Element 2 Questions & Answers

Formatted for use with:

Technician Class
FCC Element 2 Amateur Radio License Preparation
By Gordon West, WB6NOA

This document displays the Technicians question pool in a

Question and Answer format.
Only the question and correct answer is presented.
Valid from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2014
This document is available for any non-profit and non-commercial use.

Please email any corrections or omissions to: Bob@K3DIO.Com

The source data used to create this document is available to the public:
Technicians Question Pool (Released January 4, 2010) for tests after July 1, 2010 until
June 30, 2014. http://www.ncvec.org/

From the center out is the

Summary of Ohms Law,
Angle in degrees and the
sine of the angle, Resistor
color codes, 24 hour clock
face and a compass rose.

Technician ClassAbout Ham Radio

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014
T1A01 For whom is the Amateur Radio Service intended?
Persons who are interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without
pecuniary interest
T1A02 What agency regulates and enforces the rules for the Amateur Radio Service in the
United States?
The FCC

How soon may you operate a transmitter on an amateur service frequency after you
pass the examination required for your first amateur radio license?
As soon as your name and call sign appear in the FCCs ULS database

T1C10

T1C08 What is the normal term for an FCC-issued primary station/operator license grant?
Ten years

What is the grace period following the expiration of an amateur license within which
the license may be renewed?
Two years

T1C09

T1C11 If your license has expired and is still within the allowable grace period, may you
continue to transmit?
No, transmitting is not allowed until the ULS database shows that the license has been
renewed

What is the FCC part 97 definition of an amateur station?

A station in an Amateur Radio Service consisting of the apparatus necessary for carrying on
radio communications

T1A10

Technician ClassCall Signs

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014
T1F03 When is an amateur station required to transmit its assigned call sign?
At least every 10 minutes during and at the end of a contact

Which of the following is a valid US amateur radio station call sign?

W3A BC

T1C02

T2B09 Which of the following methods is encouraged by the FCC when identifying your
station when using phone?
Use of a phonetic alphabet

Which type of call sign has a single letter in both the prefix and suffix?
Special event

T1C01

T8C06 For what purpose is a temporary "1 by 1" format (letter-number-letter) call sign
assigned?
For operations in conjunction with an activity of special significance to the amateur
community

How many persons are required to be members of a club for a club station license to be
issued by the FCC?
At least 4

T1F12

What type of identification is being used when identifying a station on the air as Race
Headquarters?

T1F01

Tactical call
T1F02 When using tactical identifiers, how often must your station transmit the stations FCCassigned call sign?
Every ten minutes
T1F04 Which of the following is an acceptable method of station identification when operating
in the phone sub-band?
By a phone emission in the English language

Which of the following formats of a self-assigned indicator is acceptable when

identifying using a phone transmission?
KL7CC stroke W3, KL7CC slant W3 and KL7CC slash W3
T1F06

Which of the following restrictions apply when appending a self-assigned call sign
indicator?
It must not conflict with any other indicator specified by the FCC rules or with any call sign
prefix assigned to another country
T1F07

What is the ITU?

A United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues

T1B01

North American amateur stations are located in which ITU region?

Region 2
T1B02

What types of international communications are permitted by an FCC-licensed

amateur station?
Communications incidental to the purposes of the amateur service and to remarks of a
personal character

T1C03

With which countries are FCC-licensed amateur stations prohibited from exchanging
communications?
Any country whose administration has notified the ITU that it objects to such
communications
T1D01

To which foreign stations do the FCC rules authorize the transmission of nonemergency third party communications?
Any station whose government permits such communications

T1F11

T1C06 From which of the following may an FCC-licensed amateur station transmit, in
addition to places where the FCC regulates communications?
From any vessel or craft that is documented or registered in the United States

When are you allowed to operate your amateur station in a foreign country?
When the foreign country authorizes it

T1C04

T1D02 On which of the following occasions may an FCC-licensed amateur station exchange
messages with a U.S. military station?
During an Armed Forces Day Communications Test

Technician ClassControl
July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

When must an amateur station have a control operator?

Only when station is transmitting

T1E01

T1E02 Who is eligible to be the control operator of an amateur station?

Only a person for whom an amateur operator/primary station license grant appears in the
FCC database or who is authorized for alien reciprocal operation

Who may be the control operator of a station communicating through an amateur

satellite or space station?
Any amateur whose license privileges allow them to transmit on the satellite uplink
frequency

T8B01

Who must designate the station control operator?

