{ "source": "Original MyLevel practice questions on the ten subelements (T0-T9) of the FCC amateur radio Technician class exam (Element 2), written from the NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician syllabus topics, the FCC Part 97 rules (text as published by ARRL, updated January 2024) and the ARRL Technician band chart. These are not questions from the official NCVEC question pool: the real exam draws its 35 questions from that public pool of 409 questions.", "rules": { "questions": 35, "passMark": 26, "minutes": 45, "note": "Checked on 28 Oct 2026 (fcc.gov, ncvec.org, arrl.org). The Technician class exam (Element 2) has 35 questions; you pass with 26 correct (FCC). Exams are given by teams of volunteer examiners under a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC); a VE team may charge a fee for its expenses, which differs per VEC. The questions come from the NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician pool (409 questions, valid 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030; errata of 19 Feb 2026). After you pass, the FCC charges a $35 application fee, paid within 10 calendar days through CORES; the license is normally granted for 10 years. There is no official time limit: MyLevel mock exams give you 35 questions in 45 minutes, pass at 26. MyLevel is not affiliated with the FCC, the NCVEC, the ARRL or any VEC.", "sources": [ "https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service/examinations", "https://ncvec.org/index.php/2026-2030-technician-question-pool", "https://www.arrl.org/news/ncvec-question-pool-committee-issues-revision-to-2026-2030-technician-pool", "https://www.arrl.org/fcc-application-fee", "https://www.arrl.org/part-97-text", "https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Tech%20Band%20Chart/Tech%20Band%20Chart.pdf" ], "checked": "2026-10-28" }, "topics": [ { "slug": "rules", "name": "T1 Commission's rules" }, { "slug": "operating", "name": "T2 Operating procedures" }, { "slug": "propagation", "name": "T3 Radio wave propagation" }, { "slug": "practices", "name": "T4 Amateur radio practices" }, { "slug": "electrical", "name": "T5 Electrical principles" }, { "slug": "components", "name": "T6 Electronic and electrical components" }, { "slug": "circuits", "name": "T7 Practical circuits" }, { "slug": "signals", "name": "T8 Signals and emissions" }, { "slug": "antennas", "name": "T9 Antennas and feed lines" }, { "slug": "safety", "name": "T0 Safety" } ], "questions": [ { "id": "hr-001", "topic": "rules", "q": "How long is a US amateur radio license normally granted for?", "options": [ "5 years", "For life", "2 years", "10 years" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Part 97 (§97.25) normally grants an amateur license for a 10-year term. You renew it before it expires.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-002", "topic": "rules", "q": "Your license expired last month and you have not renewed it. What may you do?", "options": [ "Apply to renew within the 2-year grace period, but not transmit until it is renewed", "Transmit on VHF only until the renewal arrives", "Keep transmitting for up to 2 years while you renew", "Nothing: an expired license can never be renewed, so you must pass the exam again" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "§97.21 gives a 2-year filing grace period to renew, but no operating privileges exist until the license is actually renewed.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-003", "topic": "rules", "q": "How often must you give your call sign during a long contact?", "options": [ "Only when the other station asks", "Only at the start of the contact", "Every 30 minutes, and once more when the contact has ended", "At least every 10 minutes and at the end of the contact" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "§97.119 requires identification at the end of each communication and at least every 10 minutes during it.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-004", "topic": "rules", "q": "In which language must you give your call sign when you identify by voice?", "options": [ "Morse code only", "English", "Any language both stations understand", "English or Spanish" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Phone identification must be made in English (§97.119). A phonetic alphabet is encouraged to make it clear.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-005", "topic": "rules", "q": "What does Part 97 say about using a phonetic alphabet when you identify?", "options": [ "It is encouraged as an aid, not required", "It is not allowed on repeaters", "It is required on HF and on every repeater transmission", "It is required on every transmission" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "§97.119 encourages phonetics as an aid for correct identification. It does not make them mandatory.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-006", "topic": "rules", "q": "You add '/portable' to your call sign. Where may a self-assigned indicator like this go?", "options": [ "Only in a separate transmission after the call sign is given", "Before, after, or both before and after the call sign", "Only before the call sign", "Only after the call sign" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Part 97 allows a self-assigned indicator before, after, or both before and after your call sign.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-007", "topic": "rules", "q": "What is the fastest Morse code speed an automatic CW identifier may use?", "options": [ "20 words per minute", "35 words per minute", "13 words per minute", "5 words per minute" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "§97.119 allows automatic CW identification at a keying speed that does not exceed 20 words per minute.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-008", "topic": "rules", "q": "Which statement about the control operator is correct?", "options": [ "Every station that transmits must have one", "One is needed only for stations running more than 200 W", "Only repeaters need one", "Only HF stations need one" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "§97.7: when transmitting, each amateur station must have a control operator, who makes sure the station operates properly.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-009", "topic": "rules", "q": "What is a control point?", "options": [ "The repeater's input frequency", "The place where the control operator function is performed", "The FCC field office that holds the record of your station license", "The antenna feed point" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Part 97 defines the control point as the location where the control operator function is performed.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-010", "topic": "rules", "q": "What is meant by automatic control of a station?", "options": [ "Devices and procedures control it with no operator at a control point", "The station transmits only during emergencies", "A licensed operator watches the station on a video link from another room", "The control operator uses a computer keyboard" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Under automatic control the station is run by devices and procedures, not by an operator at a control point. Repeaters often work this way.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-011", "topic": "rules", "q": "A Technician lets a General class friend operate as control operator on a band only Generals may use. Whose privileges limit the station?", "options": [ "Neither: band limits do not apply to guests", "Always the station licensee's privileges", "The privileges of the control operator", "The lower of the two classes, always" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "§97.105: a station may only be operated within the privileges authorized to the control operator, who ensures proper operation.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-012", "topic": "rules", "q": "Who is responsible for the proper operation of an amateur station?", "options": [ "The station licensee (and the control operator)", "The local radio club", "The volunteer examiner team that gave the licensee's exam", "The equipment maker" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "§97.103 makes the station licensee responsible for proper operation; the control operator shares that duty while operating.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-013", "topic": "rules", "q": "Which of these communications is prohibited in the amateur service?", "options": [ "A Morse code practice transmission", "Talking for pay from a customer", "Reporting a traffic accident to police", "Chatting with a friend about antennas" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "§97.113 prohibits communications for hire or for material compensation. Emergency reports and code practice are allowed.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-014", "topic": "rules", "q": "Which of these is NOT allowed under Part 97?", "options": [ "Sending your call sign in Morse code", "A brief test while adjusting a transmitter", "An information bulletin to all amateurs", "Messages encoded to hide their meaning" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Messages encoded to obscure their meaning are prohibited (§97.113), with narrow exceptions. Tests, bulletins and CW identification are allowed.