FCC Exam Question: 48G5

What conditions must exist for a completely automatic DSC acknowledgement of a Routine call and change to suggested working channel?

A. Both stations must be monitoring Ch-16 or the sending station must be set up for automatic DSC response.
B. The receiving station must be monitoring the suggested working frequency.
C. All routine priority DSC calls must be manually acknowledged by the watch officer.
D. The receiving station must be set up for automatic DSC response.
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: For a completely automatic Digital Selective Calling (DSC) acknowledgment of a Routine call and subsequent change to a suggested working channel, the *receiving station's* DSC equipment must be specifically configured for automatic response. Modern DSC radios can be programmed to automatically acknowledge low-priority calls and direct the radio to the agreed-upon working frequency without human intervention, ensuring unattended operation. Option A is incorrect because DSC calls are transmitted on VHF Ch-70, not Ch-16 (which is for voice distress and calling). Monitoring Ch-16 would not allow for receiving the DSC call, nor would it facilitate an automatic DSC acknowledgment. Option B is incorrect as the receiving station will only switch to and monitor the suggested working frequency *after* the DSC call has been acknowledged and the channel change command processed. Option C is incorrect because, while manual acknowledgment is an option, DSC systems are capable of, and often configured for, automatic acknowledgment of routine priority calls, especially when unattended.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.