THE ARRL OFFICIAL OBSERVER

The Official Observer program has been sponsored by the League for more than 50 years to help Amateurs help each other. Official Observer appointees have assisted thousands of amateurs to maintain their transmitting equipment and operating procedures in compliance with the regulations. The object of the OO program is to notify amateurs by mail of operating/technical irregularities before they come to the attention of the FCC.

The OO is also the backbone of the Amateur Auxiliary to the FCC. OOs are certified in the Auxiliary by passing a mandatory written examination.

Interference problems generated on VHF or UHF repeaters are primarily local problems requiring local resolution. The local Amateur-to-Amateur interference is dealt with by the Local Interference Committee. The Training Guide: Amateur Auxiliary To The FCC Field Operations Bureau, which summarizes procedures to be used by such committees, is being used by all Official Observers (00s). Such interference between Amateurs is to be handled by the 00s or the Official Observer Coordinator (OOC).

The OO performs his function by listening rather than transmitting, keeping an ear out for such things as frequency instability, harmonics, hum, key clicks, broad signals, distorted audio, over deviation, out-of-band operation, etc. The OO completes his task once the notification card is sent.

In hard-core rules violations cases, OOs refer problems to higher echelons of the Amateur Auxiliary, and may be requested to gather evidence for possible FCC enforcement actions. Requirements follow:

1. Must take and pass examination to be certified as a member of the Amateur Auxiliary, an FCC requirement, based on study of the ARRL's Amateur Auxiliary Training Manual.

2. Must be an ARRL Full Member and have been a licensee of Technician Class or higher for at least four years.

3. Must report to the OO Coordinator regularly on FSD-23.

4. Maintain regular activity in sending out advisory notices as needed.

The OO program is one of the most important functions of the League. A sincere dedication to helping our brother and sister amateurs is required for appointment. Recruitment of new hams and League members is an integral part of the job of every League appointee. Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity to recruit a new ham or member to foster growth of Field Organization programs, and our abilities to serve the public.

FSD-110(2/97)

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