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-015", "topic": "rules", "q": "Which one-way transmission does Part 97 allow?", "options": [ "Playing music to a group of listeners", "A recorded broadcast for the general public", "Advertising a store's opening hours", "A brief transmission to adjust your station" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "§97.111 allows brief one-way transmissions needed to adjust a station, plus code practice, bulletins, telemetry, telecommand and emergencies.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-016", "topic": "rules", "q": "When may an amateur take part in a drill on behalf of an employer?", "options": [ "Never: employer messages are always banned", "Only on weekends", "Whenever the employer pays the licensee for the time spent on the air", "In an emergency preparedness or disaster drill, within its scope and duration" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "§97.113 lets a licensee take part on behalf of an employer in an emergency preparedness or disaster readiness test or drill, limited to that drill.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-017", "topic": "rules", "q": "What does Part 97 say about deliberately interfering with another station?", "options": [ "It is allowed if you were on the frequency first and asked the others to leave", "No operator may willfully or maliciously interfere", "It is allowed during contests", "It is allowed against unlicensed stations" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "§97.101(d): no amateur operator shall willfully or maliciously interfere with any radio communication or signal.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-018", "topic": "rules", "q": "Who gets priority on a frequency?", "options": [ "Stations providing emergency communications", "The station whose operator holds the higher license class", "The station that started calling first", "The station using the most power" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "§97.101(c) requires every control operator to give priority to stations providing emergency communications.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-019", "topic": "rules", "q": "May you pass a message for a third party to a station in another country?", "options": [ "Never, under any circumstances", "Only on Morse code", "Only in an emergency or where the US has an arrangement with that country", "Always, as long as both stations are licensed and identify every 10 minutes" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "§97.115 bans third-party messages to foreign stations except in emergencies or disaster relief, or where a third-party arrangement exists.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-020", "topic": "rules", "q": "What is the maximum transmitter power of an amateur beacon?", "options": [ "1500 W", "5 W", "100 W", "50 W" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "§97.203 limits a beacon's transmitter power to 100 W. Beacons help amateurs study propagation.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-021", "topic": "rules", "q": "Above what height is an amateur station counted as a space station?", "options": [ "Only beyond the Moon", "More than 5 km", "More than 500 km", "More than 50 km above the Earth" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Part 97 defines a space station as an amateur station located more than 50 km above the Earth's surface.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-022", "topic": "rules", "q": "What must a US amateur license show, besides your name?", "options": [ "Your employer and job title", "Your Social Security number", "The make, model and serial number of your main transceiver", "A correct mailing address and email address" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "§97.23 requires a correct name, mailing address and email address. Undeliverable FCC mail can lead to suspension or revocation.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-023", "topic": "rules", "q": "What is the maximum transmitter power a Technician may use in the HF segments open to that class?", "options": [ "500 W PEP", "50 W PEP", "200 W PEP", "1500 W PEP" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Technicians are limited to 200 W PEP on their HF segments; on VHF and higher bands up to 1500 W PEP is allowed.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-024", "topic": "rules", "q": "What is the maximum power a Technician may use on 2 meters?", "options": [ "500 W PEP", "200 W PEP", "100 W PEP", "1500 W PEP" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "On the VHF and higher amateur bands a Technician may use up to 1500 W PEP. In practice, use the least power needed.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-025", "topic": "rules", "q": "What are the edges of the 2-meter amateur band in the US?", "options": [ "146 to 148 MHz", "144 to 146 MHz", "140 to 150 MHz", "144 to 148 MHz" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "The US 2-meter band runs from 144 to 148 MHz, and Technicians have full privileges on it.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-026", "topic": "rules", "q": "What are the edges of the 70-centimeter amateur band in the US?", "options": [ "440 to 470 MHz", "400 to 430 MHz", "430 to 440 MHz", "420 to 450 MHz" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "The 70 cm band runs from 420 to 450 MHz; near the Canadian border (north of Line A) it is not available.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-027", "topic": "rules", "q": "What are the edges of the 6-meter amateur band in the US?", "options": [ "52 to 56 MHz", "50 to 52 MHz", "50 to 54 MHz", "48 to 52 MHz" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "The 6-meter band runs from 50 to 54 MHz. Its lowest 100 kHz (50.0-50.1 MHz) is CW only.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-028", "topic": "rules", "q": "Which mode is the only one allowed from 144.0 to 144.1 MHz?", "options": [ "FM voice", "CW (Morse code)", "Digital television", "SSB voice" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "The bottom 100 kHz of 2 meters (144.0-144.1 MHz) is for CW only; other modes start at 144.1 MHz.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-029", "topic": "rules", "q": "Which HF segment may a Technician use, using CW only?", "options": [ "7.125 to 7.300 MHz", "7.025 to 7.125 MHz", "3.600 to 4.000 MHz", "14.000 to 14.150 MHz" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Technicians have CW-only privileges at 7.025-7.125 MHz on 40 meters, as well as segments on 80 and 15 meters.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-030", "topic": "rules", "q": "Which range is a Technician HF segment on 10 meters?", "options": [ "28.0 to 28.5 MHz", "27.0 to 28.0 MHz", "28.5 to 29.7 MHz", "29.0 to 29.7 MHz" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Part 97 (§97.301(e)) gives Technicians 28.0-28.5 MHz on 10 meters, the only HF band where they also have voice privileges.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-031", "topic": "rules", "q": "A repeater may NOT retransmit in which 2-meter segment?", "options": [ "147.0 to 147.4 MHz", "144.0 to 144.5 MHz", "146.0 to 146.4 MHz", "146.6 to 147.0 MHz" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "§97.205 bars repeaters from 144.0-144.5 MHz and 145.5-146.0 MHz, which are kept for weak-signal and satellite work.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-032", "topic": "rules", "q": "What does it cost to file a new amateur license application with the FCC?", "options": [ "$15 per application", "$75 per application", "Nothing", "$35 per application" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Since 19 April 2022 the FCC charges $35 per new, renewal or vanity call sign application. You pay it to the FCC, not to the exam team.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-033", "topic": "rules", "q": "Which change to your license is free of the FCC application fee?", "options": [ "Renewing your license", "Filing a new license application", "Requesting a new vanity call sign of your choice", "Upgrading your class or changing your address" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Administrative updates (name, address) and upgrades are exempt. New, renewal and vanity call sign applications cost $35.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-034", "topic": "rules", "q": "After a VE team files your application, how long do you have to pay the FCC fee?", "options": [ "90 days", "10 calendar days", "24 hours", "30 days" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "ARRL VEC: you have 10 calendar days from the date the application file number is issued to pay $35 through the FCC's CORES system.", "volatile": true }, { "id": "hr-035", "topic": "operating", "q": "What should you do before you transmit on a frequency?", "options": [ "Turn your power to maximum so others hear you are about to call", "Ask the FCC for permission", "Transmit a long tone to clear it", "Listen to make sure it is not in use" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Always listen first, and ask whether the frequency is in use. This avoids interfering with a contact you cannot hear well.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-036", "topic": "operating", "q": "You want to talk to a station whose call sign you know. How do you call it?", "options": [ "Say CQ three times", "Give only its call sign", "Give its call sign, then your own", "Give only your own call sign" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "The usual order is the other station's call sign first, then yours, such as 'W1XYZ, this is K2ABC'.