Deep Dive: T1F10
The correct answer is A: The control operator of the originating station. According to FCC Part 97.205(g), if a repeater inadvertently retransmits communications that violate FCC rules, the control operator of the originating station (the station that transmitted the violation) is accountable, not the repeater operator. This rule recognizes that repeaters operate automatically and retransmit whatever they receive. The repeater operator cannot screen every transmission before retransmission. Therefore, the responsibility lies with the operator who originated the violating transmission. The repeater operator is only responsible for ensuring the repeater itself operates in compliance with FCC rules, not for screening the content of every transmission it retransmits.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option B: Incorrect. The repeater control operator is not accountable for violations in retransmitted content. They're only responsible for the repeater's technical operation. Option C: Incorrect. The repeater owner is not accountable for violations in retransmitted content. Responsibility lies with the originating station. Option D: Incorrect. Both parties are not accountable. Only the originating station's control operator is responsible for violations in the content they transmit.
Exam Tip
Repeater violations = Originating station accountable. Remember: If a repeater retransmits a violation, the control operator of the station that originated the violation is accountable, not the repeater operator.
Memory Aid
**R**epeater **V**iolation = **R**esponsible **V**iolator (think 'RV = RV' = Responsible Violator, the originating station)
Real-World Example
You transmit inappropriate language through a repeater, and the repeater retransmits it. Even though the repeater retransmitted the violation, you (as the control operator of the originating station) are accountable for the violation. The repeater operator is not responsible because repeaters operate automatically and cannot screen every transmission.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T1F
Reference: FCC Part 97.205(g)
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T1F topic.