ARRL Technician Practice Exam

Why is it not advisable to set your transmit frequency at the edge of an amateur band?

1. You may cause interference

2. It limits your communication range

3. All of these choices are correct

4. You might not be compliant with regulations

The correct answer is: All of these choices are correct

Setting your transmit frequency at the edge of an amateur band can lead to several issues that compound the reasons behind avoiding this practice. When a station is at the edge of a band, there's an increased risk of causing interference to adjacent services or users. This can occur because the frequency allocated to an amateur band is often adjacent to frequencies assigned to other services. Transmitting at these boundary frequencies can inadvertently bleed over into neighboring bands, thereby creating problems for those operating within their designated frequencies. Additionally, when operating at the very edge of a band, there may be limitations imposed on frequency use, making it challenging to communicate effectively if conditions change or if there is interference. This can limit not only the quality but also the range of communication, as operators may end up inadvertently using incorrect frequencies. Finally, compliance with regulations is essential for all amateur operators. Each amateur band has specific frequencies allocated for use, and operating at the edge might lead to situations where frequencies are not used according to the regulations set out by governing bodies. This could result in violations that could have consequences for an operator's licensing status. Each of these aspects reinforces the importance of selecting a frequency well within the specified limits of an amateur band rather than at the boundaries.