Section 8.7: Control Operator and Control Types #

Let’s dive into the world of control operators and control types - it’s all about who’s responsible for what’s going out over the airwaves!

Control Operator #

A control operator is an amateur radio operator designated by the station licensee (owner of the station) to be responsible for the transmissions from that station. Here are the key points:

1. The station licensee must designate at least one control operator.
2. The control operator is responsible for the proper operation of the station.
3. The control operator must have an amateur radio license equal to or higher than the privileges being used.
4. There must always be a control operator. Even in the case of automatic control such as a repeater, the control operator is the repeater licensee.
5. If there is ever an issue, the FCC will assume that the station licensee is the control operator unless there is documentation to the contrary!
   • You are required to make your station and its records available for inspection at any time upon request by an FCC representative

Remember: “With great power comes great responsibility” - the control operator is responsible for ensuring all transmissions comply with FCC rules.

The one partial exception to this is that if a repeater inadvertently retransmits something which violates the FCC rules the control operator of the station which sent the original transmission is accountable, not the repeater operator.

Types of Control #

There are three types of control in amateur radio:

1. Local Control #

• The control point is at the same physical location as the station itself.

  The control point of an amateur station is the location at which the control operator function is performed

• This is the most common type for home stations and portable operations.
• Example: You’re sitting at your home station, operating your radio.

2. Remote Control #

• The control operator is not at the station location but can still control the transmitter directly.
• Often uses internet or dedicated control links.
• Example: Operating your home station from your smartphone while you’re at work.

Remote control operation is like being a radio wizard - you can control your station from afar! But with great power comes great responsibility. The FCC has a few rules to make sure everything stays safe and legal:

• You (the control operator) need to be at the control point.
• Someone needs to be on duty at all times. No setting it and forgetting it!
• You need to be the one actually controlling things, even if it’s indirectly.

3. Automatic Control #

• The station operates without a control operator present.
• Limited to specific operations like repeaters, beacons, and space stations.
• Example: A repeater that operates 24/7 without someone constantly monitoring it.

Automatic Retransmission #

Some types of amateur stations are permitted to automatically retransmit signals from other stations. This is a key aspect of automatic control that has specific rules:

1. Repeater Stations: These receive signals on one frequency and simultaneously retransmit them on another, extending the range of communications.

2. Auxiliary Stations: These can automatically retransmit signals as part of a local network of amateur stations. Part 97 defines an Auxiliary station as:

   An amateur station, other than in a message forwarding system, that is transmitting communications point-to-point within a system of cooperating amateur stations.

3. Space Stations: Satellites and other space-based amateur radio stations can automatically retransmit signals from Earth stations.

Key Points to Remember #

1. The control operator is responsible for all transmissions from the station, regardless of who is actually speaking.
2. If the station licensee and the control operator are not the same individual, both equally share responsibility for proper operation of the station. It’s like loaning out your car – careful who you give the keys to, because if there is an accident you both end up paying!
3. If a station is operating under automatic control, it must cease operation if it causes harmful interference.
4. For remote and automatic control, the licensee must be able to deactivate the transmitter from a distance if necessary.

Exam Tips #

• Know the definitions of local, remote, and automatic control.
• Understand that the control operator is always responsible for the station’s operation.
• Only repeater, auxiliary, and space stations are authorized for automatic retransmission of other amateur signals.
• Remember that automatic control is limited to specific types of operation.

Pro Tip #

If you’re operating someone else’s station, make sure you know what privileges you’re allowed to use. You can only operate within the limits of your license class, even if the station is capable of more.

Understanding control operators and control types is crucial for responsible amateur radio operation. It ensures that someone is always accountable for what’s being transmitted, helping to maintain the integrity of our bands. So whether you’re at the helm of your own station or operating remotely, remember - you’re the captain of your radio ship!