The station licensee
T1E03

When the control operator is not the station licensee, who is responsible for the proper
operation of the station?
The control operator and the station licensee are equally responsible
T1E07

What determines the transmitting privileges of an amateur station?

The class of operator license held by the control operator
T1E04

T1F08 When may a Technician Class licensee be the control operator of a station operating in
an exclusive Extra Class operator segment of the amateur bands?
Never

What is an amateur station control point?

The location at which the control operator function is performed
T1E05

What type of control is being used when transmitting using a handheld radio?
Local control
T1E09

Under which of the following types of control is it permissible for the control operator to
be at a location other than the control point?
Automatic control
T1E06

What type of control is used when the control operator is not at the station location but
can indirectly manipulate the operating adjustments of a station?
Remote
T1E10

What type of control is being used for a repeater when the control operator is not
present at a control point?
Automatic control
T1E08

Who does the FCC presume to be the control operator of an amateur station, unless
documentation to the contrary is in the station records?
The station licensee
T1E11

When may the control operator of an amateur station accept compensation for
operating the station?
When the communication is incidental to classroom instruction at an educational institution

T1D08

T1F10 Who is accountable should a repeater inadvertently retransmit communications that

violate the FCC rules?
The control operator of the originating station

Technician ClassMind The Rules

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

Which part of the FCC rules contains the rules and regulations governing the Amateur
Radio Service?
Part 97

T1A03

T1D06

Which of the following types of transmissions are prohibited?

Transmissions that contain obscene or indecent words or language

T2A11 What are the FCC rules regarding power levels used in the amateur bands?
An amateur must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired
communication
T1D10 What is the meaning of the term broadcasting in the FCC rules for the amateur
services?
Transmissions intended for reception by the general public

Under which of the following circumstances are amateur stations authorized to

transmit signals related to broadcasting, program production, or news gathering, assuming
no other means is available?
Only where such communications directly relate to the immediate safety of human life or
protection of property
T1D09

Which of the following types of communications are permitted in the Amateur Radio
Service?
Brief transmissions to make station adjustments

T1D11

Which of the following meets the FCC definition of harmful interference?

That which seriously degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a radio communication
service operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations

T1A04

T1D03 When is the transmission of codes or ciphers allowed to hide the meaning of a message
transmitted by an amateur station?
Only when transmitting control commands to space stations or radio control craft
T1D04 What is the only time an amateur station is authorized to transmit music?
When incidental to an authorized retransmission of manned spacecraft communications
T1D05 When may amateur radio operators use their stations to notify other amateurs of the
availability of equipment for sale or trade?
When the equipment is normally used in an amateur station and such activity is not
conducted on a regular basis
T1F13 When must the station licensee make the station and its records available for FCC
inspection?
Any time upon request by an FCC representative
T1C07 What may result when correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable
because the grantee failed to provide the correct mailing address?
Revocation of the station license or suspension of the operator license

Technician ClassTech Frequencies

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014
T5C06

What is the abbreviation that refers to radio frequency signals of all types?

RF
T3A07 What type of wave carries radio signals between transmitting and receiving stations?
Electromagnetic

What are the two components of a radio wave?

Electric and magnetic fields
T3B03

T3B04 How fast does a radio wave travel through free space?
At the speed of light

T3B11 What is the approximate velocity of a radio wave as it travels through free space?
300,000,000 meters per second

What is the unit of frequency?

Hertz

T5C05

If a frequency readout calibrated in megahertz shows a reading of 3.525 MHz, what

would it show if it were calibrated in kilohertz?
3525 kHz

T5B07

What is the name for the distance a radio wave travels during one complete cycle?
Wavelength

T3B01

What property of radio waves is often used to identify the different frequency bands?
The approximate wavelength

T3B07

How does the wavelength of a radio wave relate to its frequency?

The wavelength gets shorter as the frequency increases

T3B05

T3B06 What is the formula for converting frequency to wavelength in meters?

Wavelength in meters equals 300 divided by frequency in megahertz

What frequency range is referred to as HF?

3 to 30 MHz

T3B10

What are the frequency limits of the VHF spectrum?

30 to 300 MHz

T3B08

Which frequency is within the 6 meter band?

