Amateur operating procedures

This document provides information about the operating procedures for the amateur service. This information may be used in conjunction with other Amateur pages for prospective amateur operators studying for amateur examinations.

• Emission modes and emissions
• Spurious emission limits for amateur stations
• Restrictions on connection to a public telecommunications network
• Interference
• Call and reply
• Emergency procedures
• Operating signals
• Phonetic alphabet
• Amateur internet linking systems
• Morse code signals
• Testing and monitoring
• Further information

Emission modes and emissions

Emission classifications provide an internationally recognised standard by which to specify, accurately and concisely, the significant characteristics of a transmission. The Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination No. 1 of 1997 (the Amateur LCD) refers to a number of emission classifications.

Examples of commonly used amateur transmissions and the corresponding emission classifications are listed in Table 1.

Table 1 - Commonly used emission characteristics

where:

AM = amplitude modulated
SSB = amplitude modulated and uses a single-sideband, suppressed carrier
FM = angle modulated and uses frequency modulation and
PM = angle modulated and uses phase modulation.

The amateur licence structure is graduated with increasing access to emission modes and frequency bands according to the qualifications of the operator. For further details see the Amateur LCD and Emission characteristics of radio transmissions.

Spurious emission limits for amateur stations

Amateur operators must also comply with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) requirements for amateur stations. The maximum permitted spurious emission power level is calculated by subtracting the following values of "attenuation" from the transmitter power supplied to the antenna transmission line.

where:

P = mean power in watts supplied to the antenna transmission line.
PEP = peak envelope power in watts supplied to the antenna transmission line.

Spurious emissions from any part of the installation, other than the antenna and its transmission line, shall not have an effect greater than would occur if this antenna system were supplied with the maximum permitted power at that spurious emission frequency.

Restrictions on connection to a public telecommunications network

Amateur Advanced, Standard and Repeater Stations may be directly or indirectly connected to a public telecommunications network provided that the licensee has implemented reasonable measures to ensure only appropriately licensed persons access the station (see Amateur LCD Section 11A).

In addition licensees of amateur Advanced and Standard stations who connect a person from a public telecommunications networks to the station (e.g. ‘phone patching’) must take action to ensure the person being connected knows that his or her transmissions will be overheard. The person must also be given the opportunity to not proceed with the connection (see Amateur LCD Section 11B).

Foundation licensees are not authorised to connect a foundation station directly to a public telecommunications network. However, foundation stations may be indirectly connected to a public telecommunications network through a gateway operated by another licensee.

Further information about amateur internet linking systems (AILS) can be obtained from the AILS fact sheet.

Interference

A feature of domestic environments is the widespread use of radiocommunications equipment such as television, radio and regulated non-broadcasting transmitters, including those used for the Citizen Band (CB) and amateur services. Interference to domestic television and radio receivers often arises from the operation of nearby CB and amateur transmitters. The interference from CB and amateur transmitters generally occurs from faults in a transmitter, or because the radio and television receiving equipment is unable to reject unwanted CB or amateur transmissions, even though those transmissions are on different frequency bands from those used by radio and television stations.

Equipment standards and licensing conditions ensure that CB and amateur transmitters meet stringent quality requirements; however, radio and television receivers vary in quality and many do not have a high level of immunity from interference. The Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act) defines interference in relation to radiocommunications as:

'interference to, or with, radiocommunications that is attributable, whether wholly or partly and whether directly or indirectly, to an emission of electromagnetic energy'.

Devices are defined as a radiocommunications transmitter, any other transmitter, a radiocommunications receiver or any other thing, any use or function of which is capable of being interfered with by radio emission. Section 197 of the Act also provides that:

'A person is guilty of an offence if:

1. the person engages in conduct; and
2. the person is reckless as to whether the conduct will result in:
   1. substantial interference with radiocommunications; or
   2. substantial disruption or disturbance of radiocommunications.'

The ACMA interprets 'substantial interference' as that level of interference that degrades domestic television and radio reception, under normal conditions, by a considerable degree. The ACMA encourages operators of CB or amateur equipment and persons suffering interference to their television and radio services to resolve the problem by mutual agreement and assistance. In dealing with unresolved interference, the ACMA takes account of factors including:

• whether good installation practices have been followed by the transmitter operator;
• whether the location of the transmitting antenna is, within practical constraints, consistent with minimisation of interference;
• whether the fitting of a filter at the domestic television or radio would reduce the interference;
• whether, in the case of an amateur transmitter, the output power of the transmitter could be reduced to resolve the interference; and
• whether, in the case of an amateur transmitter, the frequency of operation could be changed to resolve the interference.

Persons suffering from interference to their television or radio reception may attempt to resolve interference by applying various self-help principles, which are outlined in the following brochures:

• Better Television And Radio Reception - provides general advice to people who are having trouble with television and radio reception
• CB Radio Interference and your Audio Equipment - helps determine why this type of interference may be occurring and the steps that may be taken to resolve the problem.

