Equipment & Tools Usage 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 Equipment & Tools Usage flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a dummy load when testing a transmitter?
Answer: To absorb RF energy without radiating a signal
A dummy load absorbs transmitter output power as heat so you can test the radio without broadcasting a signal over the air.
Which instrument would you use to measure the standing wave ratio (SWR) of an antenna system?
Answer: SWR meter (reflectometer)
An SWR meter (reflectometer) measures the ratio of forward to reflected power to indicate how well the antenna is matched to the feedline.
What does a low SWR reading (close to 1:1) indicate about an antenna system?
Answer: The antenna and feedline are well matched
An SWR near 1:1 means almost no power is being reflected back toward the transmitter, indicating a good impedance match.
A technician uses an antenna analyzer at the feed point of a dipole. What advantage does this have over measuring SWR at the radio?
Answer: It eliminates feedline loss from the measurement, giving true antenna impedance
Measuring at the feed point removes feedline loss from the reading, so you see the actual antenna impedance rather than a feedline-masked value.
Which of the following is a common use for a signal generator in amateur radio equipment maintenance?
Answer: Injecting a known RF signal to align or troubleshoot receivers
A signal generator produces a calibrated RF signal that technicians inject into a receiver's input to test sensitivity, selectivity, and alignment.
What safety precaution should you take before working on a capacitor in a transmitter power supply?
Answer: Discharge the capacitor through a suitable bleeder resistor before touching it
High-voltage filter capacitors can retain a lethal charge even after power is removed, so they must be safely discharged before any hands-on work.
When soldering a coaxial cable connector, which technique helps ensure a reliable, low-resistance joint?
Answer: Apply flux, heat the connector and conductor together, then flow solder in
Proper technique requires heating both parts simultaneously so solder flows into the joint by capillary action, creating a solid electrical bond.