Ham Technician
Exam Questions
Questions | Answers |
---|---|
What is the approximate velocity of a radio wave as it travels through free space? | 300,000,000 meters per second |
What is probably happening when an ohmmeter, connected across an unpowered circuit, initially indicates a low resistance and then shows increasing resistance with time? | The circuit contains a large capacitor |
Which of the following VHF/UHF frequency ranges are limited to CW only? | 50.0 MHz to 50.1 MHz and 144.0 MHz to 144.1 MHz |
Which of the following is a form of amplitude modulation? | Single sideband |
What instrument is used to measure resistance? | An ohmmeter |
What should you do if another operator reports that your station's 2 meter signals were strong just a moment ago, but now they are weak or distorted? | Try moving a few feet or changing the direction of your antenna if possible, as reflections may be causing multi-path distortion |
What electrical component opposes the flow of current in a DC circuit? | Resistor |
What type of transmission is indicated by the term "NTSC?" | An analog fast scan color TV signal |
What can you do if you are told your FM handheld or mobile transceiver is over-deviating? | Talk farther away from the microphone |
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. |
Which of the following describes a simple dipole oriented parallel to the Earth's surface? | A horizontally polarized antenna |
Which of the following is true of PL-259 type coax connectors? | They are commonly used at HF frequencies |
What is meant by the term “check,” in reference to a formal traffic message? | The number of words or word equivalents in the text portion of the message |
What do RACES and ARES have in common? | Both organizations may provide communications during emergencies |
When should members of a tower work team wear a hard hat and safety glasses? | At all times when any work is being done on the tower |
In which type of circuit is voltage the same across all components? | Parallel |
Which of the following is combined with an inductor to make a tuned circuit? | Capacitor |
What is the national calling frequency for FM simplex operations in the 2 meter band? | 146.520 MHz |
Which of the following is a digital communications mode? | IEEE 802.11 and JT65 and IEEE 802.11 |
What does the abbreviation "PSK" mean? | Phase Shift Keying |
What is the primary purpose of a dummy load? | To prevent transmitting signals over the air when making tests |
Which of the following is a safety hazard of a 12-volt storage battery? | Shorting the terminals can cause burns, fire, or an explosion |
What is the approximate bandwidth of a single sideband (SSB) voice signal? | 3 kHz |
What brief statement indicates that you are listening on a repeater and looking for a contact? | Your call sign |
What is considered to be a proper grounding method for a tower? | Separate eight-foot long ground rods for each tower leg, bonded to the tower and each other |
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 |
What operating activity involves contacting as many stations as possible during a specified period? | Contesting |
What are the frequency limits of the UHF spectrum? | 300 to 3000 MHz |
What is the grace period following the expiration of an amateur license within which the license may be renewed? | 2 years |
When do the FCC rules NOT apply to the operation of an amateur station? | Never, FCC rules always apply |
What may happen if a transmitter is operated with the microphone gain set too high? | The output signal might become distorted |
What type of antennas are the quad, Yagi, and dish? | Directional antennas |
How does the wavelength of a radio wave relate to its frequency? | The wavelength gets shorter as the frequency increases |
What type of amateur station simultaneously retransmits the signal of another amateur station on a different channel or channels? | Repeater station |
What happens to power lost in a feed line? | It is converted into heat |
What is the function of the SSB/CW-FM switch on a VHF power amplifier? | Set the amplifier for proper operation in the selected mode |
Which of the following is used to convert a radio signal from one frequency to another? | Mixer |
Which of the following propagation types is most commonly associated with occasional strong over-the-horizon signals on the 10, 6, and 2 meter bands? | Sporadic E |
Who does the FCC presume to be the control operator of an amateur station, unless documentation to the contrary is in the station records? | The station licensee |
Which of the following is good procedure when contacting another station in a radio contest? | Send only the minimum information needed for proper identification and the contest exchange |
From which of the following locations may an FCC-licensed amateur station transmit? | From any vessel or craft located in international waters and documented or registered in the United States |
Which Q signal indicates that you are receiving interference from other stations? | QRM |
Which sideband is normally used for 10 meter HF, VHF, and UHF single-sideband communications? | Upper sideband |
