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