Question 1-17C1

When testing a radiotelephone installation, the FCC's rules for maritime services (Part 80) specify procedures to minimize interference and identify the transmission. **B) Transmit the station’s call sign, followed by the word “test” on the frequency being used for the test.** This is the correct procedure for an on-air test. If an artificial antenna (dummy load) isn't used, or a live antenna test is necessary, transmitting the call sign followed by "test" clearly informs other operators that the transmission is for testing purposes and not a conversational exchange. **A) A dummy antenna must be used to insure the test will not interfere with ongoing communications.** While using a dummy antenna is the *preferred* method to prevent interference, it's not always mandatory. On-air testing is permitted when necessary, provided the power is reduced to a minimum, the test is brief, and proper identification (as in B) is used. **C) Permission for the voice test must be requested and received from the nearest public coast station.** This is incorrect. There is no FCC regulation requiring permission from a public coast station for routine radiotelephone equipment testing. **D) Short tests must be confined to a single frequency and must never be conducted in port.** This is incorrect. While tests should be short and use minimum power, there's no prohibition against testing in port (which is often necessary) or against testing multiple frequencies if required to confirm functionality.