2026 - 2030 Technician Class Question Pool
Last updated: Dec 18, 2025
Subelement T1: COMMISSION’S RULES
Purpose and permissible use of the Amateur Radio Service; Operator/primary station license grant; Meanings of basic terms used in FCC rules; Interference; RACES rules; Phonetics; Frequency Coordinator; Beacon
T1A01:Which of the following is part of the Basis and Purpose of the Amateur Radio Service?
Advancing skills in the technical and communication phases of the radio art
T1A02:Which agency regulates and enforces the rules for the Amateur Radio Service in the United States?
- The FCC
T1A03:What do the FCC rules state regarding the use of a phonetic alphabet for station identification in the Amateur Radio Service?
- It is encouraged when using phone emissions
T1A04:How do you receive official notification of your new license and call sign after passing the exam?
- Email from the FCC with a link to download the license grant
T1A05:What proves that the FCC has issued an operator/primary license grant?
- The license appears in the FCC ULS database
T1A06:On which of the following HF frequencies can automatically controlled amateur propagation beacons be found?
- On ten meters, between 28.200 MHz and 28.300 MHz
T1A07:What is the FCC Part 97 definition of a space station?
- An amateur station located more than 50 km above Earth's surface
T1A08:Who recommends transmit/receive channels for repeater and auxiliary stations?
- A Volunteer Frequency Coordinator recognized by local amateurs
T1A09:Who selects a Frequency Coordinator?
- Amateur operators in a local or regional area whose stations are eligible to be repeater or auxiliary stations
T1A10:Besides an FCC-issued amateur operator license, what is required to be the control operator of a Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Station?
- Certification of current enrollment by a civil defense organization
Frequency allocations; Emission modes; Spectrum sharing; Transmissions near band edges; Contacting the International Space Station; Power output
T1B01:Which of the following frequency ranges are available for phone operation by Technician licensees?
- 28.300 MHz to 28.500 MHz
T1B02:Which of the following U.S. amateur radio operators are allowed to contact the International Space Station (ISS) on VHF bands?
- Any amateur with a Technician class or higher license
T1B05:Which of the following bands include frequencies where Technicians are authorized to use digital modes such as FT8?
- A:10 meters
- B:6 meters
- C:2 meters
- All these choices are correct
T1B07:Which of the following VHF/UHF band segments are limited to CW only?
- 50.0 MHz to 50.1 MHz and 144.0 MHz to 144.1 MHz
T1B08:How are US amateurs restricted in segments of bands where the Amateur Radio Service is secondary?
- U.S. amateurs may find non-amateur stations in those segments, and must avoid interfering with them
T1B09:Why should you not set your transmit frequency to be exactly at the edge of an amateur band or sub-band?
- A:To allow for calibration error in the transmitter frequency display
- B:So that modulation sidebands do not extend beyond the band edge
- C:To allow for transmitter frequency drift
- All these choices are correct
T1B10:Where may SSB phone be used in amateur bands above 50 MHz?
- In at least some segment of all these bands
T1B11:What is the maximum peak envelope power output for Technician class operators in their HF band segments?
- 200 watts
T1B12:Except for some specific restrictions, what is the maximum peak envelope power output for Technician class operators using frequencies above 30 MHz?
- 1500 watts
Licensing: classes, sequential and vanity call sign systems, places where the Amateur Radio Service is regulated by the FCC, name and address on FCC license database, term, renewal, grace period, maintaining mailing address; International communications
T1C01:Which amateur license classes are currently issued by the FCC?
- Technician, General, Amateur Extra
T1C03:What types of international communications are FCC-licensed amateur radio stations permitted to make?
- Communications incidental to the purposes of the Amateur Radio Service and remarks of a personal character
T1C04:What may happen if the FCC is unable to reach you by email?
- Revocation of the station license or suspension of the operator license
T1C06:Which of the following statements is true about using your amateur radio license when operating aboard a vessel or craft in international waters?
- You may operate from a US-documented vessel with the master's permission
T1C10:How soon after passing the examination for your first amateur radio license may you transmit on the amateur radio bands?
- As soon as your operator/station license grant appears in the FCC’s license database
T1C11:If your license has expired and is still within the allowable grace period, may you continue to transmit on the amateur radio bands?
- No, you must wait until the license has been renewed
Authorized and prohibited transmissions; Sale of equipment
T1D01:With which countries are FCC-licensed amateur radio stations prohibited from exchanging communications?
- Any country whose administration has notified the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that it objects to such communications
T1D02:Under which of the following circumstances are one-way transmissions by an amateur station prohibited?
- Broadcasting
T1D03:When is it permissible to transmit messages encoded to obscure their meaning?
- Only when transmitting control commands to space stations or model craft
T1D04:Under what conditions is an amateur station authorized to transmit music using a phone emission?