52.525 MHz

T1B03

Which amateur band are you using when your station is transmitting on 146.52 MHz?
2 meter band

T1B04

Which of the bands available to Technician Class operators have mode-restricted subbands?
The 6 meter, 2 meter, and 1.25 meter bands

T1B10

What emission modes are permitted in the mode-restricted sub-bands at 50.0 to 50.1
MHz and 144.0 to 144.1 MHz?
CW only

T1B11

What amateur band are you using if you are transmitting on 223.50 MHz?
1.25 meter band

T1B07

Which of the following emission modes may be used by a Technician Class operator
between 219 and 220 MHz?
Data

T8D05

What are the frequency limits of the UHF spectrum?

300 to 3000 MHz

T3B09

T1B05 Which 70 cm frequency is authorized to a Technician Class license holder operating in

ITU Region 2?
443.350 MHz
T2A02

What is the national calling frequency for FM simplex operations in the 70 cm band?

446.000 MHz
Which 23 cm frequency is authorized to a Technician Class operator license?
1296 MHz

T1B06

What is a band plan, beyond the privileges established by the FCC?

A voluntary guideline for using different modes or activities within an amateur band

T2A10

T1B08 What do the FCC rules mean when an amateur frequency band is said to be available on
a secondary basis?
Amateurs may not cause harmful interference to primary users

What must you do if you are operating on the 23 cm band and learn that you are
interfering with a radiolocation station outside the United States?
Stop operating or take steps to eliminate the harmful interference

T1C05

Why should you not set your transmit frequency to be exactly at the edge of an amateur
band or sub-band?
To allow for calibration error in the transmitter frequency display
So that modulation sidebands do not extend beyond the band edge
To allow for transmitter frequency drift

T1B09

Technician ClassYour First Radio

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014
T4B04 What is a way to enable quick access to a favorite frequency on your transceiver?
Store the frequency in a memory channel

What is a disadvantage of the "rubber duck" antenna supplied with most handheld radio
transceivers?
It does not transmit or receive as effectively as a full-sized antenna

T9A04

What is a good reason not to use a "rubber duck" antenna inside your car?
Signals can be significantly weaker than when it is outside of the vehicle

T9A07

What device increases the low-power output from a handheld transceiver?

An RF power amplifier

T7A10

T8A04

Which type of modulation is most commonly used for VHF and UHF voice repeaters?

FM
What is the approximate bandwidth of a VHF repeater FM phone signal?
Between 5 and 15 kHz

T8A09

T8A02

What type of modulation is most commonly used for VHF packet radio transmissions?

FM
Which of the following is true concerning the microphone connectors on amateur
transceivers?
Some connectors include push-to-talk and voltages for powering the microphone

T4A01

What could be used in place of a regular speaker to help you copy signals in a noisy area?
A set of headphones
T4A02

Which is a good reason to use a regulated power supply for communications equipment?
It prevents voltage fluctuations from reaching sensitive circuits
T4A03

T8A03 Which type of voice modulation is most often used for long-distance or weak signal
contacts on the VHF and UHF bands?
SSB

What is the primary advantage of single sideband over FM for voice transmissions?
SSB signals have narrower bandwidth

T8A07

Which sideband is normally used for 10 meter HF, VHF and UHF single-sideband
communications?
Upper sideband

T8A06

What device takes the output of a low-powered 28 MHz SSB exciter and produces a 222
MHz output signal?
Transverter

T7A06

Technician ClassGoing On The Air

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

Which of the following can be used to enter the operating frequency on a modern
transceiver?
The keypad or VFO knob

T4B02

T4B03

What is the purpose of the squelch control on a transceiver?

To mute receiver output noise when no signal is being received

Which of the following describes the muting of receiver audio controlled solely by the
presence or absence of an RF signal?

T2B03

Carrier squelch
What is the term used to describe an amateur station that is transmitting and receiving
on the same frequency?
Simplex communication

T2B01

What must an amateur operator do when making on-air transmissions to test equipment
or antennas?
Properly identify the transmitting station

T2A06

T2A07

Which of the following is true when making a test transmission?

Station identification is required at least every ten minutes during the test and at the end
T2A08

What is the meaning of the procedural signal "CQ"?

