FCC Record, Volume 2, No. 3, Pages 643 to 942, February 2 - February 13, 1987 Page: 728
ii, 643-942, v p. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Federal Communications Commission Record
9. The comments generally concurred that the topics on
the Novice operator written examination should correspond
to the privileges authorized. They favored increasing
examination Element 2 to 30 questions or even to 50
questions. The repeated concern was that Element 2
should not be so difficult as to discourage newcomers.
10. Twenty-one percent of the comments discussed
ARRL's request for two administering volunteer examiners
(VEs)." Some 9% of the comments stated that the
one-VE requirement should be continued because it is
more convenient and less stressful for beginners. About
5% of the comments, including the ARRL's, disagreed
and said that enhanced privileges for Novice operators
necessitated a second administering VE to minimize the
likelihood of examination fraud. Another 7% of the comments
recommended that the examinations be prepared
and administered under the volunteer-examiner coordinator
(VEC) System. ARRL opposed this approach because
it would increase the burden on the VEC System and
reduce the availability of examinations.
11. Comments were requested on confining the written
examination for the Technician operator license to the
privileges authorized by that license.8 Gordon West. an
amateur operator instructor. stated that such a change
would allow instructors to train students preparing for the
Technician operator license more thoroughly in relevant
VHF and UHF topics. Another viewpoint expressed in
the comments was that another examination element
would complicate the examination process.
DISCUSSION
12. The prospect of enhanced privileges for Novice
operators has already stimulated growth in the service. In
FY 1986. nearly 21.000 new persons entered the Amateur
service. an increase of 20.75% over FY 1985. More than
19.000 became Novice operators. Furthermore. the number
of licensees dropping out of the Amateur service
decreased by 15.13% during the same period. We believe
these are clear indicators that changes in the entry level
license are appropriate.
13. In its proposal regarding the 1.25 meter band
(VHF). the ARRL requested that Novices be permitted
use of the band 220-225 MHz with all voice and data
modes, including radiotelegraphy, with a power limit of
25 watts output. However, it asked that repeater operation
by stations licensed or controlled by Novices not be
permitted, i.e.. a Novice signal could be retransmitted by
a repeater, but a Novice operator could not sponsor or be
the trustee of one. The comments reflected an interest in
VHF privileges for Novice operators. In our view, VHF
privileges for Novices would create the kind of interest
that is needed for amateurs to continue in the hobby and
at the same time motivate them to advance to the higher
license classes. To this end, we will authorize frequencies
222.10-223.91 MHz for use by Novice operators. This
action in conjunction with voluntary band plans will
allow operation on repeater input and simplex channels.
Novices may not be licensees, control operators or trustees
of the repeaters.9 This would permit Novice operators
to operate with those modes most appropriate to their
level of license and to communicate with more experienced
amateurs. For example. frequencies below 222
MHz are typically used for moonbounce, propagation
beacons and control signals, activities generally engaged in
by amateurs with more experience.14. We agree with the commenters that the UHF 0.23
meter subband should be at 1270-1295 MHz to allow
Novice operators to gain experience with repeater operation.
Low transmitter power and incorporation of suitable
safety precaution information in the amateur radio practices
examination topics'1( should assure that Novice operators
will not endanger themselves. Thus. we will
authorize the subband at 1270-1295 MHz. as requested.
15. The prospect of interference to the 10 meter beacon
system expressed in the comments is speculative and may
never become a concern. given the record of amateur
operators in adhering to voluntary arrangements. Moreover.
the low power limit proposed for stations with
Novice control operators should satisfy this concern.
Thus. it does not afford a reason not to go forward.
16. It is evident from the comments that more emission
modes will attract more Novice operators to the Amateur
service. However. the frequency ranges in which to use
them should provide the proper degree of enhancement
so that Novice operators would still have an incentive to
upgrade to higher operator licenses. Thus. digital and
limited telephony privileges in the 10 meter band appear
appropriate and will be authorized.
17. We continue to believe in power restrictions for
Novice sections in the new bands. The restrictions will
add a further incentive to upgrade the class of license.
Also. because of the lesser experience level. Novice operators
are more likely unintentionally to cause interference.
Reduced power levels will help limit the extent of
any interference.
18. When the privileges of any operator license class are
modified. the qualification requirements should be revised
accordingly.i The Novice operator license written examination,
Element 2. is based upon telegraphy station operation.
We believe the examination should be broadened in
scope. commensurate with enhanced Novice operator
privileges. We shall therefore require an additional 10
questions. for a total of 30. to make the scope of Element
2 appropriate to the new privileges. without creating a
significant deterrent to potential Novice operator examinees.
19. We will adopt rules so that two VEs will prepare
and administer Novice operator examinations. Although
there may be isolated areas where locating two VEs may
be difficult, the added safeguard would be justified. There
are legal and practical problems which prevent placing
Novice operator examinations under the VEC System.1
Additionally. to incorporate this work into the VEC system
would nearly double the workload and expense for
the volunteers operating that system. We will accordingly
adopt the two VE procedure and reflect that requirement
in a revised Form 610, Application for Amateur Radio
Station and/or Operator License.
20. In a related issue, Novice operators may not be
upgrading to Technician operator because the content of
Element 3 requires them to also be knowledgeable about
General class operator privileges. This is the only instance
in the operator license progression where the applicant
must not only know the material for the operator privileges
that will be authorized at the next step (Technician),
but also must know the material for the next higher step
(General). To require any applicant to be knowledgeable
about privileges which the license does not authorize is
inconsistent and a burden upon applicants. administering
VEs, and instructors. To resolve this problem. we will
separate Element 3 into two parts. Technician operator728
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Book.
United States. Federal Communications Commission. FCC Record, Volume 2, No. 3, Pages 643 to 942, February 2 - February 13, 1987, book, February 1987; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1608/m1/90/: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.