations. –FCC may suspend or change its rules by declaring a temporary state of communication emergency. Amateurs may communicate, as necessary, to handle a true emergency situation. –This may include operating on non-amateur frequencies or communicating with non-amateur radio services. Emergency communications may be expedited through the use of “tactical call signs.”

T4-10 Emergency Communications (Cont’d) Amateurs handle a variety of messages during a disaster situation. –Emergency traffic have life-and-death urgency and have the highest priority. –Priority traffic are emergency-related messages, but not as important as Emergency messages. –Health-and-Welfare traffic pertains to the well being of people in the disaster area.

T4-11 Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service RACES is established by FCC rules as a communication service within the Amateur Radio Service. –Provides communication assistance to civil defense organizations. –Registration is required to operate as a RACES station or to participate in RACES drills. –RACES stations may not communicate with amateurs not operating in a RACES capacity.

T4-12 Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) ARES is sponsored by ARRL. Focus is providing emergency communications support with local Emergency Operations Center (EOCs) and American Red Cross. Olmsted county ARES. –Supported by Rochester Amateur Radio Club. –Supports Olmsted County Emergency Services. –For more information on Olmsted ARES, see