Calling any station

What should you transmit when responding to a call of CQ?
The other stations call sign followed by your call sign

T2A05

T2A04 What is an appropriate way to call another station on a repeater if you know the other
station's call sign?
Say the station's call sign then identify with your call sign
T3A01 What should you do if another operator reports that your stations 2 meter signals were
strong just a moment ago, but now they are weak or distorted?
Try moving a few feet, as random reflections may be causing multi-path distortion

What term is commonly used to describe the rapid fluttering sound sometimes heard
from mobile stations that are moving while transmitting?
Picket fencing

T3A06

What is the proper course of action if your stations transmission unintentionally

interferes with another station?
Properly identify your transmission and move to a different frequency

T2B08

T2B10 What is the "Q" signal used to indicate that you are receiving interference from other
stations?
QRM

T2B11

What is the "Q" signal used to indicate that you are changing frequency?

QSY
What popular operating activity involves contacting as many stations as possible during
a specified period of time?
Contesting

T8C03

Which of the following is good procedure when contacting another station in a radio
contest?
Send only the minimum information needed for proper identification and the contest
exchange

T8C04

What is a grid locator?

A letter-number designator assigned to a geographic location

T8C05

Why are UHF signals often more effective from inside buildings than VHF signals?
The shorter wavelength allows them to more easily penetrate the structure of buildings

T3A02

Technician ClassRepeaters
July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014
T1F09 What type of amateur station simultaneously retransmits the signal of another amateur
station on a different channel or channels?
Repeater station

When is an amateur station authorized to automatically retransmit the radio signals of

other amateur stations?
When the signals are from an auxiliary, repeater, or space station

T1D07

Which of the following describes the common meaning of the term repeater offset?
The difference between the repeaters transmit and receive frequencies

T4B11

What is the most common repeater frequency offset in the 2 meter band?
Plus or minus 600 kHz

T2A01

What is a common repeater frequency offset in the 70 cm band?

Plus or minus 5 MHz

T2A03

What common problem causes you to be able to hear but not access a repeater even
when transmitting with the proper offset?
The repeater receiver requires audio tone burst for access
The repeater receiver requires a CTCSS tone for access
The repeater receiver may require a DCS tone sequence for access

T2B04

What is the term used to describe the use of a sub-audible tone transmitted with normal
voice audio to open the squelch of a receiver?
CTCSS

T2B02

What brief statement is often used in place of "CQ" to indicate that you are listening on
a repeater?
Say your call sign

T2A09

Which of the following entities recommends transmit/receive channels and other

parameters for auxiliary and repeater stations?
Frequency Coordinator

T1A08

Who selects a frequency coordinator?

Amateur operators in a local or regional area that are eligible to be auxiliary or repeater
stations

T1A09

Which of the following stations transmits signals over the air from a remote receive site
to a repeater for retransmission?
Auxiliary station

T1A11

What method of call sign identification is required for a station transmitting phone
signals?
Send the call sign using CW or phone emission

T1F05

Technician ClassEmergency
July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

Which of the following is common practice during net operations to get the immediate
attention of the net control station when reporting an emergency?
Begin your transmission with Priority or Emergency followed by your call sign

T2C06

When may an amateur station use any means of radio communications at its disposal
for essential communications in connection with immediate safety of human life and
protection of property?
When normal communications systems are not available

T2C09

What should you do to minimize disruptions to an emergency traffic net once you have
checked in?
Do not transmit on the net frequency until asked to do so by the net control station

T2C07

What set of rules applies to proper operation of your station when using amateur radio
at the request of public service officials?
FCC Rules

T2C01

What is the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service?

A radio service using amateur stations for emergency management or civil defense
communications

T2C05

T2C04 What do RACES and ARES have in common?

Both organizations may provide communications during emergencies

What is the preamble in a formal traffic message?

The information needed to track the message as it passes through the amateur radio traffic
handling system

T2C10

What is usually considered to be the most important job of an amateur operator when
handling emergency traffic messages?
Passing messages exactly as written, spoken or as received

T2C08

What is meant by the term "check" in reference to a formal traffic message?

The check is a count of the number of words in the message
T2C11

10

Technician ClassWeak Signal Propagation

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

What is the usual name for electromagnetic waves that travel through space?
Radio waves

T5C07

What is the radio horizon?