What causes tropospheric ducting? | Temperature inversions in the atmosphere |
Which of the following is a characteristic of good traffic handling? | Passing messages exactly as received |
What type of circuit controls the amount of voltage from a power supply? | Regulator |
What is the purpose of a gin pole? | To lift tower sections or antennas |
How much power is being used in a circuit when the applied voltage is 13.8 volts DC and the current is 10 amperes? | 13.8 x 10 = 138 watts |
What does a dummy load consist of? | A non-inductive resistor and a heat sink |
What type of wave carries radio signals between transmitting and receiving stations? | Electromagnetic |
Which of the following is true when installing grounding conductors used for lightning protection? | Sharp bends must be avoided |
Which of the following effects might cause radio signals to be heard despite obstructions between the transmitting and receiving stations? | Knife-edge diffraction |
What code is used when sending CW in the amateur bands? | International Morse |
What is an amateur station control point? | The location at which the control operator function is performed |
How would you change a dipole antenna to make it resonant on a higher frequency? | Shorten it |
What is the correct way to connect a voltmeter to a circuit? | In parallel with the circuit |
Why is coaxial cable the most common feed line selected for amateur radio antenna systems? | It is easy to use and requires few special installation considerations |
What type of electrical component stores energy in a magnetic field? | Inductor |
Which amateur band are you using when your station is transmitting on 146.52 MHz? | 2 meter band |
Which of these items would be useful for a hidden transmitter hunt? | A directional antenna |
What types of international communications is an FCC-licensed amateur radio station permitted to make? | Communications incidental to the purposes of the Amateur Radio Service and remarks of a personal character |
What is the limitation for emissions on the frequencies between 219 and 220 MHz? | Fixed digital message forwarding systems only |
What is an amateur station control point? | The location at which the control operator function is performed |
Which of the following conductors provides the lowest impedance to RF signals? | Flat strap |
What is an advantage of single sideband (SSB) over FM for voice transmissions? | SSB signals have narrower bandwidth |
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 retracted or mechanical safety locking devices have been installed |
Who selects a Frequency Coordinator? | Amateur operators in a local or regional area whose stations are eligible to be repeater or auxiliary stations |
Which of the following can cause radio frequency interference? | Spurious emissions, Fundamental overload, and Harmonics. |
Which of the following describes the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)? | All: An emergency service using amateur operators certified by a civil defense organization as being enrolled in that organization. A radio service using amateur frequencies for emergency management or civil defense communications. A radio service using amateur stations for emergency management or civil defense communications |
Which type of modulation is most commonly used for VHF and UHF voice repeaters? | FM |
Which of the following is an accepted practice to get the immediate attention of a net control station when reporting an emergency? | Begin your transmission by saying "Priority" or "Emergency" followed by your call sign |
Under which of the following circumstances may an amateur radio station make one-way transmissions? | When transmitting code practice, information bulletins, or transmissions necessary to provide emergency communications |
What is the approximate length, in inches, of a quarter-wavelength vertical antenna for 146 MHz? | 19 |
What is the purpose of the squelch control on a transceiver? | To mute receiver output noise when no signal is being received |
When may amateur radio operators use their stations to notify other amateurs of the availability of equipment for sale or trade? | When the equipment is normally used in an amateur station and such activity is not conducted on a regular basis |
What is a transceiver? | A unit combining the functions of a transmitter and a receive |
What does the term “APRS” mean? | Automatic Packet Reporting System |
Which computer sound card port is connected to a transceiver's headphone or speaker output for operating digital modes? | Microphone or line input |
What could happen if a person accidentally touched your antenna while you were transmitting? | They might receive a painful RF burn |
Which of the following is a purpose of the Amateur Radio Service as stated in the FCC rules and regulations? | Advancing skills in the technical and communication phases of the radio art |
Which of the following frequencies has the lowest value for Maximum Permissible Exposure limit? | 50 MHz |
What mode is responsible for allowing over-the-horizon VHF and UHF communications to ranges of approximately 300 miles on a regular basis? | Tropospheric ducting |
