Privilege questions become easier when a few frequency and power landmarks are attached to real operating ideas.
This page is an exam-oriented memory aid based on the 2026–2030 Technician study material.
It is not a substitute for current FCC rules or an up-to-date band chart. Before operating, verify the current privileges and restrictions that apply.
Key landmarks
| Item | Exam-oriented landmark |
|---|---|
| 10-meter Technician phone | 28.300–28.500 MHz |
| 10-meter automatically controlled propagation beacons | 28.200–28.300 MHz |
| Maximum PEP in Technician HF segments | 200 W PEP |
| 2-meter national FM simplex calling frequency | 146.520 MHz |
| Common 2-meter repeater offset | ±600 kHz |
| Common 70-centimeter repeater offset | ±5 MHz |
| General ceiling above 30 MHz, except specific restrictions | 1500 W PEP |
A 6-meter frequency such as 52.525 MHz can also serve as a recognition anchor for that band.
The 10-meter pattern
For Technician privileges, 10 meters is an important HF exception to remember.
The study material emphasizes:
- 28.300–28.500 MHz for Technician phone operation;
- lower Technician 10-meter privileges being primarily CW/data;
- a 200 W PEP ceiling in Technician HF segments.
Do not automatically carry the 1500 W figure down into Technician HF privileges.
The 2-meter anchors
146.520 MHz is a useful anchor because it identifies the 2-meter band and is the national FM simplex calling frequency used in the study material.
A common repeater-offset magnitude on 2 meters is 600 kHz. The sign depends on the repeater.
Keep that separate from the common 5 MHz offset used on 70 centimeters.
Why band edges matter
Do not think only about the frequency shown on a radio display.
A signal occupies bandwidth. Frequency error, drift, or modulation sidebands can extend beyond the authorized band if the transmitter is placed too close to an edge.
The exam therefore treats band-edge questions as occupied-signal questions, not merely dial-reading questions.
What secondary allocation means
Where the Amateur Radio Service is secondary, amateurs must avoid causing interference to the primary service.
Secondary status does not mean the amateur allocation disappears. It means the primary service receives protection.
Power limits are ceilings, not targets
The numbers above are exam landmarks, not a recommendation to use maximum power.
The Technician material also emphasizes selecting the appropriate operating practice for the situation and observing specific restrictions.
Check current information before transmitting
The edition is based on the Technician pool revision dated February 19, 2026, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030.
Rules, errata, and operating information can change. Use current FCC information and the current official pool or band information before relying on a frequency or privilege in real operation.
If you are preparing to move from exam study to the air, continue with the first seven days after passing guide.