Mixed Deck — All Ham Radio Technician Test Topics Flashcards
100 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 20 Mixed Deck — All Ham Radio Technician Test Topics flashcards as text
How many Volunteer Examiners (VEs) must be present to administer a Technician license exam session?
Answer: At least 3
FCC rules require a minimum of three accredited Volunteer Examiners to be present and supervise any amateur radio exam session.
Which feedline type is immune to common-mode RF currents without additional chokes?
Answer: Open-wire ladder line
Open-wire ladder line is balanced and symmetrical, so it does not support common-mode currents the way coax can.
Which band is most likely to support auroral propagation?
Answer: 2 meters
Auroral propagation primarily occurs on VHF bands, especially 2 meters (144 MHz), where signals are reflected off the ionized curtain of the aurora borealis.
Why is a series diode linked between a solar panel and a storage battery that the panel is using to charge?
Answer: The diode prevents self-discharge of the battery through the panel during times of low or no illumination
The series diode linked between a solar panel and a storage battery that the panel is using to charge serves an important protective function. The diode prevents self-discharge of the battery through the panel during times of low or no illumination. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "reverse current flow" or "backflow."
What is the resonant frequency of an LC circuit?
Answer: The frequency at which inductive and capacitive reactances are equal
At resonance, XL equals XC, and the circuit oscillates at its natural frequency.
What is a 'club station' in amateur radio?
Answer: A station licensed to an amateur radio club with a trustee responsible for its operation
A club station is an FCC-licensed station issued to an amateur radio club, with a designated trustee who holds responsibility for it.
At what time of day is the D layer absorption of HF signals greatest?
Answer: Local noon when solar radiation is strongest
The D layer is most heavily ionized at local noon when the sun is at its highest and solar UV radiation is most intense, causing maximum absorption of lower HF frequencies.
What is the main disadvantage of using a very long coaxial feedline run at UHF frequencies?
Answer: Significantly increased signal loss
Coaxial cable loss increases with frequency, so long runs at UHF can lose a substantial portion of your transmit power.
What does 'dBd' mean when specifying antenna gain?
Answer: Gain relative to a half-wave dipole reference antenna
dBd means decibels of gain compared to a half-wave dipole; dBi compares to an isotropic radiator (dBd = dBi − 2.15).
Which type of modulation encodes information by varying the frequency of the carrier wave?
Answer: Frequency modulation (FM)
Frequency modulation (FM) varies the carrier frequency in proportion to the instantaneous amplitude of the modulating audio signal.
What should you do as soon as you hear a difficult station break in while conversing with another amateur station?
Answer: Acknowledge the station in distress and determine what assistance may be needed
Explanation: When communicating with another amateur station and hear a station in distress break in, the first thing you should do is to acknowledge the station in distress and determine what assistance may be needed. It's important to remain calm and professional in such situations and follow established emergency protocols.
What is a 'linked repeater network'?
Answer: Two or more repeaters connected by radio or internet to relay signals over a wider geographic area
A linked repeater network connects two or more repeaters via RF links or the internet so that a signal into one repeater is heard on all of them.
What is the purpose of a bypass capacitor in an amplifier circuit?
Answer: Provide a low-impedance path for AC signals around a resistor
A bypass capacitor provides a low-impedance AC path around a resistor, preventing signal loss.
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 is the typical characteristic impedance of open-wire (ladder line) feedline?
Answer: 300 to 600 ohms
Open-wire ladder line has a characteristic impedance of roughly 300–600 ohms depending on conductor spacing and wire diameter.
What does the term 'simplex' mean in amateur radio?
Answer: Transmitting and receiving on the same frequency
Simplex operation means a station transmits and receives on the same frequency without a repeater.
What is the primary purpose of a repeater in amateur radio?
Answer: To retransmit signals simultaneously on a different frequency to extend range
A repeater receives a signal on its input frequency and simultaneously retransmits it on its output frequency to extend the range of communications.
What should be done to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) when handling sensitive equipment?
Answer: Wear an ESD strap or ground yourself
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can severely damage sensitive electronic components by introducing a sudden surge of static electricity. To prevent this, operators should wear an ESD wrist strap, which safely grounds their body and dissipates any static charge. Alternatively, frequently touching a grounded object before handling equipment can also help equalize potential and prevent discharge.
What does the 'Q' factor of a coil or resonant circuit indicate?
Answer: The ratio of reactance to resistance, indicating selectivity and efficiency
Q factor is the ratio of reactance to resistance; higher Q means sharper resonance and lower losses.
What should be used when climbing a tower?
Answer: A harness and lanyard
When climbing a tower, safety is paramount due to the significant risk of falls. A harness and lanyard are essential personal protective equipment designed to secure the climber to the tower structure, preventing a fall to the ground. This equipment is critical for compliance with safety regulations and for ensuring the well-being of the operator.