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-037", "topic": "operating", "q": "What does 'CQ' mean on the air?", "options": [ "Calling any station", "Please stop transmitting", "I am leaving the frequency", "Emergency traffic follows" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "CQ is a general call: any station that hears it may answer.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-038", "topic": "operating", "q": "What does the Q signal QRM mean?", "options": [ "I am changing frequency", "My location is", "Please send slower", "Interference from other stations" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "QRM means man-made interference, usually from other stations. QRN is natural noise such as static.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-039", "topic": "operating", "q": "What does the Q signal QSY mean?", "options": [ "Who is calling me?", "Change frequency", "I acknowledge receipt", "Reduce power" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "QSY means change to another frequency. QSL means acknowledging receipt, QTH means location.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-040", "topic": "operating", "q": "What is a repeater offset?", "options": [ "The difference between its input and output frequency", "The delay before it transmits", "The short courtesy tone it sends after each transmission ends", "Its distance from your station" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "A repeater listens on one frequency and transmits on another at the same time. The difference is the offset.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-041", "topic": "operating", "q": "What is the usual repeater offset on the 2-meter band?", "options": [ "100 kHz", "5 MHz", "600 kHz", "1.6 MHz" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "The common 2-meter repeater offset is 600 kHz. On 70 cm it is usually 5 MHz.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-042", "topic": "operating", "q": "What is the usual repeater offset on the 70-centimeter band?", "options": [ "5 MHz", "1 MHz", "600 kHz", "10 MHz" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "70 cm repeaters usually use a 5 MHz split between input and output; 2-meter repeaters use 600 kHz.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-043", "topic": "operating", "q": "A repeater needs a CTCSS tone. What is that tone for?", "options": [ "It encrypts your voice", "It sends the repeater's call sign in Morse code every 10 minutes", "It measures your signal strength", "It opens the repeater's receiver only for signals carrying it" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "CTCSS is a sub-audible tone sent with your signal. A repeater that requires it ignores signals without the right tone.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-044", "topic": "operating", "q": "What is the national FM simplex calling frequency on 2 meters in the US band plan?", "options": [ "147.000 MHz", "145.800 MHz", "146.520 MHz", "144.200 MHz" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "146.52 MHz is the 2-meter FM simplex calling frequency. After making contact, move to another simplex frequency.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-045", "topic": "operating", "q": "Why use simplex instead of a repeater when you can?", "options": [ "Simplex needs no call sign", "It keeps the repeater free for others who need it", "Repeaters may only be used for emergencies and nets, never for chats", "Simplex always reaches farther" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "If you can hear each other directly, simplex leaves the repeater free for stations that cannot reach each other.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-046", "topic": "operating", "q": "What is a band plan?", "options": [ "An FCC rule that sets a fine for every mode used in the wrong segment", "A voluntary guide for which modes go where in a band", "A chart of radio wave propagation", "A list of licensed stations in a band" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A band plan is a voluntary agreement among amateurs on how parts of a band are used, beyond what the FCC rules require.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-047", "topic": "operating", "q": "What is the job of a net control station?", "options": [ "To repair the repeater during the net", "To issue licenses to new operators", "To record every call and send the log to the FCC after the net", "To run the net and direct who transmits when" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "The net control station calls the net to order, takes check-ins and directs the flow of traffic.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-048", "topic": "operating", "q": "Which group is set up by government emergency management agencies for amateur operators?", "options": [ "RACES", "ARES", "APRS", "DMR" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "RACES works under government emergency management. ARES is the ARRL's volunteer emergency service.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-049", "topic": "operating", "q": "What is ARES?", "options": [ "A government agency that issues call signs and runs the exam sessions", "A satellite tracking system", "A digital voice mode", "Licensed amateurs who volunteer for emergency communication" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is organized by the ARRL; members volunteer their stations for emergencies.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-050", "topic": "operating", "q": "During an emergency net, how should you send a list of names that are hard to understand?", "options": [ "Send only the first letters", "Speak faster to save time", "Use abbreviations you agree on with the receiving station beforehand", "Spell them out using standard phonetics" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Phonetics such as Alfa, Bravo, Charlie make letters clear in noise, so messages arrive exactly as written.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-051", "topic": "operating", "q": "What does the ending '73' mean?", "options": [ "Best regards", "Repeat that", "Emergency", "Stand by" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "73 means best regards and is often used when ending a contact.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-052", "topic": "propagation", "q": "What does the abbreviation VHF cover?", "options": [ "300 to 3000 MHz", "3 to 30 GHz", "30 to 300 MHz", "3 to 30 MHz" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "VHF is 30-300 MHz, HF is 3-30 MHz and UHF is 300-3000 MHz.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-053", "topic": "propagation", "q": "Which frequency range is HF?", "options": [ "300 to 3000 MHz", "3 to 30 MHz", "30 to 300 MHz", "300 kHz to 3 MHz" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "HF (high frequency) is 3 to 30 MHz. The 10-meter band at 28-29.7 MHz is near its top.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-054", "topic": "propagation", "q": "Which frequency range is UHF?", "options": [ "3 to 30 GHz", "3 to 30 MHz", "300 to 3000 MHz", "30 to 300 MHz" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "UHF is 300 to 3000 MHz, so the 70 cm band (420-450 MHz) is a UHF band.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-055", "topic": "propagation", "q": "What is the approximate speed of a radio wave in free space?", "options": [ "300,000,000 meters per second", "300,000 meters per second", "343 meters per second", "3,000 meters per second" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Radio waves travel at the speed of light, about 300,000 km or 300 million meters per second. 343 m/s is the speed of sound.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-056", "topic": "propagation", "q": "As the frequency of a radio wave goes up, what happens to its wavelength?", "options": [ "It gets longer", "It stays the same", "It doubles at each harmonic", "It gets shorter" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Wavelength = speed / frequency. A higher frequency gives a shorter wavelength.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-057", "topic": "propagation", "q": "What is the approximate wavelength of a 146 MHz signal?", "options": [ "1.46 meters", "2.05 meters", "0.49 meters", "20.5 meters" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Wavelength in meters is about 300 divided by the frequency in MHz: 300 / 146 = 2.05 m, which is why 144-148 MHz is called 2 meters.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-058", "topic": "propagation", "q": "What is the approximate wavelength of a 440 MHz signal?", "options": [ "6.8 meters", "0.44 meters", "1.47 meters", "0.68 meters" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "300 / 440 = 0.68 m, or about 68 cm. The band is called 70 centimeters.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-059", "topic": "propagation", "q": "What is the approximate wavelength of a 50 MHz signal?", "options": [ "6 meters", "15 meters", "60 meters", "0.6 meters" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "300 / 50 = 6 m, which is why 50-54 MHz is the 6-meter band.