Where persons suffering from interference to their television or radio reception have not attempted to resolve the problem by applying the measures suggested by the ACMA, the ACMA may decide to take no further action to resolve the interference. If the transmitter operator has not attempted to resolve the interference caused by the offending equipment, the ACMA may decide to restrict the operation of the transmitter or take regulatory action pursuant to the provisions of the Act.

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Call and reply

The following is a summary of the calling procedures for amateur communications. The principles set out in the procedures are for the general guidance of amateur operators and may vary depending on the mode and frequency of operation employed.

Radiotelegraphy

The call in radiotelegraphy should consist of the signal (CT) sent once, the callsign of the station called sent not more than three times, the word (DE), the callsign of the station calling sent not more than three times and the invitation to transmit (K).

Example: VK7AB VK7AB VK7AB VK9YZ VK9YZ VK9YZ

A general call to any other amateur station may be made by substituting the signal 'CQ' in place of the called station's callsign.

Example: CQ CQ CQ VK9YZ VK9YZ VK9YZ

A reply call in radiotelegraphy should consist of the signal (CT) sent once, the callsign of the calling station sent not more than three times, the word (DE), the callsign of the station replying sent not more than three times and the invitation to transmit (K).

Example: VK9YZ VK9YZ VK9YZ VK7AB VK7AB VK7AB

For a list of written characters and corresponding Morse Code signals refer to the Morse Code Signals document.

Radiotelephony

The call in radiotelephony should consist of the callsign of the station called spoken not more than three times, the words ' THIS IS ', the callsign of the calling station spoken not more than three times and the word ' OVER '.

Example: VK7AB VK7AB VK7AB THIS IS VK9YZ VK9YZ VK9YZ OVER

A general call to any other amateur station may be made by substituting the signal 'CQ' in place of the called station's callsign.

Example: CQ CQ CQ THIS IS VK9YZ VK9YZ VK9YZ OVER

A reply call in radiotelephony should consist of the callsign of the calling station spoken not more than three times, the words ' THIS IS', the callsign of the station replying spoken not more than three times and the word ' OVER '.

Example: VK9YZ VK9YZ VK9YZ THIS IS VK7AB VK7AB VK7AB OVER

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Other modes

Calls and replies using other transmission modes consist of the callsign of the station called sent not more than three times, the words 'THIS IS' or 'DE', the callsign of the station calling sent out not more than three times, followed by the invitation to transmit 'K' or the word 'OVER'.

Mobile or portable operation

When a station is operated as a portable or mobile away from the licensed address, each callsign or reply is suffixed with the locality of operation. Suggested methods of calling are as follows:

Radiotelegraphy

CQ CQ CQ VK5YZ VK5YZ VK5YZ portable Emerald Queensland

For a list of written characters and corresponding Morse code signals refer to the Morse Code Signals document.

Radiotelephony

VK4UB VK4UB THIS IS VK4AM VK4AM operating mobile between Bowen and Proserpine, OVER

You should give the name of the State or Territory when operating outside the State or Territory in which the installation is licensed. To indicate the State or Territory in which the operation is taking place, please add the state identifier to the callsign for intervening calls, for example:

Radiotelegraphy - VK3GAA/5
Radiotelephony - VK3GAA mobile South Australia

Emergency procedures

Distress signals

Use of the distress signal indicates that a ship, aircraft or person is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. The radiotelegraphy distress signal consists of the group (SOS), transmitted as a single character. The radiotelephony distress signal consists of the word 'MAYDAY'.

Distress call and message

The distress call consists of:

1. the distress signal sent three times;
2. the words 'THIS IS' or 'DE'; and
3. the callsign or other identification of the station in distress, sent three times.

The distress message consists of:

1. the distress signal SOS (radiotelegraphy) or MAYDAY (radiotelephony);
2. the name, or other identification, of the station in distress;
3. particulars of its position;
4. the nature of the distress and the kind of assistance required; and
5. any other information which might be of assistance.

For a list of written characters and corresponding Morse code signals refer to the Morse Code Signals document.

Obligation to accept distress traffic

A distress call or message has absolute priority over all other transmissions and may be heard on any frequency. Consequently, operators in the amateur service should be prepared to accept such traffic at all times.

When a distress call is heard, you must:

1. immediately cease all transmissions;
2. continue to listen on the frequency; and
3. record full details of the distress message (the information should be recorded in writing and, if possible, by tape recorder).

If a distress message is received, defer acknowledgement for a short interval to see if the message has been received by a station better placed to render assistance. If the distress message is not acknowledged within a reasonable time, the amateur operator is obliged to assist.

Notifying appropriate authority

After acknowledging or attempting to acknowledge receipt of the distress message, you should immediately forward details of the distress situation to:

1. for land based distress situations - the nearest police station;
2. for air or sea based distress situations - the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Canberra, ACT. The telephone number for Aviation Rescue services is 1800 815 257 and Maritime Rescue services is 1800 641 792. These lines are open 24 hours; or
3. any other appropriate authority.

