What is the FCC Part 97 definition of a beacon?
The correct answer is D: An amateur station transmitting communications for the purposes of observing propagation or related experimental activities. This is the official definition found in FCC Part 97.3(a)(9). A beacon is a special type of amateur station that transmits continuously or periodically to help operators study radio wave propagation and conduct propagation experiments.
Beacons are valuable tools for the amateur radio community because they allow operators to monitor propagation conditions in real-time. By listening to beacons on different frequencies and from different locations, operators can determine which bands are 'open' for long-distance communication. Beacons typically transmit their call sign, location, and power level, allowing listeners to assess signal strength and propagation characteristics. They are not used for regular communications but serve the educational and experimental purposes that are central to the amateur radio service.
Exam Tip
Beacons = propagation study. When you see 'beacon' in an amateur radio context, think 'propagation observation' or 'experimental transmission.' Beacons help you learn about radio wave behavior, not communicate with other stations.
Memory Aid
"**B**eacon = **B**and conditions **B**y **B**roadcasting (think 'B4' = Beacon For propagation)"
Real-World Application
You're planning to make a long-distance contact on 20 meters but want to know if the band is open to Europe. You tune to 14.100 MHz, where several international beacons transmit. You hear a beacon from Germany coming in strong, which tells you that 20-meter propagation to Europe is excellent right now. This beacon information helps you decide it's a good time to call CQ and try for that European contact.
FCC Part 97.3(a)(9)Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Government transmitters marking band edges are not beacons as defined in Part 97. These would be government monitoring stations, not amateur beacons.
Option B: Incorrect. FCC bulletins about national emergencies are official announcements, not beacons. Beacons are amateur stations used for propagation study, not emergency announcements.
Option C: Incorrect. Continuous weather transmissions are typically provided by government weather radio services (like NOAA Weather Radio), not amateur beacons. While amateurs may relay weather information, this is not the definition of a beacon.
题目解析
The correct answer is D: An amateur station transmitting communications for the purposes of observing propagation or related experimental activities. This is the official definition found in FCC Part 97.3(a)(9). A beacon is a special type of amateur station that transmits continuously or periodically to help operators study radio wave propagation and conduct propagation experiments. Beacons are valuable tools for the amateur radio community because they allow operators to monitor propagation conditions in real-time. By listening to beacons on different frequencies and from different locations, operators can determine which bands are 'open' for long-distance communication. Beacons typically transmit their call sign, location, and power level, allowing listeners to assess signal strength and propagation characteristics. They are not used for regular communications but serve the educational and experimental purposes that are central to the amateur radio service.
考试技巧
Beacons = propagation study. When you see 'beacon' in an amateur radio context, think 'propagation observation' or 'experimental transmission.' Beacons help you learn about radio wave behavior, not communicate with other stations.
记忆口诀
**B**eacon = **B**and conditions **B**y **B**roadcasting (think 'B4' = Beacon For propagation)
实际应用示例
You're planning to make a long-distance contact on 20 meters but want to know if the band is open to Europe. You tune to 14.100 MHz, where several international beacons transmit. You hear a beacon from Germany coming in strong, which tells you that 20-meter propagation to Europe is excellent right now. This beacon information helps you decide it's a good time to call CQ and try for that European contact.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. Government transmitters marking band edges are not beacons as defined in Part 97. These would be government monitoring stations, not amateur beacons. Option B: Incorrect. FCC bulletins about national emergencies are official announcements, not beacons. Beacons are amateur stations used for propagation study, not emergency announcements. Option C: Incorrect. Continuous weather transmissions are typically provided by government weather radio services (like NOAA Weather Radio), not amateur beacons. While amateurs may relay weather information, this is not the definition of a beacon.
知识点
FCC Part 97.3(a)(9), Beacon definition, Propagation observation, Experimental activities
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.