- When incidental to an authorized retransmission of manned spacecraft communications
T1D05:When may amateur radio operators use their stations to notify other amateurs of the availability of equipment for sale or trade?
- When selling amateur radio equipment and not on a regular basis
T1D06:What, if any, are the restrictions concerning transmission of language that may be considered indecent or obscene?
- Any such language is prohibited
T1D07:Which of the following is an example of an auxiliary station?
- A station sending one-way transmissions between a remote repeater receiver and the main repeater transmitter
T1D08:In which of the following circumstances may the control operator of an amateur station receive compensation for operating that station?
- When the communication is a part of classroom instruction at an educational institution
T1D09:When may amateur stations transmit information in support of broadcasting, program production, or news gathering, assuming no other means is available?
- When such communications are directly related to the immediate safety of human life or protection of property
T1D10:How does the FCC define broadcasting for the Amateur Radio Service?
- Transmissions intended for reception by the general public
T1D11:When may an amateur station transmit without identifying on the air?
- When transmitting signals to control model craft
T1D12:Which of the following is required when making on-the-air test transmissions?
- Identify the transmitting station
Control operator: eligibility, designating, privileges, duties, location, required; Control point; Control types: automatic, remote
T1E02:Who may be the control operator of a station communicating through an amateur satellite or space station?
- Any amateur allowed to transmit on the satellite uplink frequency
T1E04:What determines the transmitting frequency privileges of an amateur station?
- The class of operator license held by the control operator
T1E05:What is an amateur station’s control point?
- The location at which the control operator function is performed
T1E06:When, other than during an emergency, may a Technician class licensee be the control operator of a station operating in an Amateur Extra Class band segment?
- At no time
T1E07:When the control operator is not the station licensee, who is responsible for the proper operation of the station?
- The control operator and the station licensee
T1E10:Which of the following is an example of remote control as defined in Part 97?
- Operating the station over the internet
T1E11:What is a control operator as defined in Part 97?
- An amateur operator designated by the licensee of a station to be responsible for transmissions and FCC rules compliance at that station
Station identification; Repeaters; Third party communications; Club stations; FCC inspection
T1F01:When must the station licensee make the station and the station records available for inspection?
- At any time upon request by an FCC representative
T1F02:How often must you identify with your FCC-assigned call sign when using tactical call signs such as “Race Headquarters”?
- At least every 10 minutes during and at the end of a communication
T1F03:When are you required to transmit your assigned call sign?
- At least every 10 minutes during and at the end of a communication
T1F05:What method of call sign identification is required for a station transmitting phone signals?
- Send the call sign using a CW or phone emission
T1F06:Which of the following self-assigned indicators are acceptable when using a phone transmission?
- A:KL7CC stroke W3
- B:KL7CC slant W3
- C:KL7CC slash W3
- All these choices are correct
T1F07:Which of the following restrictions apply when a non-licensed person speaks to a foreign amateur radio station via a station under the control of an FCC-licensed amateur radio operator?
- The foreign station must be in a country with which the U.S. has a third-party agreement
T1F08:What is the definition of third-party communications?
- A message from a control operator to another amateur station control operator on behalf of another person
T1F09:What type of amateur station simultaneously retransmits the signal of another amateur station on a different channel or channels?
- Repeater station
T1F10:Who is accountable if a repeater inadvertently retransmits communications that violate the FCC rules?
- The control operator of the originating station
T1F11:Which of the following is a requirement for the issuance of a club station license grant?
- The club must have at least four members
Subelement T2: OPERATING PROCEDURES
Station operation: choosing an operating frequency, calling another station, test transmissions; Band plans: calling frequencies, repeater offsets
T2A02:What is the national calling frequency for FM simplex operations in the 2-meter band?
- 146.520 MHz
T2A04:What is an appropriate way to call another station on a repeater if you know the other station's call sign?
- Say the station's call sign, then identify with your call sign
T2A05:How should you respond to a station calling CQ?
- Transmit the other station’s call sign followed by your call sign
T2A06:What is an effective way to seek a call from any phone station when not using a repeater?
- Repeat “CQ” a few times, followed by “this is,” and your call sign, then pause to listen; repeat as necessary
T2A07:What does the term "repeater offset" mean?
- The difference between a repeater’s transmit and receive frequencies
T2A09:Which of the following is a customary way to indicate a station is listening on a repeater and looking for a contact?
- The station’s call sign followed by the word “listening”
T2A10:What is a band plan, beyond the privileges established by the FCC?
- A voluntary guideline for using different modes or activities within an amateur band
T2A11:What term describes an amateur station that is transmitting and receiving on the same frequency?
- Simplex
VHF/UHF operating practices: FM repeater, simplex, reverse splits; Access tones: CTCSS, DTMF; DMR operation; Resolving operating problems; Q signals
T2B01:What is the purpose of the reverse function on a VHF/UHF transceiver?
