Ham Radio General Class Test Amateur Radio Practices 5

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'dummy load' (dummy antenna)?

Accepted Answer

To allow transmitter testing without radiating a signal

Answer

A dummy load is a non-radiating resistive load that absorbs transmitter output, allowing testing and adjustment without on-air transmission.

Question 2

Which practice best reduces the chance of RF interference to consumer electronics in your home?

Accepted Answer

Using a low-pass filter on the transmitter output

Answer

A low-pass filter suppresses harmonics and spurious emissions that are the most common cause of TVI and other consumer electronics interference.

Question 3

What is the meaning of 'de' in a CW contact (e.g., 'W1AW de K4XYZ')?

Accepted Answer

From — it identifies the sending station

Answer

'De' is a CW abbreviation from French/Latin meaning 'from,' used to identify which station is calling which.

Question 4

What is the primary reason to keep a station log?

Accepted Answer

To maintain a record of operating activity useful for verification and award credit

Answer

While logging is not mandated for most contacts, records help confirm QSOs for awards (DXCC, WAS) and can document interference complaints.

Question 5

What is 'IMD' (intermodulation distortion) in a receiver?

Accepted Answer

Spurious signals generated when two or more strong signals mix in nonlinear receiver stages

Answer

IMD occurs when strong signals overload a nonlinear stage (like a front-end amplifier), creating new spurious mixing products at other frequencies.

Ham Radio General Class Test Practice Test