Station Setup and Equipment Flashcards
6 cards from real Ham Radio General Class Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Station Setup and Equipment flashcards as text
What is the main advantage of using a linear amplifier in an amateur radio station?
Answer: It increases transmitter output power beyond the transceiver's built-in level
A linear amplifier boosts the transceiver's output power (typically 100 W) to higher levels (up to the legal limit of 1500 W PEP output).
What is the maximum legal transmitter power output for a General class licensee on HF bands in the United States?
Answer: 1500 watts PEP
FCC Part 97 allows General class licensees up to 1500 watts PEP output on authorized HF bands.
What type of power supply is preferred for modern HF transceivers?
Answer: A regulated DC power supply providing 13.8 VDC
Modern HF transceivers are designed to operate from 13.8 VDC, the standard regulated voltage also compatible with 12 V vehicle electrical systems.
What is the purpose of an RF choke in an amateur radio station's DC power lead?
Answer: Prevent RF from entering the power supply and causing interference
An RF choke (ferrite bead or toroid on the power leads) presents high impedance to RF while passing DC, isolating the power supply from RF currents.
What advantage does a digital voice recorder connected to a transceiver provide during a contest or DXpedition?
Answer: Allows repetitive call signs and contest exchanges to be sent with one button press
A DVR lets operators record and replay standard phrases (CQ calls, exchange information) to reduce fatigue and improve operating efficiency.
What is the purpose of the automatic level control (ALC) circuit in an HF transceiver?
Answer: Prevent the power amplifier stages from being overdriven and generating distortion
ALC feeds back a control voltage to reduce drive when the PA approaches its limits, keeping the signal clean and within specification.