- To listen on a repeater’s input frequency
T2B02:What term describes the use of a sub-audible tone transmitted along with normal voice audio to open the squelch of a receiver?
- CTCSS
T2B03:Which of the following describes a linked repeater network?
- A network of repeaters in which signals received by one repeater are transmitted by all the repeaters in the network
T2B04:Which of the following could be the reason you are unable to access a repeater whose output you can hear?
- A:Improper transceiver offset
- B:You are using the wrong CTCSS tone
- C:You are using the wrong DCS code
- All these choices are correct
T2B05:Which of the following would cause your FM transmission audio to drop out on voice peaks?
- You are talking too loudly
T2B07:How can you join a digital repeater’s “talkgroup”?
- Program your radio with the group’s ID or code
T2B08:Which of the following applies when two stations transmitting on the same frequency interfere with each other?
- The stations should negotiate continued use of the frequency
T2B09:Why are simplex channels designated in the VHF/UHF band plans?
- So stations within range of each other can communicate without tying up a repeater
T2B12:What is the digital color code used on DMR repeater systems?
- An access code which must be programmed into a DMR transmitter to access a specific repeater
T2B13:What is the purpose of a squelch function?
- Mute the receiver audio when a signal is not present
T2B14:Which of the following is a “talkgroup”?
- An identifier used by DMR to organize radio traffic so that those who want to hear the group aren’t bothered by other radio traffic
Public service: emergency operations, applicability of FCC rules, RACES and ARES, net and traffic procedures, operating restrictions during emergencies, use of phonetics in message handling
T2C01:When do the FCC Part 97 Amateur Radio Service rules NOT apply to the operation of an amateur station?
- FCC rules always apply
T2C02:Which of the following are typical duties of a Net Control Station?
- Call the net to order and direct communications between stations checking in
T2C03:What technique is used to ensure that voice messages containing unusual words are received correctly?
- Spell the words using a standard phonetic alphabet
T2C04:What is RACES?
- An FCC Part 97 amateur radio service for civil defense communications during national emergencies
T2C05:What does the term “traffic” refer to in net operation?
- Formal messages exchanged by net stations
T2C06:What is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)?
- A group of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service
T2C07:Which of the following is standard practice when you participate in a net?
- Unless you are reporting an emergency, transmit only when directed by the net control station
T2C08:Which of the following relays messages using email addresses based on amateur callsigns?
- Winlink
T2C09:Are amateur station control operators ever permitted to operate outside the frequency privileges of their license class?
- Yes, but only in situations involving the immediate safety of human life or protection of property
T2C10:What information is contained in the preamble of a formal traffic message?
- Information needed to track the message
T2C11:What is meant by “check” in a radiogram header?
- The number of words or word equivalents in the text portion of the message
Subelement T3: RADIO WAVE PROPAGATION
Radio wave characteristics: how a radio signal travels, fading, multipath, polarization, wavelength vs absorption; Antenna orientation
T3A01:Why do VHF signal strengths sometimes vary greatly when the antenna is moved only a few feet?
- Multipath propagation cancels or reinforces signals
T3A02:How does vegetation affect UHF and microwave signals?
- Absorbs signals, leading to poor reception of weak signals
T3A03:What antenna polarization is normally used for long-distance CW and SSB contacts on the VHF and UHF bands?
- Horizontal
T3A04:What is the effect of antenna cross-polarization over a line-of-sight VHF or UHF path?
- Received signal strength is reduced
T3A05:When using a directional antenna, how might your station be able to communicate with a distant repeater if buildings or obstructions are blocking the direct line of sight path?
- Try to find a path that reflects signals to the repeater
T3A06:What is the meaning of the term “picket fencing”?
- Rapid flutter on mobile signals due to multipath propagation
T3A08:What is a likely cause of irregular fading of signals propagated by the ionosphere?
- Random combining of signals arriving via different paths
T3A09:Which of the following results from the fact that signals propagated by the ionosphere are elliptically polarized?
- Either vertically or horizontally polarized antennas may be used for transmission or reception
T3A10:What effect does multi-path propagation have on data transmissions?
- Error rates are likely to increase
Electromagnetic wave properties: wavelength vs frequency, nature and velocity of electromagnetic waves, relationship of wavelength and frequency; Electromagnetic spectrum definitions: UHF, VHF, HF
T3B01:What is the relationship between the electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave?
- They are at right angles
T3B05:What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
- Wavelength gets shorter as frequency increases
T3B06:What is the formula for converting frequency to approximate wavelength in meters?
- Wavelength in meters equals 300 divided by frequency in megahertz
T3B07:In addition to frequency, which of the following is used to identify amateur radio bands?
- The approximate wavelength in meters
T3B12:Which of these frequencies travels at the highest velocity in free space?
