Supplement: What’s New in the 2026 Question Pool #

If you studied using the 2022-2026 Technician HamBook but expect to test on or after July 1, 2026 with the 2026-2030 Technician class question pool, this supplement is for you! The new pool introduces several updated and brand-new questions covering topics that weren’t included before. This chapter walks you through all the new material you’ll need to know. Note that there are a lot of wording changes on other questions not covered here, but they weren’t considered significant enough to need extra focus.

Don’t worry—everything you learned from the 2022 book still applies. This section is just a refresher with a focus on the specific wording and topics covered by the new questions for those who are nervous.

Licensing and Regulations #

How You’ll Hear About Your New License #

Key Information: You receive official notification of your new license and call sign via email from the FCC with a link to download the license grant.

After you pass your exam, your volunteer examiner (VE) team submits your application through their VEC (Volunteer Examiner Coordinator). The FCC then sends you an email with information about paying the licensing fee, and once that’s complete, another email arrives with a link to download your official license grant.

Renewing Your License Early #

Key Information: You can renew your license as early as ninety (90) days before it expires.

Planning ahead? The FCC lets you renew your license up to 90 days before the expiration date. This gives you plenty of buffer room to avoid any last-minute scrambles.

Operating from Ships and International Waters #

Key Information: You may operate your amateur radio from a US-documented vessel in international waters with the master’s permission.

If you’re aboard a vessel that’s documented or registered in the United States and you’re in international waters, you can operate your amateur station—just make sure you have the ship’s captain on board with the idea.

Interference is Never Okay #

Key Information: Willful or malicious interference to other amateur radio stations is prohibited—always, under all circumstances.

Intentional interference violates both FCC rules and the spirit of amateur radio. The bands belong to everyone, and mutual respect keeps the hobby functioning smoothly.

Station Control #

What’s a Control Operator? #

Key Information: A control operator is an amateur operator designated by the licensee of a station to be responsible for transmissions and FCC rules compliance at that station.

Every amateur station needs a control operator—someone who takes responsibility for ensuring that all transmissions comply with FCC rules.

Remote Control #

Key Information: Any amateur station may be remotely controlled.

You’re not limited to sitting right next to your radio! Any amateur station can be operated remotely. The key requirement is that the control operator must be able to maintain proper control of the station at all times.

Auxiliary Stations #

Key Information: An example of an auxiliary station is one sending one-way transmissions between a remote repeater receiver and the main repeater transmitter.

Think of auxiliary stations as support stations—links in a larger system, like a radio link connecting a remote receiver site to a repeater’s main transmitter.

Electronic Fundamentals #

Amplifier Gain #

Key Information: Gain in amplifiers can refer to the ratio of output to input voltage, current, or power—all are valid ways to measure how much a signal is amplified.

When we talk about an amplifier’s “gain,” we’re describing how much it increases a signal. Gain can be measured as voltage gain, current gain, or power gain—all three are legitimate ways to express amplification.

Propagation #

Speed of Radio Waves #

Key Information: All radio frequencies travel at the same velocity in free space—whether VHF, UHF, microwaves, or any other frequency.

In the vacuum of space, all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed—the speed of light. A 2-meter VHF signal and a 23-cm UHF signal zip along at exactly the same velocity: about 300 million meters per second.

The Ionosphere #

Key Information: The ionosphere is the region of the atmosphere that can reflect HF radio waves.

The ionosphere makes long-distance HF communication possible by bouncing signals back to Earth. Note that the exam uses the term “reflect” here—while some argue “refract” is more technically accurate for what the ionosphere does, the concept is the same: the ionosphere is what enables skywave propagation on HF.

Auroral Backscatter #

Key Information: VHF signals received via auroral backscatter are distorted, with a characteristic raspy sound.

When VHF signals bounce off the aurora, they come back sounding rough and raspy—quite different from normal clear signals. This distinctive sound is a telltale sign of auroral propagation.

HF Propagation Beacons #

Key Information: On HF, automatically controlled amateur propagation beacons can be found on 10 meters, between 28.200 MHz and 28.300 MHz.

Propagation beacons are automated stations that transmit signals so operators can assess band conditions. By tuning to 28.200–28.300 MHz and listening for distant beacons, you can quickly tell whether 10 meters is “open” for long-distance communication.

Antennas #

Antenna Polarization #

Key Information: The polarization of an antenna is described by the orientation of the electric field.

When we talk about antenna polarization, we’re describing the orientation of the radio wave’s electric field. A vertical antenna produces vertically polarized waves; a horizontal antenna produces horizontally polarized waves.

The 19-Inch 2-Meter Antenna #

Key Information: A 19-inch vertical antenna is often used on 2 meters because it is a resonant quarter-wave at that frequency.

At 146 MHz (in the heart of the 2-meter band), a quarter wavelength works out to approximately 19 inches. This is why vertical antennas for 2-meter handhelds and mobile radios are roughly this size.

Weatherproofing Outdoor Connectors #

Key Information: All outdoor RF connectors (PL-259, BNC, Type N, and others) should be carefully taped or sealed for weather protection.

