Sec. 80.98  Radiotelegraph testing procedures.

    (a) Stations authorized to use telegraphy may conduct tests on any 
assigned frequency. Emissions must not cause harmful interference. When 
radiation is necessary the radiotelegraph testing procedure described in 
this paragraph must be followed:
    (1) The operator must not interfere with transmissions in progress.
    (2) The operator must transmit ``IE'' (two dots, space, one dot) on 
the test frequency as a warning that test emissions are about to be 
made. When the frequency of the test emission is within the frequency 
band 405-525 kHz, a watch must be maintained on 500 kHz throughout the 
test period.
    (3) If any station transmits ``AS'' (wait), testing must be 
suspended. When transmission of ``IE'' is resumed and no response is 
heard, the test may proceed.
    (4) Test signals composed of a series of ``VVV'' having a duration 
of not more than ten seconds, followed by the call sign of the testing 
station will be transmitted. The call sign must be sent clearly at a 
speed of approximately 10 words per minute. This test transmission must 
not be repeated until a period of at least one minute has elapsed. On 
500 kHz in a region of heavy traffic, at least five minutes must elapse 
before the test transmission is repeated.
    (b) When testing is conducted on 500 kHz, no tests will be conducted 
during the 500 kHz silence periods. Care must be exercised not to so 
prolong and space the dash portion of the ``VVV'' series as to form the 
alarm signal.
    (c) When testing is conducted on any frequency in the band 8362-8366 
kHz,

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tests must not actuate any automatic alarm receiver.