- All radio frequencies travel at the same velocity
Propagation modes: sporadic E, meteor scatter, auroral propagation, tropospheric ducting; F region skip; Line of sight and radio horizon
T3C01:Why are simplex UHF signals rarely heard beyond their radio horizon?
- UHF signals are usually not propagated by the ionosphere
T3C02:What is a characteristic of HF communication compared with communications on VHF and higher frequencies?
- Long-distance ionospheric propagation is far more common on HF
T3C03:What is one characteristic of VHF signals received via auroral backscatter?
- They are distorted, with a characteristic raspy sound
T3C04:Which of the following types of propagation is most commonly associated with occasional strong signals on the 10-, 6-, and 2-meter bands from beyond the radio horizon?
- Sporadic E
T3C05:Which of the following effects may allow radio signals to travel beyond obstructions between the transmitting and receiving stations?
- Knife-edge diffraction
T3C06:What type of propagation is responsible for allowing over-the-horizon VHF and UHF communications to ranges of approximately 300 miles on a regular basis?
- Tropospheric ducting
T3C09:What is generally the best time for long-distance 10-meter band propagation via the F region?
- From dawn to shortly after sunset during periods of high sunspot activity
T3C10:Which of the following bands may provide long-distance communications via the ionosphere’s F region during the peak of the sunspot cycle?
- 6 and 10 meters
T3C11:Why is the radio horizon for VHF and UHF signals more distant than the visual horizon?
- The atmosphere refracts radio waves slightly
Subelement T4: AMATEUR RADIO PRACTICES
Station setup: connecting a microphone, RF power meter, a power source, a computer, digital equipment, an SWR meter; bonding; Mobile radio installation
T4A01:Which of the following is an appropriate power supply rating for a typical 50-watt output mobile FM transceiver?
- 13.8 volts at 12 amperes
T4A02:Which of the following should be considered when selecting an accessory SWR meter?
- The frequency and power level at which the measurements will be made
T4A03:Why are short, heavy-gauge wires used for a transceiver’s DC power connection?
- To minimize voltage drop when transmitting
T4A04:How are the audio input and output of a transceiver connected in a station configured to operate using FT8?
- To the audio output and input of a computer running FT8 software
T4A05:Where should an RF power meter be installed?
- In the feed line, between the transmitter and antenna
T4A06:What signals are used in a computer-radio interface for digital mode operation?
- Receive audio, transmit audio, and transmitter keying
T4A07:Which of the following is one of the connections required between a computer and a transceiver to operate digital modes?
- Computer “line in” to transceiver speaker connector
T4A09:How can you determine the length of time that equipment can be powered from a battery?
- Divide the battery ampere-hour rating by the average current draw of the equipment
T4A10:What function does a digital mode hotspot perform for nearby transceivers?
- Communication with a digital voice or data network
T4A11:Where should the negative power return of a mobile transceiver be connected in a vehicle?
- At the 12-volt battery chassis ground
Operating controls: frequency tuning, use of filters, squelch function, AGC, memory channels, noise blanker, microphone gain, receiver incremental tuning (RIT), bandwidth selection, scanning function; Digital transceiver configuration; DMR code plugs and talk groups
T4B01:What is the effect of excessive microphone gain on SSB transmissions?
- Distorted transmitted audio
T4B02:Which of the following can be used to enter a transceiver’s operating frequency?
- The keypad or VFO knob
T4B03:How is squelch adjusted so that a weak FM signal can be heard?
- Set the squelch threshold so that receiver output audio is on all the time
T4B04:What does an FM signal sound like when received slightly off frequency?
- The audio becomes distorted
T4B05:What does the scanning function of an FM transceiver do?
- Tunes through a range of frequencies to check for activity
T4B06:Which of the following controls could be used if the voice pitch of a single-sideband signal returning to your CQ call seems too high or low?
- The RIT or Clarifier
T4B07:What is a DMR “code plug”?
- Configuration data loaded onto your radio to access repeaters and talkgroups
T4B08:What is the advantage of having a choice of receiver filter bandwidths in a multimode transceiver?
- Permits noise or interference reduction by selecting a bandwidth matching the mode
T4B09:How is a specific group of stations selected on a DMR digital voice transceiver?
- By entering the group’s identification code
T4B10:Which of the following receiver filter bandwidths provides the best signal-to-noise ratio for SSB reception?
- 2400 Hz
T4B11:Which of the following must be programmed into a D-STAR digital transceiver before transmitting?
- Your call sign
Subelement T5: ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES
Current and voltage: terminology and units, conductors and insulators, alternating and direct current
T5A04:What term describes the number of times per second that an alternating current makes a complete cycle?
- Frequency
T5A09:Which of the following describes alternating current?
- Current that alternates between positive and negative directions
T5A11:What type of current flow is opposed by resistance?
