Amateur Extra E1D: Space, telemetry and telecommand
These are the 12 official questions in group E1D of the 2024–2028 Amateur Extra question pool, with the correct answer marked and a plain-English explanation of why it's right. The real exam asks one question from this group.
- E1D01Question 1FCC 97.3
What is the definition of telemetry?
- AOne-way transmission of measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument Correct
- BTwo-way transmissions in excess of 1000 feet
- CTwo-way transmissions of data
- DOne-way transmission that initiates, modifies, or terminates the functions of a device at a distance
Why: Telemetry is one-way transmission of measurements from a distance.
- E1D02Question 2FCC 97.211(b)
Which of the following may transmit encrypted messages?
- ATelecommand signals to terrestrial repeaters
- BTelecommand signals from a space telecommand station Correct
- CAuxiliary relay links carrying repeater audio
- DMesh network backbone nodes
Why: Only telecommand signals to space stations may be encrypted.
- E1D03Question 3FCC 97.3(a)(45)
What is a space telecommand station?
- AAn amateur station located on the surface of the Earth for communication with other Earth stations by means of Earth satellites
- BAn amateur station that transmits communications to initiate, modify, or terminate functions of a space station Correct
- CAn amateur station located in a satellite or a balloon more than 50 kilometers above the surface of the Earth
- DAn amateur station that receives telemetry from a satellite or balloon more than 50 kilometers above the surface of the Earth
Why: A space telecommand station starts, changes or stops a space station's functions.
- E1D04Question 4FCC 97.119(a)
Which of the following is required in the identification transmissions from a balloon-borne telemetry station?
- ACall sign Correct
- BThe output power of the balloon transmitter
- CThe station's six-character Maidenhead grid locator
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: A balloon telemetry station must identify with its call sign.
- E1D05Question 5FCC 97.213(d)
What must be posted at the location of a station being operated by telecommand on or within 50 kilometers of the Earth’s surface?
- AA photocopy of the station license
- BA label with the name, address, and telephone number of the station licensee
- CA label with the name, address, and telephone number of the control operator
- DAll these choices are correct Correct
Why: The license copy and the operator's contact information must all be posted. All the choices are correct.
- E1D06Question 6FCC 97.215(c)
What is the maximum permitted transmitter output power when operating a model craft by telecommand?
- A1 watt Correct
- B2 watts
- C5 watts
- D100 watts
Why: Model craft telecommand is limited to 1 watt output.
- E1D07Question 7FCC 97.207
Which of the following HF amateur bands include allocations for space stations?
- A40 meters, 20 meters, 15 meters, and 10 meters Correct
- B30 meters, 17 meters, and 10 meters
- COnly 10 meters
- DSatellite operation is permitted on all HF bands
Why: 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters include space station allocations.
- E1D08Question 8FCC 97.207
Which VHF amateur bands have frequencies authorized for space stations?
- A6 meters and 2 meters
- B6 meters, 2 meters, and 1.25 meters
- C2 meters and 1.25 meters
- D2 meters Correct
Why: 2 meters has space station frequencies.
- E1D09Question 9FCC 97.207
Which UHF amateur bands have frequencies authorized for space stations?
- A70 centimeters only
- B70 centimeters and 13 centimeters Correct
- C70 centimeters and 33 centimeters
- D33 centimeters and 13 centimeters
Why: 70 cm and 13 cm have space station frequencies.
- E1D10Question 10FCC 97.211
Which amateur stations are eligible to be telecommand stations of space stations, subject to the privileges of the class of operator license held by the control operator of the station?
- AAny amateur station approved by AMSAT
- BAny amateur station so designated by the space station licensee Correct
- CAny amateur station so designated by the ITU
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Any amateur station the space station licensee designates may be a telecommand station.
- E1D11Question 11FCC 97.209
Which amateur stations are eligible to operate as Earth stations?
- AAny amateur licensee who has successfully completed the AMSAT space communications course
- BOnly those of General, Advanced or Amateur Extra class operators
- COnly those of Amateur Extra class operators
- DAny amateur station, subject to the privileges of the class of operator license held by the control operator Correct
Why: Any amateur station may be an Earth station, within its operator's privileges.
- E1D12Question 12FCC 97.207(e), 97.203(g)
Which of the following amateur stations may transmit one-way communications?
- AA space station, beacon station, or telecommand station Correct
- BA local repeater or linked repeater station
- CA message forwarding station or automatically controlled digital station
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Space stations, beacons and telecommand stations may transmit one-way.