Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E1A
E1A04E1A

May an Extra class operator answer the CQ of a station on 3.601 MHz LSB phone?

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Deep Dive: E1A04

The correct answer is C: No, the sideband components will extend beyond the edge of the phone band segment. May an Extra class operator answer the CQ of a station on 3.601 MHz LSB phone? No, the sideband components will extend beyond the edge of the phone band segment. 75-meter phone band for Extra class is 3.600-4.000 MHz. LSB extends 3 kHz below carrier, so 3.601 - 3 = 3.598 MHz, which is below 3.600 MHz band edge. For amateur radio operators, this is important for band compliance. Understanding this helps ensure legal operation.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Entire signal won't be inside SSB allocation - LSB extends below 3.600 MHz. Inside allocation is wrong. Option B: Incorrect. Displayed frequency being within band isn't enough - sideband components extend beyond band. Displayed frequency isn't the issue. Option D: Incorrect. US stations are permitted to use phone below 3.610 MHz - Extra class can use 3.600-4.000 MHz. Below 3.610 MHz isn't the issue.

Exam Tip

3.601 MHz LSB phone = sideband components extend beyond band edge. Think 'L'SB at '3'.601 = 'L'ower 'S'ideband extends to '3'.598 (below '3'.600 edge). LSB extends 3 kHz below carrier, so 3.601 - 3 = 3.598 MHz exceeds band. Not inside allocation, not displayed frequency, not below 3.610 - just sideband extends beyond band.

Memory Aid

3.601 MHz LSB phone = sideband components extend beyond band edge. Think 'L'SB at '3'.601 = 'E'xtends beyond. LSB extends 3 kHz below carrier, exceeding band edge. Important for band compliance.

Real-World Example

A station on 3.601 MHz LSB phone: The lower sideband extends 3 kHz below the carrier, so it extends to 3.601 - 3 = 3.598 MHz. The 75-meter phone band for Extra class starts at 3.600 MHz, so the sideband component at 3.598 MHz is below the band edge. This makes the transmission illegal - sideband components extend beyond the phone band segment. This is why you cannot answer.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E1A

Reference: FCC Part 97.301

Key Concepts

Extra class operator 3.601 MHz LSB phone Sideband components Phone band segment

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E1A topic.