- A:Direct current
- B:Alternating current
- C:RF current
- All these choices are correct
Math for electronics: conversion of electrical units, decibels
Capacitance and inductance terminology and units; Radio frequency definition and units; Impedance definition and units; Calculating power
T5C09:How much power is delivered by a voltage of 13.8 volts DC and a current of 10 amperes?
- 138 watts
Ohm’s Law; Series and parallel circuits
T5D04:What is the resistance of a circuit in which a current of 3 amperes flows when connected to 90 volts?
- 30 ohms
T5D05:What is the resistance of a circuit for which the applied voltage is 12 volts and the current flow is 1.5 amperes?
- 8 ohms
T5D07:What is the current in a circuit with an applied voltage of 120 volts and a resistance of 80 ohms?
- 1.5 amperes
T5D10:What is the voltage across a 2-ohm resistor if a current of 0.5 amperes flows through it?
- 1 volt
T5D11:What is the voltage across a 10-ohm resistor if a current of 1 ampere flows through it?
- 10 volts
T5D12:What is the voltage across a 10-ohm resistor if a current of 2 amperes flows through it?
- 20 volts
Subelement T6: ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
Fixed and variable resistors; Capacitors; Inductors; Fuses; Switches; Batteries
T6A05:What type of electrical component consists of conductive surfaces separated by an insulator?
- Capacitor
T6A08:What is the function of an SPDT switch?
- A single circuit is switched between one of two other circuits
T6A10:Which of the following battery chemistries is rechargeable?
- A:Nickel-metal hydride
- B:Lithium-ion
- C:Lead-acid
- All these choices are correct
Semiconductors: basic principles and applications of solid-state devices, diodes and transistors; Gain
T6B01:Which is true about forward voltage drop in a diode?
- It is lower in some diode types than in others
T6B04:Which of the following components can consist of three regions of semiconductor material?
- Transistor
T6B11:What does the term gain mean in amplifiers?
- A:The output signal voltage relative to the input signal voltage
- B:The output signal current relative to the input signal current
- C:The output signal power relative to the input signal power
- All these choices are correct
T6B12:What are the names of the electrodes of a bipolar junction transistor?
- Emitter, base, collector
Circuit diagrams: use of schematics, basic structure; Schematic symbols of basic components
T6C12:Which of the following is accurately represented in electrical schematics?
- Component connections
Component functions: rectifiers, relays, voltage regulators, meters, indicators, integrated circuits, transformers; Resonant circuit; Shielding
T6D01:Which of the following devices or circuits changes an alternating current into a varying direct current signal?
- Rectifier
T6D03:Which of the following is a reason to use shielded wire?
- To prevent coupling of unwanted signals to or from the wire
T6D09:What is the name of a device that combines several semiconductors and other components into one package?
- Integrated circuit
T6D11:Which of the following is a resonant or tuned circuit?
- An inductor and a capacitor in series or parallel
Subelement T7: PRACTICAL CIRCUITS
Station equipment: receivers, transceivers, transmitter amplifiers, RF preamplifiers, transverters; Basic radio circuit concepts and terminology: sensitivity, selectivity, mixers, oscillators, Push-To-Talk (PTT), VFO, modulation
T7A04:Which term describes the ability of a receiver to discriminate between multiple signals?
- Selectivity
T7A07:What is the function of a transceiver’s PTT input?
- Switches transceiver from receive to transmit when grounded
T7A09:What is the function of the switch which selects either SSB or CW-FM on a VHF power amplifier?
- Set the amplifier for proper operation in the selected mode
T7A10:What can be added to the output of a transceiver to increase the transmitted output power?
- An RF power amplifier
T7A11:What is the function of the Variable Frequency Oscillator (VFO) circuit in a transceiver?
- Set the receive and transmit frequency
Symptoms, causes, and cures of common transmitter and receiver problems: overload and overdrive, distortion, interference and consumer electronics, RF feedback
T7B01:What can you do if you are told your FM handheld or mobile transceiver is over-deviating?
- Talk farther away from the microphone
T7B02:What would cause a broadcast AM or FM radio to receive an amateur radio transmission unintentionally?
- The receiver is unable to reject strong signals outside the AM or FM band
T7B03:Which of the following can cause radio frequency interference?
- A:Fundamental overload
- B:Harmonics
- C:Spurious emissions
- All these choices are correct
T7B04:Which of the following might be the cause of low RF power output from a solid-state transceiver?
- High SWR
T7B05:Which of the following might reduce interference by an amateur station to a non-amateur over-the-air radio receiver?
- Block the amateur signal with a filter at the antenna input of the affected receiver
T7B06:Which of the following actions should you take if a neighbor tells you that your station’s transmissions are interfering with their radio or TV reception?
- Make sure that your station is functioning properly and that it does not cause interference to your own radio or television when it is tuned to the same channel
T7B07:Which of the following can reduce interference to a 2-meter band transceiver from a nearby commercial FM station?
