General G1B: Antennas, beacons and what you may transmit
These are the 11 official questions in group G1B of the 2023–2027 General 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.
Learn G1B step by step, freeRead a short lesson on antennas, beacons and what you may transmit, answer these questions as you go, and see why each answer is right.
- G1B01Question 1FCC 97.15(a)
What is the maximum height above ground for an antenna structure not near a public use airport without requiring notification to the FAA and registration with the FCC?
- A50 feet
- B100 feet
- C200 feet Correct
- D250 feet
Why: Over 200 feet, an antenna structure needs FAA notification and FCC registration.
- G1B02Question 2FCC 97.203(b)
With which of the following conditions must beacon stations comply?
- ANo more than one beacon station may transmit in the same band from the same station location Correct
- BThe frequency must be coordinated with the National Beacon Organization
- CThe frequency must be posted on the internet or published in a national periodical
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Only one beacon may transmit per band from the same station location.
- G1B03Question 3FCC 97.3(a)(9)
Which of the following is a purpose of a beacon station as identified in the FCC rules?
- AObservation of propagation and reception Correct
- BAutomatic identification of repeaters
- CTransmission of bulletins of general interest to amateur radio licensees
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: Beacons exist to observe propagation and reception.
- G1B04Question 4FCC 97.113(c)
Which of the following transmissions is permitted for all amateur stations?
- AUnidentified transmissions of less than 10 seconds duration for test purposes only
- BAutomatic retransmission of other amateur signals by any amateur station
- COccasional retransmission of weather and propagation forecast information from US government stations Correct
- DEncrypted messages, if not intended to facilitate a criminal act
Why: Any amateur may occasionally retransmit US government weather and propagation forecasts.
- G1B05Question 5FCC 97.111((5)(b)
Which of the following one-way transmissions are permitted?
- AUnidentified test transmissions of less than 10 seconds in duration
- BTransmissions to assist with learning the International Morse code Correct
- CRegular transmissions offering equipment for sale, if intended for amateur radio use
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: One-way transmissions to help people learn Morse code are allowed.
- G1B06Question 6FCC 97.15(b), PRB-1, 101 FCC 2d 952 (1985)
Under what conditions are state and local governments permitted to regulate amateur radio antenna structures?
- AUnder no circumstances, FCC rules take priority
- BAt any time and to any extent necessary to accomplish a legitimate purpose of the state or local entity, provided that proper filings are made with the FCC
- COnly when such structures exceed 50 feet in height and are clearly visible 1,000 feet from the structure
- DAmateur Service communications must be reasonably accommodated, and regulations must constitute the minimum practical to accommodate a legitimate purpose of the state or local entity Correct
Why: Under PRB-1, local rules must reasonably accommodate amateur radio and be the minimum needed for their purpose.
- G1B07Question 7FCC 97.113(a)(4)
What are the restrictions on the use of abbreviations or procedural signals in the amateur service?
- AOnly “Q” signals are permitted
- BThey may be used if they do not obscure the meaning of a message Correct
- CThey are not permitted
- DThey are limited to those expressly listed in Part 97 of the FCC rules
Why: Abbreviations and procedural signals are fine as long as they don't hide a message's meaning.
- G1B08Question 8FCC 97.111(a)(1)
When is it permissible to communicate with amateur stations in countries outside the areas administered by the Federal Communications Commission?
- AOnly when the foreign country has a formal third-party agreement filed with the FCC
- BWhen the contact is with amateurs in any country except those whose administrations have notified the ITU that they object to such communications Correct
- COnly when the contact is with amateurs licensed by a country which is a member of the United Nations, or by a territory possessed by such a country
- DOnly when the contact is with amateurs licensed by a country which is a member of the International Amateur Radio Union, or by a territory possessed by such a country
Why: You can contact hams in any country except those that have told the ITU they object.
- G1B09Question 9FCC 97.203(d)
On what HF frequencies are automatically controlled beacons permitted?
- AOn any frequency if power is less than 1 watt
- BOn any frequency if transmissions are in Morse code
- C21.08 MHz to 21.09 MHz
- D28.20 MHz to 28.30 MHz Correct
Why: Automatic HF beacons are allowed only from 28.20 to 28.30 MHz.
- G1B10Question 10FCC 97.203(c)
What is the power limit for beacon stations?
- A10 watts PEP output
- B20 watts PEP output
- C100 watts PEP output Correct
- D200 watts PEP output
Why: Beacon stations are limited to 100 watts PEP output.
- G1B11Question 11FCC 97.101(a)
Who or what determines “good engineering and good amateur practice,” as applied to the operation of an amateur station in all respects not covered by the Part 97 rules?
- AThe FCC Correct
- BThe control operator
- CThe IEEE
- DThe ITU
Why: The FCC decides what good engineering and good amateur practice means.
Learn G1B step by step, freeRead a short lesson on antennas, beacons and what you may transmit, answer these questions as you go, and see why each answer is right.