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-060", "topic": "propagation", "q": "Why can VHF and UHF signals usually reach a bit beyond the visual horizon?", "options": [ "The ionosphere always reflects them", "They follow the curve of the ground like AM broadcast signals do at night", "The atmosphere bends them slightly, so the radio horizon lies farther out", "They travel faster than light" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "The lower atmosphere refracts VHF/UHF waves slightly, so the radio horizon is about a third farther than the visual one.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-061", "topic": "propagation", "q": "What is tropospheric ducting?", "options": [ "Signals reflected by the ionized trails that meteors leave behind", "Temperature layers trapping VHF/UHF signals over long distances", "Signals bouncing off the Moon", "Signals bouncing off the F region at night" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A temperature inversion can form a duct in the lower atmosphere that guides VHF and UHF signals hundreds of kilometers.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-062", "topic": "propagation", "q": "Which mode of propagation often opens the 6-meter and 10-meter bands in early summer?", "options": [ "Ground wave", "Knife-edge diffraction", "Line of sight", "Sporadic E" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Patches of dense ionization in the E region, called sporadic E, often appear in late spring and summer and open 6 and 10 meters.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-063", "topic": "propagation", "q": "Which band is generally best for meteor scatter contacts?", "options": [ "70 centimeters", "80 meters", "6 meters", "23 centimeters" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Short-lived ionized meteor trails reflect signals best at the low end of VHF, so 6 meters is the favorite meteor scatter band.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-064", "topic": "propagation", "q": "A mobile FM signal fluctuates quickly as the car moves ('picket fencing'). What causes it?", "options": [ "The repeater switching its offset while you drive through its area", "Multipath: reflected signals adding and cancelling", "The battery voltage changing", "Sunspots" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Reflected waves arriving by different paths add and cancel as you move, causing rapid flutter.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-065", "topic": "propagation", "q": "Which part of the ionosphere makes most long-distance HF contacts possible?", "options": [ "The F region", "The troposphere", "The magnetosphere", "The D region" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "The F region is the highest and reflects HF signals back to Earth for the longest single hops. The D region mostly absorbs.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-066", "topic": "propagation", "q": "Two stations use vertical and horizontal antennas on a VHF line-of-sight path. What happens?", "options": [ "The signals shift frequency by the amount of the repeater offset", "Signals are much weaker due to cross-polarization", "Nothing changes", "Signals are stronger" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "On direct VHF/UHF paths the polarization stays the same, so mismatched polarization costs a lot of signal.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-067", "topic": "propagation", "q": "Why are signals on 70 cm often better than on 2 m inside buildings?", "options": [ "The shorter wavelength passes more easily through small openings", "70 cm signals carry more power", "70 cm signals are reflected back down by the ionosphere above the building", "2 m signals cannot pass glass" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Shorter wavelengths fit through windows and gaps more easily, so UHF often works better inside buildings.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-068", "topic": "practices", "q": "What does the squelch control do?", "options": [ "Changes the repeater offset", "Sets the transmitter's power", "Mutes the receiver's audio when no signal is present", "Tunes the antenna" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Squelch silences background noise between transmissions and opens when a signal stronger than its setting arrives.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-069", "topic": "practices", "q": "What does RIT (receiver incremental tuning) let you do?", "options": [ "Record incoming audio", "Fine-tune the receive frequency without moving your transmit frequency", "Switch between two antennas without changing the transmit frequency", "Increase transmitter power" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "RIT shifts the receiver slightly so a station that is a bit off frequency sounds right, while you keep transmitting where you were.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-070", "topic": "practices", "q": "What does automatic gain control (AGC) do?", "options": [ "Raises the transmitter power automatically when the other station is weak", "Removes all interference", "Sets the squelch level", "Keeps the receiver's audio level steady as signals change in strength" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "AGC reduces receiver gain for strong signals and raises it for weak ones, so the volume stays comfortable.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-071", "topic": "practices", "q": "Why would you choose a narrow receive filter for CW?", "options": [ "To transmit with more power", "To improve the sound of FM voice signals received on the same band", "To widen the signal you send", "To reduce noise and interference from nearby signals" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "A narrow filter passes the CW signal and rejects nearby signals and noise outside its bandwidth.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-072", "topic": "practices", "q": "What is a DMR code plug?", "options": [ "A connector for the antenna", "A plug-in power supply", "A password from the FCC that unlocks the radio's digital channels", "The file of settings and channels loaded into the radio" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "A code plug holds the radio's channels, talk groups, color codes and other settings, usually written from a computer.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-073", "topic": "practices", "q": "What is a talk group on a DMR network?", "options": [ "The radio club that owns and maintains the repeater", "A Morse code practice net", "A way to group users so they hear only selected traffic", "A type of antenna" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "A talk group lets users share a channel while only hearing calls for the group they select.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-074", "topic": "practices", "q": "How should you connect the power leads of a 100 W mobile radio?", "options": [ "Directly to the battery with heavy wire and a fuse", "To the car radio's power lead behind the dashboard, using its fuse", "To any thin wire under the dashboard", "To the cigarette lighter socket" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "A high-power transceiver draws a lot of current. Heavy leads straight to the battery, fused, avoid voltage drop and fire risk.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-075", "topic": "practices", "q": "Why bond all equipment in a station together with short connections?", "options": [ "To increase the antenna's gain", "To lower the electricity bill", "To make the receiver pick up more distant stations on every band", "To keep RF and stray voltages from building up between units" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Bonding with short, wide conductors keeps equipment at the same potential, reducing RF in the shack and shock risk.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-076", "topic": "practices", "q": "What is a common cause of a mobile radio's audio being full of a whine that changes with engine speed?", "options": [ "A repeater offset set to the wrong direction", "Noise from the vehicle's alternator", "Low squelch setting", "Antenna polarization" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Alternator whine rises and falls with engine speed. Wiring straight to the battery and filtering usually cure it.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-077", "topic": "practices", "q": "What is a VFO on a transceiver?", "options": [ "A type of microphone", "A tunable oscillator that sets the operating frequency", "A filter in the power supply that removes voltage ripple", "A fixed memory channel" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "The variable frequency oscillator (VFO) lets you tune freely across a band, while memory channels store fixed frequencies.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-078", "topic": "electrical", "q": "What is the unit of electrical resistance?", "options": [ "Watt", "Volt", "Ampere", "Ohm" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Resistance is measured in ohms, voltage in volts, current in amperes and power in watts.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-079", "topic": "electrical", "q": "What is the unit of electric current?", "options": [ "Volt", "Farad", "Ampere", "Ohm" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Current, the flow of electrons, is measured in amperes (amps).", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-080", "topic": "electrical", "q": "What is the unit of electrical power?", "options": [ "Volt", "Henry", "Watt", "Ohm" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Power is measured in watts. One watt is one volt times one ampere.