ARRL Vocabulary Development 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'repeater' refer to in amateur radio?
- A device that amplifies audio within a transceiver
- A station that receives and retransmits signals to extend range (Correct answer)
- A type of antenna used on VHF frequencies
- A mode of digital communication
Correct answer: A station that receives and retransmits signals to extend range
A repeater receives a signal on one frequency and simultaneously retransmits it on another to extend communication range.
Question 2: In amateur radio terminology, what is 'simplex' operation?
- Using two different frequencies to transmit and receive
- Communicating through a repeater
- Transmitting and receiving on the same frequency (Correct answer)
- A type of digital mode using single tones
Correct answer: Transmitting and receiving on the same frequency
Simplex operation means both stations transmit and receive on the same frequency, without using a repeater.
Question 3: What is a 'net' in amateur radio?
- A type of antenna mesh used for satellite work
- An organized on-air meeting of amateur radio operators (Correct answer)
- The ground plane beneath a vertical antenna
- A filter network inside a radio
Correct answer: An organized on-air meeting of amateur radio operators
A net is a scheduled on-air gathering of amateur radio operators with a common interest or purpose.
Question 4: What does 'QRM' mean in the Q-code system?
- Your transmission is fading
- I am receiving interference from other stations (Correct answer)
- Shall I increase power?
- Change to another frequency
Correct answer: I am receiving interference from other stations
QRM specifically refers to man-made interference affecting reception, as opposed to QRN which is natural static.
Question 5: What is an 'Elmer' in amateur radio culture?
- An old vacuum-tube transceiver brand
- An experienced ham who mentors newer operators (Correct answer)
- The FCC call sign prefix for emergency coordinators
- A type of antenna switching relay
Correct answer: An experienced ham who mentors newer operators
An Elmer is a slang term for an experienced amateur radio operator who guides and mentors newcomers to the hobby.
Question 6: What does the term 'DX' mean in amateur radio?
- Digital transmission mode
- Distant or foreign station (Correct answer)
- Duplex communication
- The decibel unit for cross-polarization
Correct answer: Distant or foreign station
DX refers to distant or foreign stations; 'DXing' is the practice of making contact with stations in faraway locations.
Question 7: What is 'full break-in' (QSK) in CW operation?
- Transmitting with maximum legal power
- The ability to receive between individual Morse code elements (Correct answer)
- A technique for sending CW without a key
- Breaking into a conversation on a repeater
Correct answer: The ability to receive between individual Morse code elements
QSK or full break-in allows the operator to hear signals from the other station between their own transmitted Morse code elements.
ARRL Vocabulary Development 2
What does the term 'repeater' refer to in amateur radio?