GeneralG1B10
What is the power limit for beacon stations?
C
Answer
General class rules and operating privileges
Type
A
10 watts PEP output
B
20 watts PEP output
C
100 watts PEP output
D
200 watts PEP output
Answer Notes
Beacon stations serve a specific, automated purpose: allowing operators to check propagation conditions. Because they transmit automatically and often continuously on shared bands, their power must be capped to prevent unnecessary interference to regular communications.
The FCC sets the maximum power limit for all amateur beacon stations at 100 watts Peak Envelope Power (PEP) output. This limit provides enough signal strength to effectively evaluate global propagation while keeping interference to a minimum.
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On what HF frequencies are automatically controlled beacons permitted?
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Who or what determines “good engineering and good amateur practice,” as applied to the operation of an amateur station in all respects not covered by the Part 97 rules?