Question T1B12
From subelement T1 - T1B
Except for some specific restrictions, what is the maximum peak envelope power output for Technician class operators using frequencies above 30 MHz?
Why is this correct?
D is correct because Technician operators can use up to 1500 watts peak envelope power (PEP) on frequencies above 30 MHz, which includes VHF and UHF bands. This is much higher than the 200-watt limit for Technician HF privileges. The other answers (50, 100, and 500 watts) are all below the actual regulatory limit. The phrase 'except for some specific restrictions' acknowledges that certain band segments or modes may have lower limits, but 1500 watts is the general maximum above 30 MHz.
Memory tip
Remember the power threshold at 30 MHz: below it (HF bands) Technicians get 200 watts maximum, above it they get 1500 watts maximum. This dramatic increase reflects that VHF/UHF signals don't propagate as far as HF, so higher power is permitted without causing widespread interference.
Learn more
The 1500-watt limit above 30 MHz might seem excessive, but it reflects practical VHF/UHF propagation characteristics. Most VHF/UHF contacts are line-of-sight, so signals don't travel thousands of miles like HF. This higher power allowance supports activities like EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) communication, weak-signal VHF/UHF work, and emergency communications where path losses can be significant. In practice, most operators use far less power—typical VHF/UHF transceivers output 5-100 watts, which is usually sufficient for local and regional communications.
Think about it
Why do you think the FCC allows Technician operators much higher power limits on VHF/UHF bands compared to their restricted HF segments?