How many microfarads are equal to 1,000,000 picofarads? | 1 microfarad |
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 |
What is the most common use of the “reverse split” function of a VHF/UHF transceiver? | Listen on a repeater's input frequency |
Which of the following could be the reason you are unable to access a repeater whose output you can hear? | All; Improper transceiver offset. The repeater may require a proper CTCSS tone from your transceiver. The repeater may require a proper DCS tone from your transceiver. |
What mode of transmission is commonly used by amateur radio satellites? | All; SSB, FM,CW/data |
Which of the following is a good way to judge whether your uplink power is neither too low nor too high? | Your signal strength on the downlink should be about the same as the beacon |
Which of the following is a likely cause of irregular fading of signals received by ionospheric reflection? | Random combining of signals arriving via different paths |
How is a simple ammeter connected to a circuit? | In series with the circuit |
How much voltage does a mobile transceiver typically require? | About 12 volts |
How might fog and light rain affect radio range on 10 meter and 6 meter bands? | Fog and light rain will have little effect on these bands |
If a frequency display shows a reading of 2425 MHz, what frequency is that in GHz? | 2.425 GHz |
Under which of the following circumstances are amateur stations authorized to transmit signals related to broadcasting, program production, or news gathering, assuming no other means is available? | Only where such communications directly relate to the immediate safety of human life or protection of property |
What is the voltage across a 10-ohm resistor if a current of 1 ampere flows through it? | 10 volts |
What is meant by the statement that a satellite is operating in mode U/V? | The satellite uplink is in the 70 centimeter band and the downlink is in the 2 meter band |
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 |
Which of the following is an example of remote control as defined in Part 97? | Operating the station over the internet |
What should be done when using voice modes to ensure that voice messages containing unusual words are received correctly? | Spell the words using a standard phonetic alphabet |
What is the source of a high-pitched whine that varies with engine speed in a mobile transceiver's receive audio? | The alternator |
Which instrument would you use to measure electric potential or electromotive force? | A voltmeter |
Which of the following could you use to cure distorted audio caused by RF current on the shield of a microphone cable? | Ferrite choke |
Who must designate the station control operator? | The station licensee |
What electrical component is used to protect other circuit components from current overloads? | Fuse |
Why should you not set your transmit frequency to be exactly at the edge of an amateur band or sub-band? | To allow for transmitter frequency drift. To allow for calibration error in the transmitter frequency display. So that modulation sidebands do not extend beyond the band edge |
Which of the following is the most common cause for failure of coaxial cables? | Moisture contamination |
What should be done to all external ground rods or earth connections? | Bond them together with heavy wire or conductive strap |
Which term describes the rate at which electrical energy is used? | Power |
Who may be the control operator of a station communicating through an amateur satellite or space station? | Any amateur whose license privileges allow them to transmit on the satellite uplink frequency |
What is the basic unit of inductance? | The henry |
What are the FCC rules regarding the use of a phonetic alphabet for station identification in the Amateur Radio Service? | It is encouraged |
What is the meaning of the term “broadcasting” in the FCC rules for the Amateur Radio Service? | Transmissions intended for reception by the general public |
Why should wiring between the power source and radio be heavy-gauge wire and kept as short as possible? | To avoid voltage falling below that needed for proper operation |
Who may receive telemetry from a space station? | Anyone who can receive the telemetry signal |
What causes spin fading of satellite signals? | Rotation of the satellite and its antennas |
Who may be the control operator of a station communicating through an amateur satellite or space station? | Anyone who is allowed to transmit on the uplink frequency |
In which type of circuit is current the same through all components? | Series |
What is generally the best time for long-distance 10 meter band propagation via the F layer? | From dawn to shortly after sunset during periods of high sunspot activity |
In general, what happens as the frequency of a signal passing through coaxial cable is increased? | The loss increases |
What is the voltage across each of two components in series with a voltage source? | It is determined by the type and value of the components |
What telemetry information is typically transmitted by satellite beacons? | Health and status of the satellite |
