ARRL Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following activities is prohibited for amateur stations?

1. Transmitting code practice transmissions

2. Transmitting signals for emergency communications

3. Transmitting without a control operator

4. Broadcasting public service announcements

The correct answer is: Transmitting without a control operator

Transmitting without a control operator is prohibited for amateur stations because every transmission must have a designated operator who is responsible for the content of the transmission and for ensuring that it complies with the rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The control operator must have the appropriate licensing and knowledge to ensure that the operation of the station adheres to all regulations, including proper identification and frequency use. In contrast, transmitting code practice transmissions, emergency communications, and broadcasting public service announcements can legitimately occur within the amateur radio framework, provided they are done in compliance with relevant regulations. Transmitting code practice is often encouraged to help new operators develop their skills, while emergency communications are a crucial function of amateur radio, especially during disasters. Similarly, public service announcements can serve the community and are acceptable as long as they do not violate the rules regarding broadcast content.