Ham Radio General Class Test Ham Radio General 1

Question 1

Which layer of the ionosphere is primarily responsible for long-distance HF communication during daylight hours?

Accepted Answer

F layer

Answer

The F layer (particularly F2 during the day) is the highest and most stable ionospheric layer, capable of refracting HF signals back to Earth over very long distances. The D layer absorbs signals at lower frequencies, and the E layer supports only shorter skip distances.

Question 2

What is the correct procedure before transmitting on an HF frequency to avoid causing interference?

Accepted Answer

Listen for several seconds and ask 'Is this frequency in use?'

Answer

Best operating practice requires listening first and then asking 'Is this frequency in use?' (or sending 'QRL?' on CW) before transmitting. This prevents interference with contacts that may not be audible from your location due to skip propagation.

Question 3

What is the primary advantage of using a directional antenna such as a Yagi over an omnidirectional dipole?

Accepted Answer

It provides gain in a specific direction, increasing effective radiated power toward the target

Answer

A Yagi focuses RF energy in one direction, producing gain (measured in dBd or dBi) compared to a dipole reference. This increases effective radiated power toward the desired station without raising the transmitter's actual output.

Question 4

What is the maximum PEP output power permitted for a General class licensee operating on the 80-meter amateur band?

Accepted Answer

1,500 watts

Answer

General class licensees are authorized up to 1,500 watts PEP on most HF bands including 80 meters, the same ceiling as Extra class on those frequencies. Lower limits apply only in specific circumstances defined by FCC rules.

Question 5

What does 'PSK31' describe in amateur radio digital communications?

Accepted Answer

A phase shift keying mode running at approximately 31 baud

Answer

PSK31 stands for Phase Shift Keying at 31 baud. It is an extremely narrow-bandwidth digital mode (roughly 31 Hz wide) popular on HF bands for real-time keyboard-to-keyboard contacts, particularly effective under weak-signal or crowded band conditions.

Ham Radio General Class Test Practice Test

Ham Radio General Class Test Practice Test

Ham Radio General Class Test Ham Radio General 1