What is the characteristic appearance of a cold solder joint? | A grainy or dull surface |
What term describes the use of a sub-audible tone transmitted along with normal voice audio to open the squelch of a receiver? | CTCSS |
Which of the following could be the primary gain-producing component in an RF power amplifier? | Transistor |
What is the resistance in a circuit for which the applied voltage is 12 volts and the current flow is 1.5 amperes? | 8 ohms |
How can overload of a non-amateur radio or TV receiver by an amateur signal be reduced or eliminated? | Block the amateur signal with a filter at the antenna input of the affected receiver |
What frequency range is referred to as HF? | 3 to 30 MHz |
Which of the following is a resonant or tuned circuit? | An inductor and a capacitor connected in series or parallel to form a filter |
Which of the following is an acceptable method to determine that your station complies with FCC RF exposure regulations? | By calculation based on computer modeling. By calculation based on FCC OET Bulletin 65. By measurement of field strength using calibrated equipment |
What is the FCC Part 97 definition of a "beacon"? | An amateur station transmitting communications for the purposes of observing propagation or related experimental activities |
What is the amount of change, measured in decibels (dB), of a power increase from 20 watts to 200 watts? | 10 dB |
What is the approximate amount of change, measured in decibels (dB), of a power increase from 5 watts to 10 watts? | 3 dB |
Which of the following is good practice when installing ground wires on a tower for lightning protection? | Ensure that connections are short and direct |
Which of the following best describes Broadband-Hamnet(TM), also referred to as a high-speed multi-media network? | An amateur-radio-based data network using commercial Wi-Fi gear with modified firmware |
How is the cathode lead of a semiconductor diode often marked on the package? | With a stripe |
What instrument other than an SWR meter could you use to determine if a feed line and antenna are properly matched? | Directional wattmeter |
With which countries are FCC-licensed amateur radio stations prohibited from exchanging communications? | Any country whose administration has notified the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that it objects to such communications |
What is the minimum safe distance from a power line to allow when installing an antenna? | Enough so that if the antenna falls unexpectedly, no part of it can come closer than 10 feet to the power wires |
What may occur if data signals arrive via multiple paths? | Error rates are likely to increase |
Which of the following might damage a multimeter? | Attempting to measure voltage when using the resistance setting |
Which of the following controls could be used if the voice pitch of a single-sideband signal seems too high or low? | The receiver RIT or clarifier |
What is the resistance of a circuit that draws 4 amperes from a 12-volt source? | 3 ohms |
What is the name of an electrical wiring diagram that uses standard component symbols? | Schematic |
What does an SWR reading of 4:1 indicate? | Impedance mismatch |
Which of the following actions might amateur operators take to prevent exposure to RF radiation in excess of FCC-supplied limits? | Relocate antennas |
In which of the following circumstances may the control operator of an amateur station receive compensation for operating that station? | When the communication is incidental to classroom instruction at an educational institution |
What is FT8? | A digital mode capable of operating in low signal-to-noise conditions that transmits on 15-second intervals |
When may an amateur station transmit without on-the-air identification? | When transmitting signals to control model craft |
Electrical current is measured in which of the following units? | Amperes |
What is meant by the term "NCS" used in net operation? | Net Control Station |
Under what circumstances is it safe to climb a tower without a helper or observer? | Never |
Which of the following is a valid call sign for a Technician class amateur radio station? | K1XXX |
What must be considered to determine the minimum current capacity needed for a transceiver's power supply? | Power supply regulation and heat dissipation. Receiver and control circuit power. Efficiency of the transmitter at full power output |
Which of the following connections might be used between a voice transceiver and a computer for digital operation? | Receive audio, transmit audio, and push-to-talk (PTT) |
Which of the following is an application of APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System)? | Providing real-time tactical digital communications in conjunction with a map showing the locations of stations |
Which of the following methods is used to locate sources of noise interference or jamming? | Radio direction finding |
Which of the following precautions should be taken when measuring high voltages with a voltmeter? | Ensure that the voltmeter and leads are rated for use at the voltages to be measured |
