Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

Which condition must beacon stations comply with?

1. A beacon station may not use automatic control

2. The frequency must be coordinated with the National Beacon Organization

3. The frequency must be posted on the Internet

4. There must be no more than one beacon signal from a single location

The correct answer is: There must be no more than one beacon signal from a single location

Beacon stations must adhere to specific regulations to minimize interference and ensure proper functioning within the amateur radio spectrum. The requirement that there must be no more than one beacon signal from a single location is crucial for several reasons. First, having more than one beacon signal from the same location could lead to confusion among operators and difficulties in receiving clear signals. It complicates the communication environment by layering signals that can obstruct one another, making it challenging for listeners to determine which beacon is transmitting. Second, this regulation helps to maintain orderly use of the frequency spectrum. Many amateur bands are shared with other users, and limiting the number of beacons from a single source conserves bandwidth and reduces congestion on the airwaves. Lastly, this condition supports the overall integrity of amateur radio operations, ensuring that beacons serve their purpose effectively, which is to transmit navigational information or to assist in propagation studies without disrupting other communications.