You should resume listening and keep the respective authority informed of any developments. Any assistance practicable should be given until cessation of distress traffic is announced (by means of the operating signals 'QUM' in radiotelegraphy or 'SEELONCE FEENEE' in radiotelephony), or until you are advised that assistance is no longer required.

For a list of written characters and corresponding Morse code signals refer to the Morse Code Signals document.

Urgency signals

In cases where the use of the distress signal is not fully justified, the 'URGENCY' signal may be used. In Morse radiotelegraphy, the urgency signal consists of three repetitions of the group 'XXX' , sent with the letters of each group and the successive groups clearly separated from each other. It shall be transmitted before the call.

In radiotelephony, the urgency signal consists of the group of words 'PAN PAN' , each word of the group pronounced as the French word 'panne'. The urgency signal shall be repeated three times before the call.

The urgency signal has priority over all other transmissions except distress. All stations hearing an urgency signal should:

1. ensure that they do not cause interference to the transmission of the message that follows; and
2. be prepared to assist if required.

For a list of written characters and corresponding Morse Code signals refer to the Morse Code Signals document.

International use of radiocommunications in the event of natural disasters

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considered the international use of radiocommunications in the event of natural disasters at the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) in Geneva during 1979. Administrations were invited to provide for the needs of international disaster and emergency communications within their national regulations.

In the event of natural disasters, normal communications systems may be overloaded, damaged, or completely disrupted, and the rapid establishment of communication to facilitate world-wide relief actions is essential. As the amateur bands are not bound by international plans or notification procedures, they are well adapted for short-term use in emergency situations. The amateur service, with its widespread distribution and demonstrated capacity to assist with the use of certain amateur frequencies, is vital in meeting this need until normal communications are restored.

The 1997 WRC adopted Resolution 644 that acknowledges the increasing complexity and diversity of telecommunications resources available that may be used for disaster mitigation and relief operations. The communications devices that may be used for these purposes include the use of amateur radio, mobile and portable satellite terminals and other appropriate and available communications resources.

The frequency bands allocated to the amateur service specified in the ITU Radio Regulations (3.5 MHz, 7.0 MHz, 10.1 MHz, 14.0 MHz, 18.068 MHz, 21.0 MHz, 24.89 MHz and 144 MHz) may be used by administrations to meet the needs of international disaster communications. Amateur involvement is limited to the duration of the emergency and to the specific geographical area of the emergency, as defined by the responsible authority of the affected country. Disaster communications will take place within the disaster area, and between the disaster area and the permanent headquarters of the organisation providing relief.

Any communications shall be carried out only with the consent of the administration of the country in which the disaster has occurred. Relief communications provided from outside the country in which disaster has occurred shall not replace existing national or international amateur emergency networks. Close co-operation is desirable between amateur stations and the stations of other radio services which may find it necessary to use amateur frequencies in disaster communications. International relief communications shall avoid, as far as practicable, interference to the amateur service networks.

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Operating signals

Operators often use the 'Q' code as a form of abbreviation. 'Q' signals can be in the form of a question or response and often use suffixes to convey additional information. For example:

Question - QTH? (What is your location?)
Answer - QTH Adelaide (My location is Adelaide.)

Some commonly used `Q' signals are listed in Table 2.

Table 2 - Commonly uses 'Q' signals

Phonetic alphabet

When using telephony, words and callsigns may be misunderstood because of phonetic similarity. To overcome this difficulty, the phonetic alphabet has been introduced. The pronunciation in Tables 3 and 4 is recommended for use by amateur station licensees. Emphasis should be placed on the syllable which is shown in capital letters.

Table 3 - Phonetic alphabet

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Table 4 - Phonetic numbers

Amateur internet linking systems

Amateur radio operators should be aware that the conditions of their licences also cover the use of an amateur internet linking system (AILS). The ACMA has developed a fact sheet to assist amateur radio operators with the regulatory requirements applying to AILS.

Morse code signals

The morse code signals information paper provides details of written characters and corresponding morse code signals.

Testing and monitoring

Before any call or test transmission, an amateur operator should monitor the frequency on which the transmission will occur to ensure that a transmission will not cause interference to other stations. For the same reason, where separate transmit and receive frequencies are involved, the operator should also monitor the receive frequency before transmission. Test transmissions should indicate that they are for this purpose.

Further information

Information relating to amateur examinations and the syllabi is available in the policy information paper Amateur examinations and certification. If you have other queries relating to examinations, please contact:

Examination Section
Wireless Institute of Australia
PO Box 2042
BAYSWATER VIC 3153

There is a separate information paper for Overseas amateurs visiting Australia.

If you have any additional queries relating to this, or any, licence type, please contact Radiocommunications Licensing and Telecommunications Deployment, ACMA, Canberra.

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