Which of the following types of solder is best for radio and electronic use? | Rosin-core solder |
Which of the following is an appropriate receive filter bandwidth for minimizing noise and interference for SSB reception? | 2400 Hz |
What can cause erratic changes in SWR readings? | A loose connection in an antenna or a feed line |
When must the station licensee make the station and its records available for FCC inspection? | At any time upon request by an FCC representative |
What property of radio waves is often used to identify the different frequency bands? | The approximate wavelength |
What device converts the RF input and output of a transceiver to another band? | Transverter |
What is the name for the flow of electrons in an electric circuit? | Current |
What is the advantage of having multiple receive bandwidth choices on a multimode transceiver? | Permits noise or interference reduction by selecting a bandwidth matching the mode |
Which of the following are provided by satellite tracking programs? | The apparent frequency of the satellite transmission, including effects of Doppler shift. The time, azimuth, and elevation of the start, maximum altitude, and end of a pass. Maps showing the real-time position of the satellite track over the earth |
What is the maximum power level that an amateur radio station may use at VHF frequencies before an RF exposure evaluation is required? | 50 watts PEP at the antenna |
If the averaging time for exposure is 6 minutes, how much power density is permitted if the signal is present for 3 minutes and absent for 3 minutes rather than being present for the entire 6 minutes? | 2 times as much |
If an ammeter calibrated in amperes is used to measure a 3000-milliampere current, what reading would it show? | 3 amperes |
What is proof of possession of an FCC-issued operator/primary license grant? | The control operator's operator/primary station license must appear in the FCC ULS consolidated licensee database |
What component is commonly used to change 120V AC house current to a lower AC voltage for other uses? | Transformer |
What is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)? | Licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service |
What formula is used to calculate current in a circuit? | Current (I) equals voltage (E) divided by resistance (R) |
What type of tones are used to control repeaters linked by the Internet Relay Linking Project (IRLP) protocol? | DTMF |
What device increases the low-power output from a handheld transceiver? | An RF power amplifier |
With regard to satellite communications, what is Doppler shift? | An observed change in signal frequency caused by relative motion between the satellite and the earth station |
What weather condition would decrease range at microwave frequencies? | Precipitation |
Which of the following could be used to remove power line noise or ignition noise? | Noise blanker |
What types of amateur stations can automatically retransmit the signals of other amateur stations? | Repeater, auxiliary, or space stations |
What is the approximate maximum bandwidth required to transmit a CW signal? | 150 Hz |
Which of the following is a common repeater frequency offset in the 2 meter band? | Plus or minus 600 kHz |
How is a computer's sound card used when conducting digital communications? | The sound card provides audio to the radio's microphone input and converts received audio to digital form |
What information is contained in the preamble of a formal traffic message? | The information needed to track the message |
When using a directional antenna, how might your station be able to access 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 |
What antenna polarization is normally used for long-distance weak-signal CW and SSB contacts using the VHF and UHF bands? | Horizontal |
What is meant by the term "Third Party Communications"? | A message from a control operator to another amateur station control operator on behalf of another person |
What happens to current at the junction of two components in series? | It is unchanged |
Which of the following devices is used to provide data to the transmitter when sending automatic position reports from a mobile amateur radio station? | A Global Positioning System receiver |
Which of the following establishes grounding requirements for an amateur radio tower or antenna? | Local electrical codes |
How might you obtain a list of active nodes that use VoIP? | From a repeater directory. From on line repeater lists maintained by the local repeater frequency coordinator. By subscribing to an on line service |
When using tactical identifiers such as “Race Headquarters” during a community service net operation, how often must your station transmit the station's FCC-assigned call sign? | At the end of each communication and every ten minutes during a communication |
Which of the following is a use for the scanning function of an FM transceiver? | To scan through a range of frequencies to check for activity |
Which of the following battery types is rechargeable? | Lithium-ion, Nickel-metal hydride, Lead-acid gel-cel |
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