- Installing a band-reject filter
T7B08:What should you do if something in a neighbor’s home is causing harmful interference to your amateur station?
- A:Work with your neighbor to identify the offending device
- B:Politely inform your neighbor that FCC rules prohibit the use of devices that cause interference
- C:Make sure your station meets the standards of good amateur practice
- All these choices are correct
T7B09:What should be the first step to resolve non-fiber optic cable TV interference caused by your amateur radio transmission?
- Be sure all TV feed line coaxial connectors are installed properly
T7B10:What might be a problem if you receive a report that your audio signal through an FM repeater is distorted or unintelligible?
- A:Your transmitter is slightly off frequency
- B:You are speaking too loudly or too close to the microphone
- C:You are in a bad location
- All these choices are correct
T7B11:Which of the following can eliminate distorted voice transmissions?
- Adding a clip-on ferrite “choke” to the microphone cable to prevent the transmitted signal from feeding back into the transmitter
Antenna and transmission line measurements and troubleshooting: measuring SWR, effects of high SWR, causes of feed line failures; Basic coaxial cable characteristics; Use of dummy loads when testing
T7C01:What is the primary purpose of a dummy load?
- To prevent transmitting signals over the air when making tests
T7C02:Which of the following is used to determine if an antenna is resonant at the desired operating frequency?
- An antenna analyzer
T7C03:What does a typical RF dummy load consist of?
- A 50-ohm non-inductive resistor mounted on a heat sink
T7C04:What reading on an SWR meter indicates a perfect impedance match between the antenna and the feed line?
- 1:1
T7C05:Why do most solid-state transmitters reduce output power as SWR increases beyond a certain level?
- To protect the RF output amplifier transistors
T7C10:Why should the outer jacket of coaxial cable be resistant to ultraviolet light?
- Ultraviolet light can damage the jacket and allow water to enter the cable
T7C11:What is an advantage of foam-dielectric versus solid-dielectric coaxial cable?
- It has less loss per foot
Using basic test instruments: voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter; Soldering
T7D05:How does an ohmmeter measure the resistance of a circuit or component?
- By applying a small current and measuring the resulting voltage
T7D06:Which of the following can damage a multimeter?
- Attempting to measure voltage when using the resistance setting
T7D08:Which of the following types of solder should not be used for radio and electronic applications?
- Acid-core solder
T7D09:What is the characteristic appearance of a cold tin-lead solder joint?
- A rough or lumpy surface
T7D10:What reading indicates that an ohmmeter is connected across a large, discharged capacitor?
- Increasing resistance with time
T7D11:Which of the following precautions should be taken when measuring in-circuit resistance with an ohmmeter?
- Ensure that the circuit is not powered
Subelement T8: SIGNALS AND EMISSIONS
Basic characteristics of FM and SSB; Bandwidth of various modulation modes: CW, SSB, FM, fast-scan TV; Choice of emission type: selection of USB vs LSB, use of SSB for weak signal work, use of FM for VHF packet and repeaters
T8A03:Which type of voice mode is often used for long-distance (weak signal) contacts on the VHF and UHF bands?
- SSB
T8A06:Which sideband is normally used for 10-meter HF, VHF, and UHF single-sideband communications?
- Upper sideband
T8A07:What is one characteristic of single sideband (SSB) compared to FM?
- SSB signals have narrower bandwidth
T8A09:What is the approximate bandwidth of an FM voice signal on VHF repeaters?
- Between 10 and 15 kHz
T8A12:Which of the following is a disadvantage of FM compared with single sideband?
- Only one signal can be received at a time
Amateur satellite operation: Doppler shift, basic orbits, operating protocols, modulation mode selection, transmitter power considerations, telemetry, satellite tracking programs, beacons, uplink and downlink mode definitions, spin fading, definition of “LEO”, setting uplink power
T8B01:What telemetry information is typically transmitted by satellite beacons?
- Health and status of the satellite
T8B02:What is the impact of using excessive effective radiated power on a satellite uplink?
- Blocking access by other users
T8B03:Which of the following are provided by satellite tracking programs?
- A:Maps showing the real-time position of the satellite track over Earth
- B:The time, azimuth, and elevation of the start, maximum altitude, and end of a pass
- C:The apparent frequency of the satellite transmission, including effects of Doppler shift
- All these choices are correct
T8B04:What mode of transmission is commonly used by amateur radio satellites?
- A:SSB
- B:FM
- C:CW/data
- All these choices are correct
T8B07:What is Doppler shift in reference to satellite communications?
- An observed change in signal frequency caused by relative motion between the satellite and Earth station
T8B08:What does it mean if a satellite is operating in U/V mode?
- The satellite uplink is in the 70-centimeter band and the downlink is in the 2-meter band
T8B10:What does the term LEO mean in reference to communication satellites?
