Question
What is the FCC Part 97 definition of a beacon?
Answer Options
- A) A government transmitter marking the amateur radio band edges
- B) A bulletin sent by the FCC to announce a national emergency
- C) A continuous transmission of weather information authorized in the amateur bands by the National Weather Service
- D) An amateur station transmitting communications for the purposes of observing propagation or related experimental activities
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
A beacon is a specific type of unmanned amateur station defined by the FCC for the purpose of transmitting signals for observing propagation or related experimental activities. Amateur radio beacons are found on various bands and repeatedly transmit a short message, often a call sign and a grid locator, at a fixed power and location.
Other amateur operators listen for these one-way transmissions to determine current radio propagation conditions. They are an essential tool for learning about how radio waves travel and are distinct from other unmanned stations like repeaters (T1F09).
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