2026-02-04 20:10:31 +00:00
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---
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tags: [radio, ham-study]
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---
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- An amateur radio licence is _only for self-training in radio communications_
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2026-02-13 11:04:48 +00:00
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- Business and any commercial activity is not permitted
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- Ofcom is the UK TV and radio regulator and the body that issues amateur
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licenses
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## Ofcom rules
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2026-02-04 20:10:31 +00:00
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**You must**:
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- inform Ofcom immediately of any changes related to your home address, your
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station address, or your name
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- confirm the details specified in your licence are valid once every five years
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**They can**:
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- inspect your station
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- ask you to modify your equipment
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- close down or restrict your operating
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- revoke your licence if you breach the licence conditions
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- in cases of reported interference, ask you to log the transmissions you have
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made over a specified time period
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2026-02-13 11:04:48 +00:00
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## The following types of activity are not permitteed
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- Business or commercial activity
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- The use of encryption or codes, other than Morse Code
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- Broadcasting, defined as "transmitting for general reception" (e.g. this would
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constitute "pirate radio")
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- The only scenario where broadcasting is permitted is during the CQ stage,
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when you are seeking a contact to talk to
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- Or when you are operating a "Net", defined as a conversation between three
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or more amateurs where communication is first established with at least one
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individual member of the net
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## Acceptable operating locations
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2026-02-04 20:10:31 +00:00
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- UK
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- Channel Islands
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- Isle of Man
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This includes UK territorial seas and operation on UK ships and aircraft when
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they are in international water or airspace. (Note that TX from aircraft has
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power restrictions as specified in Schedule 1 listings.)
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The Foundation licence does not permit operating in any other countries.
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2026-02-13 11:04:48 +00:00
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## EMF rules
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> "EMF" stands for _electromagnetic field_
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The Foundation licence specifies that amateur equipment must not expose the
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public to EMF over a certain threshold. This threshold is **10 Watts
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[ERIP](/zk/Antennas.md) or approximately 6.1 Watts ERP**.
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All amateurs must complete an EMF assessment to demonstrate they are operating
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within the required limits. Ofcom can request an assessment at any time.
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If you are likely to exceed the threshold you must demonstrate that actions are
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being taken to ensure the limits are maintained. If no provisions are necessary,
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you specify that "power levels are below the threshold".
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