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 advantage of using a PL-259 connector with silver plating instead of a nickel-plated version for HF applications?
Answer: Silver has lower resistance and better RF conductivity than nickel at HF frequencies
Silver's higher conductivity reduces skin-effect losses in the connector, which is important even at HF where current concentrates near the conductor surface.
A technician notices the receive audio on a mobile radio is distorted only at high volume. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: The audio amplifier is being driven into clipping or the speaker is damaged
Distortion at high volume almost always indicates the audio amplifier is overdriven past its linear range or the speaker cone is physically damaged.
What does an RF power meter read when the antenna feedline is open (disconnected at the antenna end)?
Answer: Full forward power and full reflected power (SWR infinite)
An open circuit reflects all transmitted power back toward the transmitter, so forward equals reflected and the SWR reading is effectively infinite.
Which type of feedline generally has the lowest loss per 100 feet at VHF frequencies?
Answer: LMR-400 or equivalent low-loss coax
LMR-400 and similar large-diameter, foam-dielectric coaxial cables have significantly lower attenuation per unit length than smaller RG-58 or RG-8X at VHF.
When using a keyer paddle for CW, what does the 'iambic' mode allow the operator to do?
Answer: Squeeze both paddles to automatically alternate dots and dashes
Iambic mode lets the operator squeeze both paddle contacts simultaneously, causing the keyer to automatically alternate between dots and dashes for efficient CW sending.
What is the correct way to use a field strength meter during antenna installation?
Answer: Hold it at a fixed distance and compare relative readings as you adjust the antenna
A field strength meter detects radiated RF; by keeping the meter at a consistent distance, relative readings indicate when antenna adjustments improve radiation.
What is the purpose of the automatic level control (ALC) circuit in a transceiver?
Answer: It limits the transmitter drive to prevent overdrive and distortion of the final amplifier
ALC senses output power and reduces drive to the final stage when it would otherwise exceed rated levels, protecting the amplifier and preventing distortion.