- Low Earth Orbit, which has a period of around 100 minutes
T8B12:Which of the following is a way to determine whether your satellite uplink power into a linear transponder satellite is neither too low nor too high?
- Your signal strength on the downlink should be about the same as the beacon
Operating activities: radio direction finding, contests, linking over the internet, exchanging grid locators
T8C01:Which of the following methods is used to locate sources of noise interference or jamming?
- Radio direction finding
T8C03:What operating activity involves contacting as many stations as possible during a specified period?
- Contesting
T8C04:Which of the following is good practice when contacting another station in a contest?
- Sending only the minimum information needed for proper identification and the contest exchange
T8C06:How is over the air access to Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) nodes accomplished?
- By using Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signals
T8C07:What is Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
- A method of delivering voice communications over the internet using digital techniques
T8C08:What is the Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP)?
- A technique to connect amateur radio systems, such as repeaters, via the internet
T8C09:Which of the following protocols enables an amateur station to transmit through a repeater without using a radio to initiate the transmission?
- EchoLink
T8C10:What is required before using the EchoLink system?
- Register your call sign and provide proof of license
T8C11:What is an amateur radio station that connects other amateur stations to the internet?
- A gateway
Non-voice and digital communications: image signals and definition of NTSC, CW, packet radio, PSK, APRS, error detection and correction, amateur radio networking, DMR, WSJT modes, Broadband-Hamnet
T8D01:Which of the following is a digital communications mode?
- A:Packet radio
- B:IEEE 802.11
- C:FT8
- All these choices are correct
T8D03:What kind of data can be transmitted by APRS?
- A:GPS position data
- B:Text messages
- C:Weather data
- All these choices are correct
T8D05:Which of the following is an application of APRS?
- Providing real-time tactical digital communications in conjunction with a map showing the locations of stations
T8D07:Which of the following describes DMR?
- A technique for time-multiplexing two digital voice signals on a single 12.5 kHz repeater channel
T8D08:Which of the following is included in packet radio transmissions?
- A:A checksum that permits error detection
- B:A header that contains the call sign of the station to which the information is being sent
- C:Automatic repeat request in case of error
- All these choices are correct
T8D10:Which of the following operating activities is supported by digital mode software in the WSJT-X software suite?
- A:Earth-Moon-Earth
- B:Weak signal propagation beacons
- C:Meteor scatter
- All these choices are correct
T8D11:What is the role of ARQ in a transmission system?
- An error correction method in which the receiving station detects errors and sends a request for retransmission
T8D12:Which of the following best describes an amateur radio mesh network?
- An amateur-radio data network using commercial Wi-Fi equipment with modified firmware
Subelement T9: ANTENNAS AND FEED LINES
Antennas: vertical and horizontal polarization, concept of antenna gain, definition and types of beam antennas, antenna loading, common portable and mobile antennas, relationships between resonant length and frequency, dipole pattern
T9A02:Which of the following describes a type of antenna loading?
- Electrically lengthening by inserting inductors in radiating elements
T9A04:What is a disadvantage of a handheld radio transceiver’s short flexible antenna compared to a full-sized quarter-wave antenna?
- It has low efficiency
T9A07:What is a potential drawback of using a handheld VHF transceiver inside a vehicle that lacks an externally mounted antenna?
- Signal strength is reduced due to the shielding effect of the vehicle
T9A09:What is an advantage of a 5/8-wavelength whip antenna for VHF or UHF mobile service compared to a 1/4-wave antenna?
- It has more gain
T9A10:In which direction does a half-wave dipole antenna radiate the strongest signal?
- Broadside to the antenna
T9A11:What is antenna gain?
- The increase in signal strength in a specified direction compared to a reference antenna
Feed lines: types, attenuation vs frequency, selecting; SWR concepts; Antenna tuners (couplers); RF Connectors: selecting, weather protection
T9B01:Which of the following connectors should be carefully taped for weather protection when used outdoors?
- A:PL259
- B:BNC
- C:Type N
- All these choices are correct
T9B03:Why is coaxial cable the most common feed line for amateur radio antenna systems?
- It is easy to use and requires few special installation considerations
T9B04:What is the major function of an antenna tuner (antenna coupler)?
- It matches the antenna system impedance to the transceiver's output impedance
T9B06:Which of the following connector types is most suitable as an RF connector for frequencies above 400 MHz?
- Type N
T9B07:Which of the following is true of PL-259 type coax connectors?
- They are commonly used at HF and VHF frequencies
T9B08:Which of the following is a source of loss in coaxial feed line?
- A:Water intrusion into coaxial connectors
- B:High SWR
- C:Multiple connectors in the line
- All these choices are correct
T9B10:What is the electrical difference between RG-58 and RG-213 coaxial cable?
- RG-213 cable has less loss at a given frequency
T9B12:What is standing wave ratio (SWR)?
