Question
What is the maximum transmitter power an amateur station may use on the 12-meter band?
Answer Options
- A) 50 watts PEP output
- B) 200 watts PEP output
- C) 1500 watts PEP output
- D) An effective radiated power equivalent to 100 watts from a half-wave dipole
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
The 12\text{-meter} band (24.890 \text{MHz} to 24.990 \text{MHz}) is designated as a high frequency (HF) band. Like most HF bands above 30\text{m}, the maximum authorized peak envelope power (PEP) output for a General class control operator (and all classes) is 1500 watts. This is the standard maximum power limit for amateur stations in the United States, as set by FCC \S 97.313.
Although 1500 watts is the maximum legal power, it is important to remember that the operator must use the minimum power necessary to accomplish the desired communication, in accordance with the rules of good amateur practice (\S 97.101(\text{b})).
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