Ham Radio Guide
Search

Learn / Technician course

Lesson 1: Commission’s Rules

Lesson 1 of 10, syllabus topic T1. The exam asks 6 questions from this topic, one from each of its 6 groups.

The rules frame everything else in the course and need no math, so the course starts here.

What you will learn

  • T1A Purpose and permissible use of the Amateur Radio Service; Operator/primary station license grant; Meanings of basic terms used in FCC rules; Interference; RACES rules; Phonetics; Frequency Coordinator; Beacon
  • T1B Frequency allocations; Emission modes; Spectrum sharing; Transmissions near band edges; Contacting the International Space Station; Power output
  • T1C Licensing: classes, sequential and vanity call sign systems, places where the Amateur Radio Service is regulated by the FCC, name and address on FCC license database, term, renewal, grace period, maintaining mailing address; International communications
  • T1D Authorized and prohibited transmissions; Sale of equipment
  • T1E Control operator: eligibility, designating, privileges, duties, location, required; Control point; Control types: automatic, remote
  • T1F Station identification; Repeaters; Third-party communications; Club stations; FCC inspection

1. Read

  1. What is amateur radio?: What the service is forHelps with T1A
  2. Rules on the air: Interference and good amateur practiceHelps with T1A
  3. License classes and privileges: TechnicianHelps with T1B
  4. License classes and privileges: Power limitsHelps with T1B
  5. License classes and privileges: Grandfathered Novice and Advanced licensesHelps with T1C
  6. How to get your license: Keeping your licenseHelps with T1C
  7. Rules on the air: Prohibited transmissionsHelps with T1D
  8. Rules on the air: Control operators and control pointsHelps with T1E
  9. Rules on the air: Station identificationHelps with T1F
  10. Rules on the air: Third-party communicationsHelps with T1F
  11. All 68 T1 questions with their answers and explanationsEvery group, with the rule or source behind each answer

2. Explore

  • Wavelength explorer

    Drag from 160 meters up to 70 centimeters and watch who may transmit. Technicians have every privilege from 6 meters up, and only parts of a few HF bands below that.

  • Phonetics and call signs

    Spell your name or a call sign with the phonetic alphabet. The rules encourage phonetics when you identify by voice.

    This is exam question T1A03.

3. Practice

Practice one group at a time. A group is ready when you have answered every one of its questions and learned at least 80 percent of them; a question counts as learned when your last three answers to it were correct. To review quickly, go through this lesson’s questions as flashcards.

Loading practice questions…