Your Advanced License Privileges
The Three License Tiers
Australia has three amateur radio license grades, each with different privileges:
| Grade | Max Power (PEP) | Bands | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 10 W | Limited bands and segments | Must use commercially built equipment |
| Standard | 100 W | Most amateur bands | Can build/modify equipment |
| Advanced | 400 W | All amateur bands, full segments | Full privileges, can supervise others |
What 400 Watts Really Means
The 400W limit is PEP (Peak Envelope Power) — the power at the peak of the modulation envelope. For different modes, this means:
- CW: 400W during key-down periods
- SSB: 400W on voice peaks (average power is much lower)
- FM: 400W continuous (FM is constant power)
Fundamental principle: Even though you're allowed 400W, you must always use the minimum power necessary for satisfactory communication. Running full power for a local chat is poor operating practice.
Station Identification
This is a legal requirement:
- Identify at the beginning and end of a contact or series of transmissions
- Identify at least every 10 minutes during extended communications
- Use your assigned callsign
- /P suffix for portable operation
- /M suffix for mobile operation
Who Regulates Amateur Radio in Australia?
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) — the regulator. Sets the rules, issues licenses
- WIA (Wireless Institute of Australia) — the national society. Represents amateurs, administers exams, publishes band plans
- ARPANSA — sets RF exposure safety standards that amateurs must comply with
Third-Party Traffic
You can pass messages for non-amateurs, but:
- Messages must be personal or emergency-related
- No commercial or business traffic
- International third-party messages only to countries with an agreement with Australia