Question
On what bands may automatically controlled stations transmitting RTTY or data emissions communicate with other automatically controlled digital stations?
Answer Options
- A) On any band segment where digital operation is permitted
- B) Anywhere in the non-phone segments of the 10-meter or shorter wavelength bands
- C) Only in the non-phone Extra Class segments of the bands
- D) Anywhere in the 6-meter or shorter wavelength bands, and in limited segments of some of the HF bands
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
The control of digital stations under automatic operation is restricted to specific, non-voice-related segments of the amateur bands to ensure responsible use of the spectrum. FCC Rule \S 97.221 and \S 97.305 permit automatically controlled stations transmitting RTTY or data to communicate with other automatically controlled digital stations in two main areas.
The first area is anywhere in the 6\text{-meter} or shorter wavelength bands (VHF/UHF and above). The second area is specific, limited segments of some of the HF bands, such as portions of the 80\text{m}, 40\text{m}, 30\text{m}, 20\text{m}, 17\text{m}, 12\text{m}, and 10\text{m} bands. This dual allowance provides flexibility while still controlling the total number of automatically controlled stations operating on the air.
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