Any connector exposed to the elements needs protection from moisture. Whether you’re using PL-259s, BNCs, or Type N connectors, take the time to properly seal them with self-amalgamating tape or weatherproof boots.

Station Equipment and Troubleshooting #

The VFO #

Key Information: The function of the Variable Frequency Oscillator (VFO) is to set the receive and transmit frequency.

The VFO is what lets you tune around the bands. When you turn the tuning knob on your transceiver, you’re adjusting the VFO.

How an Ohmmeter Works #

Key Information: An ohmmeter measures resistance by applying a small current and measuring the resulting voltage.

Your multimeter’s ohmmeter function uses Ohm’s Law: it applies a known, small current to the component being tested and measures the voltage that develops across it to calculate resistance.

Dummy Loads #

Key Information: A typical RF dummy load consists of a 50-ohm non-inductive resistor mounted on a heat sink.

Dummy loads let you test your transmitter without radiating a signal. The 50-ohm rating matches standard amateur radio impedance, and the non-inductive design ensures it works properly at RF frequencies.

When SWR Gets High #

Key Information: High SWR is a common cause of low RF power output from a solid-state transceiver.

Modern solid-state transceivers have protection circuits that automatically reduce output power when SWR rises too high. If your radio isn’t putting out as much power as expected, check your antenna system!

Fixing Distorted Audio with Ferrite Chokes #

Key Information: Adding a clip-on ferrite choke to the microphone cable can eliminate distorted voice transmissions by preventing RF feedback into the transmitter.

If you’re getting reports of garbled or distorted audio, RF from your transmitter might be sneaking back into your audio circuits. Snapping a ferrite choke onto your microphone cable often fixes this.

Coaxial Cable: Foam vs. Solid Dielectric #

Key Information: Foam-dielectric coaxial cable has less loss per foot than solid-dielectric cable.

Foam dielectric has tiny air bubbles that reduce signal loss. The tradeoff is that foam-dielectric cables are somewhat more susceptible to moisture damage, so proper weatherproofing at connections is essential.

Digital Modes and Operating #

Digital Modes for Technicians #

Key Information: Technician class operators can use digital modes such as FT8 on 10 meters, 6 meters, and 2 meters.

Digital modes like FT8 allow weak signal contacts that would be impossible with voice. As a Technician, you have digital privileges on multiple bands right from the start!

FT8 Station Setup #

Key Information: For FT8 operation, the transceiver’s audio input and output connect to the audio output and input of a computer running FT8 software.

FT8 requires connecting your radio’s audio to a computer. The exam now refers generically to “FT8 software” rather than the specific program WSJT-X, though WSJT-X remains the most popular choice.

FM Voice Peaks #

Key Information: Talking too loudly will cause your FM transmission audio to drop out on voice peaks.

When you speak too loudly into an FM transmitter, you over-deviate the signal and the audio drops out on peaks. Keep your voice level moderate for clean audio.

DMR Color Codes #

Key Information: A DMR color code is an access code which must be programmed into a DMR transmitter to access a specific repeater.

Think of a color code as a key that unlocks a particular DMR repeater—your radio’s color code setting must match the repeater’s code, or the repeater won’t respond to your transmissions.

DMR Code Plugs #

Key Information: A DMR “code plug” is configuration data loaded onto your radio to access repeaters and talkgroups.

A code plug is a configuration file containing all the information your DMR radio needs: repeater frequencies, color codes, talkgroup IDs, and more.

Calling CQ #

Key Information: An effective way to seek a call from any phone station when not using a repeater is to repeat “CQ” a few times, followed by “this is” and your call sign, then pause to listen.

“CQ” is amateur radio’s universal “calling all stations” signal. Say “CQ” two or three times, give your callsign, pause and listen for responses, then repeat as necessary.

Satellites #

Understanding LEO #

Key Information: LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit—a satellite orbit with a period of around 100 minutes.

Most amateur radio satellites are LEO satellites, zipping around Earth relatively close to the surface. Because they’re moving fast, each pass typically only lasts 5 to 15 minutes—so you’ve got to be quick!

Emergency Communications #

RACES Requirements #

Key Information: To be the control operator of a RACES station, you need both an FCC-issued amateur operator license and certification of current enrollment by a civil defense organization.

RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) operates under civil defense authority during declared emergencies. Unlike ARES, which is volunteer-based, RACES requires that additional civil defense certification.

Winlink: Email Over Radio #

Key Information: Winlink relays messages using email addresses based on amateur callsigns.

Winlink is a global radio email system where each amateur gets an email address based on their callsign (like W1ABC@winlink.org). During disasters when internet infrastructure fails, Winlink provides critical communication capability.

Summary #

The 2026 question pool updates reflect the evolving landscape of amateur radio: increased emphasis on digital modes and systems, clarification of licensing procedures and station control, and continued focus on practical operating knowledge. If you’ve already studied the 2022 material, you’re well prepared—these additions simply round out your knowledge with contemporary practices and helpful details.

Good luck on your exam, and we look forward to hearing you on the air!