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E1C08

COMMISSION RULES · Automatic and remote control; band-specific regulations; operating in and communicating with foreign countries; spurious emission standards; HF modulation index limit; band-specific rules

E1C08§ 97.213E1C →

What is the maximum permissible duration of a remotely controlled station's transmissions if its control link malfunctions?

  1. A30 seconds
  2. B3 minutes
  3. C5 minutes
  4. D10 minutes
Why Section 97.213 requires that a remotely controlled station's control link include a device that automatically shuts the transmitter down if the link fails. The rule sets that timeout at no more than 3 minutes of continuous transmission, so a stuck or lost control link can't leave a carrier on the air indefinitely. This is a hardware watchdog requirement, not just a good-practice suggestion.
Watch out The 10 minute figure is tempting because 10 minutes is the station identification interval in 97.119, and 5 minutes is the timeout many repeater controllers use by custom, but neither is the FCC's control link limit.
Remote control link dies: 3 minutes and it must quit. Don't confuse with the 10 minute ID rule.
HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.
47 CFR 97.213 Telecommand of an amateur station.

An amateur station on or within 50 km of the Earth's surface may be under telecommand where:

(a) There is a radio or wireline control link between the control point and the station sufficient for the control operator to perform his/her duties. If radio, the control link must use an auxiliary station. A control link using a fiber optic cable or another telecommunication service is considered wireline.

(b) Provisions are incorporated to limit transmission by the station to a period of no more than 3 minutes in the event of malfunction in the control link.

(c) The station is protected against making, willfully or negligently, unauthorized transmissions.

(d) A photocopy of the station license and a label with the name, address, and telephone number of the station licensee and at least one designated control operator is posted in a conspicuous place at the station location.

eCFR text as of 1 Sep 2026 · read on ecfr.gov
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The rest of E1C

  1. E1C01 What is the maximum bandwidth for a data emission on 60 meters?
  2. E1C02 Which of the following apply to communications transmitted to amateur stations in foreign countries?
  3. E1C03 How long must an operator wait after filing a notification with the Utilities Technology Council (UTC) before…
  4. E1C04 What is an IARP?
  5. E1C05 Under what situation may a station transmit third party communications while being automatically controlled?
  6. E1C06 Which of the following is required in order to operate in accordance with CEPT rules in foreign countries whe…
  7. E1C07 What notifications must be given before transmitting on the 630- or 2200-meter bands?
  8. E1C08 What is the maximum permissible duration of a remotely controlled station's transmissions if its control link…
  9. E1C09 What is the highest modulation index permitted at the highest modulation frequency for angle modulation below…
  10. E1C10 What is the maximum mean power level for a spurious emission below 30 MHz with respect to the fundamental emi…
  11. E1C11 Which of the following operating arrangements allows an FCC-licensed US citizen to operate in many European c…
  12. E1C12 In what portion of the 630-meter band are phone emissions permitted?
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