- A measure of how well a load is matched to a transmission line
Subelement T0: SAFETY
Power circuits and hazards: hazardous voltages, fuses and circuit breakers, grounding, electrical code compliance; Lightning protection; Battery safety
T0A01:Which of the following is a safety hazard of a 12-volt storage battery that lacks internal protection circuitry?
- Shorting the terminals can cause burns, fire, or an explosion
T0A02:What health hazard is posed by electrical current flowing through the body?
- A:It may cause injury by heating body tissue
- B:It may disrupt the electrical functions of cells
- C:It may cause involuntary muscle contractions
- All these choices are correct
T0A03:In the United States, what circuit does black wire insulation indicate in a three-wire 120 V AC cable?
- Hot
T0A05:Why should a 5-ampere fuse never be replaced with a 20-ampere fuse?
- Excessive current could cause a fire
T0A06:What is a good way to guard against electrical shock at your station?
- A:Use three-wire cords and plugs for all AC powered equipment
- B:Connect all AC powered station equipment to a common safety ground
- C:Ensure all capacitors used for high-voltage DC are fully discharged before working inside equipment
- All these choices are correct
T0A07:Where should a lightning arrester be installed in a coaxial feed line?
- On a grounded panel near where feed lines enter the building
T0A08:Where should a fuse or circuit breaker be installed in a 120V AC power circuit?
- In series with the hot conductor only
T0A09:What should be done to all external ground rods or earth connections?
- Bond them together with heavy wire or conductive strap
T0A10:What hazard occurs when rapidly charging or discharging an unprotected battery?
- Overheating or out-gassing
T0A11:What hazard exists in a power supply immediately after turning it off?
- Charge stored in filter capacitors
T0A12:Which of the following precautions should be taken when measuring high voltages with a voltmeter?
- Ensure that the voltmeter and its leads are rated for use at the voltages being measured
Antenna safety: tower safety and grounding, installing antennas, antenna supports
T0B01:Which of the following is good practice when installing ground wires on a tower for lightning protection?
- Ensure that connections are short and direct
T0B02:What is required when climbing an antenna tower?
- A:Have sufficient training on safe tower climbing techniques
- B:Use appropriate tie-off to the tower at all times
- C:Always wear an approved climbing harness
- All these choices are correct
T0B04:Which of the following is an important safety precaution to observe when putting up an antenna tower?
- Look for and stay clear of any overhead electrical wires
T0B05:What is the purpose of a safety wire through a turnbuckle used to tension guy lines?
- Prevent loosening of the turnbuckle from vibration
T0B06:What is the minimum safe distance from a power line to allow when installing an antenna?
- Enough so that if the antenna falls, no part of it can come within 10 feet of the power wires
T0B07:Which of the following is an important safety rule to remember when using a crank-up tower?
- This type of tower must not be climbed unless it is retracted, or mechanical safety locking devices have been installed
T0B08:Which is a proper grounding method for a tower?
- Separate eight-foot ground rods for each tower leg, bonded to the tower and each other
T0B09:Why should you avoid attaching an antenna to a utility pole?
- The antenna could contact high-voltage power lines
T0B10:Which of the following is true when installing grounding conductors used for lightning protection?
- Sharp bends must be avoided
T0B11:Which of the following establishes grounding requirements for an amateur radio tower or antenna?
- Local electrical codes
RF hazards: radiation exposure, proximity to antennas, recognized safe power levels, radiation types, duty cycle
T0C03:How does the allowable power density for RF safety change if duty cycle changes from 100 percent to 50 percent?
- It increases by a factor of 2
T0C04:What factors affect the RF exposure of people near an amateur station antenna?
- A:Frequency and power level of the RF field
- B:Distance from the antenna to a person
- C:Radiation pattern of the antenna
- All these choices are correct
T0C05:Why do exposure limits vary with frequency?
- The human body absorbs more RF energy at some frequencies than at others
T0C06:Which of the following is an acceptable method to determine whether your station complies with FCC RF exposure regulations?
- A:By calculation based on FCC OET Bulletin 65
- B:By calculation based on computer modeling
- C:By measurement of field strength using calibrated equipment
- All these choices are correct
T0C09:How can you make sure your station stays in compliance with RF safety regulations?
- By re-evaluating the station whenever an item in the transmitter or antenna system is changed
T0C10:Why is duty cycle one of the factors used to determine safe RF radiation exposure levels?
- It affects the average exposure to radiation
T0C11:What is the definition of duty cycle during the averaging time for RF exposure?
- The percentage of time that a transmitter is transmitting
T0C12:How does RF radiation differ from ionizing radiation (radioactivity)?
- RF radiation does not have sufficient energy to cause chemical changes in cells and damage DNA
T0C13:Who is responsible for ensuring that no person is exposed to RF energy above the FCC exposure limits?
- The station licensee
THE END!