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-081", "topic": "electrical", "q": "Which material is a good electrical insulator?", "options": [ "Aluminum", "Copper", "Glass", "Salt water" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Insulators such as glass, plastic and ceramic resist current. Metals and salt water conduct.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-082", "topic": "electrical", "q": "What is the difference between AC and DC?", "options": [ "There is no difference", "AC reverses direction regularly; DC flows in one direction", "DC reverses direction 60 times a second; AC flows in one direction", "AC is only used by batteries" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Alternating current changes direction many times a second; direct current, such as from a battery, flows one way.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-083", "topic": "electrical", "q": "A 12 V battery drives current through a 6 ohm resistor. How much current flows?", "options": [ "0.5 A", "2 A", "72 A", "18 A" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Ohm's law: I = E / R = 12 / 6 = 2 A.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-084", "topic": "electrical", "q": "A current of 3 A flows through a 4 ohm resistor. What is the voltage across it?", "options": [ "12 V", "1.33 V", "0.75 V", "7 V" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "E = I x R = 3 x 4 = 12 V.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-085", "topic": "electrical", "q": "A 9 V source drives 0.5 A through a resistor. What is the resistance?", "options": [ "9.5 ohms", "18 ohms", "0.06 ohms", "4.5 ohms" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "R = E / I = 9 / 0.5 = 18 ohms.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-086", "topic": "electrical", "q": "A radio draws 10 A from a 13.8 V supply. How much power does it use?", "options": [ "13.8 W", "23.8 W", "138 W", "1.38 W" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "P = E x I = 13.8 x 10 = 138 W.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-087", "topic": "electrical", "q": "A 120 V lamp uses 60 W. How much current does it draw?", "options": [ "7200 A", "2 A", "180 A", "0.5 A" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "I = P / E = 60 / 120 = 0.5 A.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-088", "topic": "electrical", "q": "What is 1.5 amperes in milliamperes?", "options": [ "15 mA", "150 mA", "0.0015 mA", "1500 mA" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Milli means one thousandth, so 1.5 A x 1000 = 1500 mA.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-089", "topic": "electrical", "q": "What is 3,525 kHz in MHz?", "options": [ "3.525 MHz", "35.25 MHz", "0.3525 MHz", "352.5 MHz" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "1 MHz = 1000 kHz, so 3525 / 1000 = 3.525 MHz.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-090", "topic": "electrical", "q": "What is 0.5 MHz in kHz?", "options": [ "50 kHz", "5 kHz", "5000 kHz", "500 kHz" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "0.5 x 1000 = 500 kHz.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-091", "topic": "electrical", "q": "How many microfarads is 2,200 picofarads?", "options": [ "22 microfarads", "2.2 microfarads", "0.0022 microfarads", "0.22 microfarads" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "One microfarad is 1,000,000 pF, so 2200 / 1,000,000 = 0.0022 uF.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-092", "topic": "electrical", "q": "Your power rises from 5 W to 10 W. How many decibels is that?", "options": [ "About 6 dB", "About 1 dB", "About 3 dB", "About 10 dB" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Doubling power is an increase of about 3 dB (10 x log10 2 = 3.01).", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-093", "topic": "electrical", "q": "Your power rises from 10 W to 100 W. How many decibels is that?", "options": [ "10 dB", "3 dB", "20 dB", "6 dB" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Ten times the power is 10 dB (10 x log10 10 = 10).", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-094", "topic": "electrical", "q": "An amplifier has 6 dB of power gain. By about how much does it multiply the power?", "options": [ "About 10 times", "About 4 times", "About 2 times", "About 6 times" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "6 dB is two steps of 3 dB, each doubling the power: 2 x 2 = 4 (10^(6/10) = 3.98).", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-095", "topic": "electrical", "q": "Two 100 ohm resistors are connected in series. What is the total resistance?", "options": [ "50 ohms", "200 ohms", "10,000 ohms", "100 ohms" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Resistances in series add: 100 + 100 = 200 ohms.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-096", "topic": "electrical", "q": "Two 100 ohm resistors are connected in parallel. What is the total resistance?", "options": [ "100 ohms", "25 ohms", "50 ohms", "200 ohms" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Two equal resistors in parallel give half the value: 1 / (1/100 + 1/100) = 50 ohms.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-097", "topic": "electrical", "q": "In a series circuit, what is the same through every component?", "options": [ "The current", "The resistance", "The power", "The voltage" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "In a series circuit there is only one path, so the same current flows through every part. Voltages divide.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-098", "topic": "electrical", "q": "In a parallel circuit, what is the same across every branch?", "options": [ "The power", "The current", "The voltage", "The resistance" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Every branch of a parallel circuit is connected across the same two points, so each sees the same voltage.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-099", "topic": "electrical", "q": "What is the unit of frequency?", "options": [ "Watt", "Farad", "Hertz", "Henry" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Frequency is measured in hertz, cycles per second. 1 MHz is one million hertz.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-100", "topic": "components", "q": "What does a capacitor store energy in?", "options": [ "An electric field", "A magnetic field", "A chemical reaction", "Heat" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "A capacitor stores energy in the electric field between its plates. An inductor stores it in a magnetic field.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-101", "topic": "components", "q": "What does an inductor store energy in?", "options": [ "A chemical reaction", "An electric field", "A magnetic field", "Sound waves" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Current through an inductor's coil builds a magnetic field that stores energy.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-102", "topic": "components", "q": "What is the unit of capacitance?", "options": [ "Farad", "Henry", "Hertz", "Ohm" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Capacitance is measured in farads; practical values are in microfarads (uF) and picofarads (pF).", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-103", "topic": "components", "q": "What is the unit of inductance?", "options": [ "Henry", "Farad", "Watt", "Coulomb" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Inductance is measured in henries; radio coils are often in microhenries.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-104", "topic": "components", "q": "What does a diode do?", "options": [ "Measures current", "Lets current flow mainly in one direction", "Stores large amounts of charge", "Raises the voltage of AC" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A diode conducts in one direction and blocks the other, which makes it useful for turning AC into DC.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-105", "topic": "components", "q": "What are the three terminals of a bipolar junction transistor?", "options": [ "Emitter, base and collector", "Primary, secondary and core", "Gate, drain and source", "Anode, cathode and grid" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "A bipolar transistor has an emitter, a base and a collector. Field-effect transistors have a gate, drain and source.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-106", "topic": "components", "q": "What are the three terminals of a field-effect transistor (FET)?", "options": [ "Gate, drain and source", "Anode, cathode and gate", "Input, output and ground only", "Emitter, base and collector" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "An FET's current between drain and source is controlled by the voltage on its gate.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-107", "topic": "components", "q": "What can a transistor do in a circuit?", "options": [ "Only measure frequency", "Amplify a signal or work as a switch", "Only convert AC to DC, like a rectifier diode does", "Only store energy" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A transistor uses a small signal to control a larger current, so it can amplify or switch.