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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-beacon-power

What is the maximum power for an amateur beacon station?

100 watts PEP.

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  1. 100 watts PEP output ✔
  2. 10 watts PEP output
  3. 200 watts PEP output

Why: A beacon sends a steady signal so others can check propagation. The rules cap its transmitter power at 100 watts, far less than the 1,500 watt amateur limit.

Huh, didn't know that: A beacon may transmit on only one channel per band from the same station location.

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References

Answer: 100 watts PEP output. A beacon sends a steady signal so others can check propagation. The rules cap its transmitter power at 100 watts, far less than the 1,500 watt amateur limit.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    100 watts PEP output
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 47 CFR 97.203 (Cornell LII mirror of eCFR) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/97.203
    A beacon must not concurrently transmit on more than 1 channel in the same amateur service frequency band, from the same station location.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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