Ham Radio Technician Test Operating Procedures & Etiquette 4

Question 1

Why is it important to pause briefly before transmitting after another station finishes speaking on a repeater?

Accepted Answer

To allow the repeater's courtesy tone to sound and reset

Answer

Waiting for the repeater's courtesy tone ensures the repeater has fully reset and is ready for the next transmission, preventing kerchunking.

Question 2

What is 'tail-gating' in repeater operation and why is it discouraged?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting immediately after another station before the repeater resets, causing missed audio

Answer

Tail-gating causes the beginning of your transmission to be cut off because the repeater hasn't fully reset, resulting in missed communication.

Question 3

When is it appropriate to use 10-codes (like 10-4) on the amateur radio bands?

Accepted Answer

They are not recommended; plain language or Q-codes are preferred

Answer

Ten-codes are specific to public safety and land mobile radio; amateur operators are encouraged to use plain language or standard Q-codes instead.

Question 4

What does the term 'full quieting' mean when receiving a signal on FM?

Accepted Answer

The received signal is strong enough to completely suppress background noise

Answer

Full quieting means the incoming signal is strong enough to fully engage the FM limiter, producing perfectly clean audio with no background hiss.

Question 5

What is the proper procedure when you want to make contact on a calling frequency like 146.520 MHz simplex?

Accepted Answer

Call CQ on 146.520, then move to another simplex frequency to have the contact

Answer

Calling frequencies like 146.520 MHz are meant for initiating contact; once answered, operators should move to a clear working frequency.

Ham Radio Technician Test Practice Test