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-108", "topic": "components", "q": "What does a fuse do?", "options": [ "Stores energy for later", "Keeps the current constant", "Raises the voltage", "Opens the circuit when the current is too high" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "A fuse melts and breaks the circuit when too much current flows, protecting wiring and equipment.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-109", "topic": "components", "q": "Why should you never replace a blown 5 A fuse with a 20 A fuse?", "options": [ "Excess current could overheat wiring before the fuse opens", "A 20 A fuse lowers the voltage", "The radio will transmit on the wrong band until the fuse is changed back", "It makes the receiver less sensitive" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "A bigger fuse lets much more current flow through wiring sized for less, which can cause a fire.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-110", "topic": "components", "q": "What does a rectifier do in a power supply?", "options": [ "Converts AC to pulsating DC", "Stores the output voltage", "Converts DC to AC", "Raises the frequency" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Rectifier diodes let current through in one direction only, turning AC into pulsating DC that a filter then smooths.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-111", "topic": "components", "q": "What does a transformer do?", "options": [ "Stores energy like a battery", "Changes AC voltage from one level to another", "Converts DC to AC", "Blocks all AC current while letting steady DC pass" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A transformer uses two coils on a shared core to step AC voltage up or down. It does not work on steady DC.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-112", "topic": "components", "q": "What does LED stand for?", "options": [ "Linear electron divider", "Light-encoded data", "Low-energy detector", "Light-emitting diode" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "An LED is a diode that gives off light when current flows through it in the forward direction.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-113", "topic": "components", "q": "What does a relay do?", "options": [ "Stores a radio frequency", "Converts AC to DC", "Amplifies audio", "Uses a small current to switch a larger circuit" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "A relay is an electrically operated switch: a coil moves contacts that open or close another circuit.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-114", "topic": "components", "q": "What kind of circuit is made of an inductor and a capacitor and responds most strongly at one frequency?", "options": [ "A rectifier", "A voltage divider", "A fuse circuit", "A resonant (tuned) circuit" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "An inductor and capacitor together resonate at one frequency, which is how radios select a signal.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-115", "topic": "components", "q": "Why are some circuits enclosed in a metal shield?", "options": [ "To make them lighter", "To raise the supply voltage", "To keep unwanted RF signals in or out", "To make the parts cool faster" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "A grounded metal shield blocks RF from leaving or entering a circuit, reducing interference.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-116", "topic": "components", "q": "What does a schematic diagram show?", "options": [ "Where to place the antenna on the roof", "The physical size of each part", "How components are connected, using standard symbols", "The price of each part" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "A schematic uses symbols to show electrical connections, not the physical layout.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-117", "topic": "circuits", "q": "What is a transceiver?", "options": [ "A transmitter and a receiver in one unit", "An antenna with a built-in amplifier", "A power supply for radios", "A device that only receives and decodes digital signals" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "A transceiver combines a transmitter and receiver, usually sharing parts and one antenna.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-118", "topic": "circuits", "q": "What does an oscillator do?", "options": [ "Produces a steady signal at a set frequency", "Measures the standing waves on an antenna feed line", "Removes noise from audio", "Turns AC into DC" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "An oscillator generates a signal at a chosen frequency; transmitters and receivers both rely on one.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-119", "topic": "circuits", "q": "What does a mixer do in a receiver?", "options": [ "Supplies DC power", "Combines two signals to produce new frequencies", "Raises the volume", "Removes static" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A mixer combines the incoming signal with an oscillator signal, producing sum and difference frequencies such as the IF.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-120", "topic": "circuits", "q": "What does 'sensitivity' describe in a receiver?", "options": [ "How well it can detect weak signals", "How many memory channels and scan banks it can store", "How fast it scans", "How much power it can transmit" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Sensitivity is a receiver's ability to detect weak signals. Selectivity is its ability to separate nearby signals.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-121", "topic": "circuits", "q": "What does 'selectivity' describe in a receiver?", "options": [ "Its ability to detect weak signals", "How loud its speaker is", "How far away its antenna can still pick up a strong signal", "How well it separates signals that are close in frequency" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "A selective receiver can pick one signal out while rejecting signals on nearby frequencies.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-122", "topic": "circuits", "q": "Your transmitter sends unwanted signals at twice its operating frequency. What are these called?", "options": [ "Squelch tails", "Harmonics", "Sidebands", "Ground waves" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Harmonics are multiples of the operating frequency. A low-pass filter at the transmitter output reduces them.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-123", "topic": "circuits", "q": "Which filter on a transmitter output helps reduce harmonics?", "options": [ "A high-pass filter on the microphone", "A low-pass filter", "A notch filter in the speaker", "A CTCSS filter" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A low-pass filter passes the operating frequency and blocks the higher harmonic frequencies.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-124", "topic": "circuits", "q": "A neighbor's receiver picks up your strong signal although your transmitter is clean. What is this called?", "options": [ "Splatter", "Ground loop", "Receiver overload", "Harmonic radiation" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "A strong nearby signal can overload a receiver's front end. A filter at the affected receiver often helps.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-125", "topic": "circuits", "q": "Other stations report that your voice sounds distorted and buzzy only when you transmit. What is a likely cause?", "options": [ "Your receiver's AGC is off", "RF feedback getting into your microphone or audio wiring", "The repeater offset is set in the wrong direction for this repeater", "Your squelch is set too high" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "RF in the shack can enter microphone cables. Ferrite chokes, bonding and better antenna placement usually help.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-126", "topic": "circuits", "q": "What does an SWR meter measure?", "options": [ "The current in a resistor", "The frequency of a signal", "How well the antenna system matches the feed line", "Battery voltage" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "An SWR meter compares forward and reflected power to show how well the load matches the feed line.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-127", "topic": "circuits", "q": "What SWR reading shows a perfect match?", "options": [ "2:1", "1:1", "10:1", "0:1" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "An SWR of 1:1 means no reflected power. Higher numbers mean a worse match.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-128", "topic": "circuits", "q": "What is a dummy load used for?", "options": [ "To receive weak satellites", "To store spare transmitter power for later use in a contest", "To test a transmitter without radiating a signal", "To boost antenna gain" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "A dummy load is a non-radiating resistor, usually 50 ohms, that absorbs the transmitter's power during tests.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-129", "topic": "circuits", "q": "How is a voltmeter connected to measure the voltage across a component?", "options": [ "In series with the component", "Through a capacitor", "In parallel with the component", "Only to the ground lead" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "A voltmeter goes across (in parallel with) the part you measure. An ammeter goes in series.