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Technician: Definition of Telecommand

What is the FCC Part 97 definition of telecommand? [T1A13]

A. An instruction bulletin issued by the FCC
B. A one-way radio transmission of measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument
C. A one-way transmission to initiate, modify or terminate functions of a device at a distance
D. An instruction from a VEC

The definition of a telecommand is set in FCC Part 97, specifically 97.3(a)(45)…

(44) Telecommand. A one-way transmission to initiate, modify, or terminate functions of a device at a distance.

This is one of those “its the rules” questions, but the answer makes perfect sense if you think about it.  A and D are patently false.  B is the definition telemetry, not telecommand….  And if you think about C. if you are initiating, modifying, or terminating the functions of a device, you are giving it a command, or, a telecommand.  The rule specifies a “space station” but in general terms, the result is the same regardless of the end receiving the command.

The device pictured, just an average radio remote control for a car or airplane, would be a very basic example of a device that is issuing a “radio telecommand” to another device.

3 thoughts on “Technician: Definition of Telecommand”

  1. Hi K5HRA
    I’ve got a question re: Non-space telemetry. Part 97.3 (46) and 97.217 have the only simple definitions for telemetry from Earth surface up to 50 km. They do seem to imply telemetry is an instance of data, although this is patently clear. But my question has to do with the definition in your answer B above (A one-way radio transmission of measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument). Normally, I think of telemetry like a spacecraft designer. It consists of transmission of measurements from measuring instruments close to the transmitter. But this definition is a bit odd to me. It sounds like the measurements need to come from instruments at a distance from the transmitter. Of course, distance could be 2 cm, I suppose, but that doesn’t seem like the spirit of the reg. What is the spirit of this reg relative to the relationship of the measuring instrument and the transmitting equipment that sends the telemetry, one way of course, to a receiver? Thanks any answer. – Keith, AI7SI

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  2. This gives the definition of a “telecommand station”, (a)(45).

    The question is about “telecommand”, (a)(44).

    “(44) Telecommand. A one-way transmission to initiate, modify, or terminate functions of a device at a distance.
    (45) Telecommand station. An amateur station that transmits communications to initiate, modify or terminate functions of a space station.”

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