Amateur Flashcards
7 cards from real Ham Radio Technician Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Amateur flashcards as text
What is the significance of the Q-code 'QRZ'?
Answer: Who is calling me?
QRZ means 'Who is calling me?' and is commonly used after a CQ call or to ask who just transmitted.
Under what condition may an amateur radio operator use obscene language on the air?
Answer: Never — obscene language is prohibited at all times
FCC rules explicitly prohibit the transmission of obscene, indecent, or profane language on amateur frequencies at any time.
What does 'SWR' stand for and what does a reading of 1:1 indicate?
Answer: Standing Wave Ratio; a perfect impedance match with no reflected power
SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) of 1:1 means the antenna system is perfectly matched to the transmitter with no reflected power.
What is meant by an amateur radio 'net'?
Answer: A group of stations that meet on a set frequency at a scheduled time
An amateur net is an organized group of stations that convene on a specific frequency at a scheduled time, often led by a net control station.
Which of the following is a valid reason for an amateur operator to use a 'tactical call sign' during emergency operations?
Answer: To identify a station's function or location clearly during a rapidly changing situation
Tactical call signs (e.g., 'Command Post' or 'Red Cross Shelter') identify a station's role during emergencies but do not replace FCC ID requirements.
What is 'propagation' in the context of amateur radio?
Answer: The way radio waves travel from a transmitter to a receiver
Propagation describes how radio waves travel through the environment from transmitter to receiver, influenced by the ionosphere, terrain, and frequency.
What is the correct way to indicate you are listening on a repeater and willing to talk?
Answer: Transmit your call sign followed by 'monitoring' or 'listening'
Saying your call sign followed by 'monitoring' or 'listening' is the standard way to announce your presence on a repeater.