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-130", "topic": "circuits", "q": "How is an ammeter connected to measure current?", "options": [ "In parallel with the power supply", "Across the fuse holder only", "To the antenna connector", "In series with the circuit" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Current must flow through the ammeter, so it is placed in series in the circuit.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-131", "topic": "circuits", "q": "Why should you switch off a circuit before measuring resistance with an ohmmeter?", "options": [ "Voltage in the circuit can damage the meter and give a wrong reading", "Resistance is higher when power is on", "The meter only works in the dark", "The ohmmeter uses the circuit's own power to drive its measuring current" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "An ohmmeter uses its own battery. Outside voltage can damage it and spoil the reading.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-132", "topic": "circuits", "q": "What does a cold solder joint usually look like?", "options": [ "Smooth and shiny", "Dull and grainy", "Bright red", "Perfectly clear" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A good joint is smooth and shiny. A dull, grainy joint is likely cold and may not conduct reliably.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-133", "topic": "circuits", "q": "Which solder should be used for electronic work?", "options": [ "Plumbing paste only", "Acid-core solder", "Any glue", "Rosin-core solder" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Rosin-core solder suits electronics. Acid-core solder is for plumbing and corrodes circuits.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-134", "topic": "signals", "q": "Which voice mode uses the least bandwidth?", "options": [ "Single sideband (SSB)", "AM", "Fast-scan TV", "FM" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "SSB voice needs about 3 kHz, AM about twice that, and FM voice 10-15 kHz.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-135", "topic": "signals", "q": "About how wide is an SSB voice signal?", "options": [ "6 MHz", "15 kHz", "150 Hz", "3 kHz" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "An SSB voice signal occupies about 3 kHz. A CW signal is about 150 Hz wide.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-136", "topic": "signals", "q": "About how wide is a CW (Morse code) signal?", "options": [ "150 Hz", "3 kHz", "1 MHz", "10 kHz" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "A CW signal is very narrow, around 150 Hz, which helps it get through in poor conditions.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-137", "topic": "signals", "q": "Which mode is most used for voice on VHF and UHF repeaters?", "options": [ "CW", "AM", "SSB", "FM" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Most VHF and UHF repeaters use FM, which gives clear, noise-free audio for strong signals.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-138", "topic": "signals", "q": "Which sideband is normally used for SSB on the VHF and UHF bands and 10 meters?", "options": [ "Double sideband with carrier", "Both sidebands at once", "Upper sideband", "Lower sideband" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "By convention, upper sideband is used above 10 MHz, including 10 meters, 6 meters and higher bands.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-139", "topic": "signals", "q": "What effect makes a satellite signal's frequency appear to shift during a pass?", "options": [ "Multipath", "Squelch", "Sporadic E", "Doppler shift" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "As the satellite approaches and moves away, the received frequency changes. This is the Doppler effect.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-140", "topic": "signals", "q": "In satellite work, what is the uplink?", "options": [ "The time of the next pass", "The cable to your antenna", "The frequency you transmit to the satellite on", "The frequency the satellite transmits on" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "The uplink goes from Earth to the satellite; the downlink comes from the satellite back to Earth.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-141", "topic": "signals", "q": "What are Keplerian elements used for?", "options": [ "Predicting a satellite's position and passes", "Calculating Ohm's law", "Measuring antenna SWR", "Setting a repeater's tone" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Keplerian elements describe a satellite's orbit. Tracking programs use them to predict passes.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-142", "topic": "signals", "q": "Why should you use only as much power as needed for a satellite contact?", "options": [ "Too strong an uplink can block other users of the satellite", "It improves Doppler shift", "Satellites can only receive CW", "Higher power makes the pass shorter because the satellite drifts faster" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Satellite transponders are shared. An overly strong uplink takes up the satellite's power and drowns out others.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-143", "topic": "signals", "q": "What does APRS mainly do?", "options": [ "Measures antenna gain", "Encrypts voice", "Reports positions and short data, often from GPS", "Links repeaters by satellite TV" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "The Automatic Packet Reporting System sends positions, weather and short messages; many stations use GPS.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-144", "topic": "signals", "q": "What is the usual APRS frequency in the United States?", "options": [ "144.390 MHz", "50.125 MHz", "146.520 MHz", "147.000 MHz" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "APRS in North America runs on 144.39 MHz, so many radios and trackers can share one channel.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-145", "topic": "signals", "q": "What is a Maidenhead grid locator, such as FN31?", "options": [ "A code for a station's approximate location", "A repeater access code", "A license class", "A type of digital voice" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Grid locators divide the world into squares. Contesters and VHF operators exchange them to show location.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-146", "topic": "signals", "q": "What does a radio direction finding 'fox hunt' involve?", "options": [ "Locating a hidden transmitter with directional antennas", "Contacting as many states as possible", "Tracking animals with GPS", "Sending Morse code at high speed" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "In a fox hunt, participants use direction-finding gear, such as a small beam, to find a hidden transmitter.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-147", "topic": "signals", "q": "What is the usual way to make a contest contact?", "options": [ "Chat for at least ten minutes", "Send your full name, street address and the details of your station", "Use only repeaters", "Exchange call signs and the brief information the contest asks for" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "Contest contacts are short: call signs plus the required exchange, so many stations can be worked.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-148", "topic": "signals", "q": "What is EchoLink?", "options": [ "A satellite tracking program", "A system that links amateur stations over the internet", "A type of antenna tuner", "A digital Morse decoder" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "EchoLink, like IRLP, connects stations and repeaters through the internet so you can reach distant areas.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-149", "topic": "signals", "q": "How many time slots does a DMR repeater channel use?", "options": [ "Sixteen", "Two", "Four", "One" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "DMR divides each channel into two time slots, so two conversations can share one repeater frequency.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-150", "topic": "signals", "q": "Which digital mode is widely used for weak-signal HF contacts with very short, structured messages?", "options": [ "FT8", "Fast-scan TV", "AM broadcast", "FM voice" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "FT8, from the WSJT-X software, exchanges brief standard messages and works with very weak signals.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-151", "topic": "antennas", "q": "About how long is a half-wave dipole for 28.4 MHz?", "options": [ "About 4.1 feet", "About 8.2 feet", "About 16.5 feet", "About 33 feet" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "A practical half-wave dipole is about 468 / frequency in MHz feet: 468 / 28.4 = 16.5 ft.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-152", "topic": "antennas", "q": "About how long is a quarter-wave vertical for 146 MHz, in inches?", "options": [ "About 38 inches", "About 9 inches", "About 76 inches", "About 19 inches" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "A quarter wave is about 234 / MHz feet: 234 / 146 = 1.60 ft, or about 19 inches.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-153", "topic": "antennas", "q": "In which directions does a horizontal half-wave dipole radiate most strongly?", "options": [ "Broadside, at right angles to the wire", "Equally in all directions", "Straight up only", "Mostly off both ends of the wire, along its length" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "A dipole radiates best broadside to its length and least off its ends.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-154", "topic": "antennas", "q": "What is a Yagi antenna?", "options": [ "A vertical whip for handhelds", "A directional beam antenna with several elements", "A wire loop for receiving only", "A type of coax connector" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A Yagi uses a driven element plus reflector and directors to focus energy in one direction.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-155", "topic": "antennas", "q": "What does antenna gain mean?", "options": [ "Extra power the antenna produces on top of what the transmitter delivers", "Signal increase in a favored direction compared with a reference antenna", "How much current the antenna draws", "The antenna's weight" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Antennas do not create power; gain means they focus it in some directions, compared with a reference such as an isotropic antenna (dBi).", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-156", "topic": "antennas", "q": "Why does a mobile antenna often use a loading coil?", "options": [ "To make a physically short antenna resonant", "To protect against lightning", "To convert AC to DC", "To increase the radio's output power" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "A loading coil adds inductance, letting a short antenna resonate at a lower frequency than its length would allow.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-157", "topic": "antennas", "q": "Why is the short flexible 'rubber duck' antenna on a handheld a compromise?", "options": [ "It is illegal on repeaters", "It works only with SSB", "It is less efficient than a full-size antenna", "It transmits only on HF" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Rubber duck antennas are short and convenient but radiate less well than a full-size quarter-wave antenna.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-158", "topic": "antennas", "q": "What is the most common impedance of coaxial cable for amateur radios?", "options": [ "300 ohms", "50 ohms", "75 kilohms", "600 ohms" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Most amateur transceivers and coax are designed for 50 ohms. Cable TV coax is 75 ohms.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-159", "topic": "antennas", "q": "What happens to coax cable loss as frequency increases?", "options": [ "It stays the same", "It increases", "It decreases", "It drops to zero above 1 GHz" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Feed line loss rises with frequency, so low-loss cable matters most at UHF and above.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-160", "topic": "antennas", "q": "What does an antenna tuner do?", "options": [ "Increases the antenna's real gain in the direction it points", "Matches the transmitter to the impedance of the antenna system", "Removes all harmonics", "Sets the frequency of the transceiver" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "A tuner transforms the impedance the radio sees so it can deliver power; it does not fix the antenna itself.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-161", "topic": "antennas", "q": "Which coax connector is preferred at UHF and microwave frequencies?", "options": [ "Banana plug", "Type N", "RCA plug", "PL-259" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Type N connectors are weatherproof and keep loss low at UHF. The PL-259 is common on HF and VHF.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-162", "topic": "antennas", "q": "What often causes coax cable loss to rise over time outdoors?", "options": [ "Low SWR", "Using it on FM", "Moisture getting into the cable", "Sunlight making the signal faster" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Water entering a cable or connector raises loss sharply. Seal outdoor connectors well.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-163", "topic": "safety", "q": "What type of radiation does an amateur transmitter produce?", "options": [ "Ionizing radiation", "Non-ionizing radiation", "Nuclear radiation", "X-rays" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "RF energy is non-ionizing. Its main risk is heating of body tissue at high exposure levels.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-164", "topic": "safety", "q": "Which factors affect RF exposure from your station?", "options": [ "Power, frequency, distance and duty cycle", "Only the color of the antenna", "Only the license class of the operator and the mode in use", "Only the time of day" ], "answer": 0, "explain": "Exposure depends on how much power, at what frequency, how close people are, and how much of the time you transmit.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-165", "topic": "safety", "q": "Why does duty cycle matter for RF exposure?", "options": [ "It changes the frequency", "It decides the polarization", "It sets the average power over time", "It sets the SWR" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Duty cycle is the share of time the transmitter is on. A lower duty cycle means lower average exposure.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-166", "topic": "safety", "q": "In which frequency range are RF exposure limits strictest because the body absorbs most energy?", "options": [ "3 to 30 kHz", "Above 100 GHz only", "1.8 to 2 MHz", "30 to 300 MHz" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "The human body absorbs RF most efficiently in the 30-300 MHz range, so exposure limits are lowest there.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-167", "topic": "safety", "q": "How can you reduce RF exposure from your antenna?", "options": [ "Raise the squelch", "Use a longer microphone cable", "Move the antenna farther from people", "Change the CTCSS tone" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "RF exposure drops quickly with distance. Higher or more distant antennas and less power reduce it.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-168", "topic": "safety", "q": "What is the main danger of a lead-acid battery that is charged too fast?", "options": [ "It becomes radioactive", "It can release explosive hydrogen gas", "It stops all RF", "It turns into AC" ], "answer": 1, "explain": "Overcharging a lead-acid battery can produce hydrogen gas, which is explosive. Charge in a ventilated area.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-169", "topic": "safety", "q": "Where should a fuse go in an AC-powered piece of equipment?", "options": [ "In parallel with the power switch", "In the ground wire", "In series with the hot (live) lead", "In the neutral lead only" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "The fuse belongs in the hot conductor so it disconnects the dangerous voltage when it opens.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-170", "topic": "safety", "q": "What does a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) do?", "options": [ "Removes RF that gets into the audio wiring of your station", "Measures antenna resistance", "Cuts power when current leaks to ground, such as through a person", "Raises voltage for transmitters" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "A GFCI detects current flowing where it should not, for example through someone to ground, and switches off quickly.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-171", "topic": "safety", "q": "Why should you never install an antenna near overhead power lines?", "options": [ "Power lines raise antenna gain", "The lines block all signals", "Contact with the line can kill you", "It is required for grounding" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "If an antenna or mast touches a power line while you hold it, you can be electrocuted. Keep well clear when installing.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-172", "topic": "safety", "q": "What should you do before climbing a tower?", "options": [ "Climb alone so no one is in danger", "Remove the ground connection so static cannot build up on the tower", "Wear a safety harness and have a helper on the ground", "Transmit a test signal" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Use a climbing harness, hard hat and eye protection, and work with a helper. Turn off transmitters on the tower.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-173", "topic": "safety", "q": "How should lightning protection grounds be connected?", "options": [ "Connected to a gas pipe", "Kept separate and isolated", "Connected only to the radio's chassis", "Bonded together to one ground system" ], "answer": 3, "explain": "All grounds should be bonded together so lightning energy cannot jump between them. Never use a gas pipe.", "volatile": false }, { "id": "hr-174", "topic": "safety", "q": "What hazard does a damaged lithium-ion battery pose?", "options": [ "It can release radio waves", "None: lithium cells are always safe", "It can overheat and catch fire", "It makes the radio transmit off frequency" ], "answer": 2, "explain": "Damaged or rapidly charged lithium cells can overheat in thermal runaway and catch fire. Use the proper charger.", "volatile": false } ] }