The distance at which radio signals between two points are effectively blocked by the
curvature of the Earth

T3C10

Why do VHF and UHF radio signals usually travel somewhat farther than the visual line
of sight distance between two stations?
The Earth seems less curved to radio waves than to light

T3C11

What is meant by the term "knife-edge" propagation?

Signals are partially refracted around solid objects exhibiting sharp edges

T3C05

What mode is responsible for allowing over-the-horizon VHF and UHF

communications to ranges of approximately 300 miles on a regular basis?

T3C06

Tropospheric scatter
What causes "tropospheric ducting"?
Temperature inversions in the atmosphere

T3C08

What is a characteristic of VHF signals received via auroral reflection?

The signals exhibit rapid fluctuations of strength and often sound distorted

T3C03

What band is best suited to communicating via meteor scatter?

6 meters

T3C07

T3A11 Which part of the atmosphere enables the propagation of radio signals around the
world?
The ionosphere

Which of the following might be happening when VHF signals are being received from
long distances?
Signals are being refracted from a sporadic E layer

T3C02

What is generally the best time for long-distance 10 meter band propagation?
During daylight hours

T3C09

Which is the common effect of "skip" reflections between the Earth and the ionosphere?
The polarization of the original signal is randomized

T3A09

Which of the following propagation types is most commonly associated with occasional
strong over-the-horizon signals on the 10, 6, and 2 meter bands?
Sporadic E

T3C04

Why are "direct" (not via a repeater) UHF signals rarely heard from stations outside
your local coverage area?
UHF signals are usually not reflected by the ionosphere
T3C01

What is the cause of irregular fading of signals from distant stations during times of
generally good reception?
Random combining of signals arriving via different path lengths

T3A08

Technician ClassTalk To Outer Space

11

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

What is the FCC part 97 definition of a space station?

An amateur station located more than 50 km above the Earth's surface

T1A05

Which amateur stations may make contact with an amateur station on the International
Space Station using amateur radio frequencies?
Any amateur holding a Technician or higher class license

T8B04

Which of the following can be done using an amateur radio satellite?

Talk to amateur radio operators in other countries

T8B03

What do the initials LEO tell you about an amateur satellite?

The satellite is in a Low Earth Orbit

T8B10

What can be used to determine the time period during which an amateur satellite or
space station can be accessed?
A satellite tracking program

T8B06

What is a satellite beacon?

A transmission from a space station that contains information about a satellite

T8B05

What causes "spin fading" when referring to satellite signals?

Rotation of the satellite and its antennas

T8B09

What is Doppler shift?

A change in signal frequency caused by motion of the transmitting station

T8B07

What is meant by the statement that a satellite is operating in "mode U/V"?

The satellite uplink is in the 70 cm band and the downlink is in the 2 meter band
T8B02 How much transmitter power should be used on the uplink frequency of an amateur
satellite or space station?
The minimum amount of power needed to complete the contact
T8B08

T1A07

What is the FCC part 97 definition of telemetry?

A one-way transmission of measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument

What is the FCC part 97 definition of telecommand?
A one-way transmission to initiate, modify or terminate functions of a device at a distance

T1A06

Technician ClassYour Computer Goes Ham Digital

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

What digital code is used when sending CW in the amateur bands?

Morse

T8D09

Which of the following can be used to transmit CW in the amateur bands?

Straight Key
Electronic Keyer
Computer Keyboard

T8D10

Which of the following is an example of a digital communications method?

Packet
PSK31
MFSK

T8D01

Which of the following would be connected between a transceiver and computer in a

packet radio station?

T4A06

12

Terminal node controller

T4A07 How is the computers sound card used when conducting digital communications using
a computer?
The sound card provides audio to the microphone input and converts received audio to
digital form

What is included in packet transmissions?

A check sum which permits error detection
A header which contains the call sign of the station to which the information is being sent
Automatic repeat request in case of error

T8D08

What is a "parity" bit?

An extra code element used to detect errors in received data

T8D11

What does the acronym "BER" mean when applied to digital communications systems?
Bit Error Rate

T7B12

T3A10 What may occur if VHF or UHF data signals propagate over multiple paths?
Error rates are likely to increase

What is a commonly used method of sending signals to and from a digital satellite?
FM Packet

T8B11

What does the term APRS mean?

Automatic Position Reporting System

T8D02

Which of the following is normally used when sending automatic location reports via
amateur radio?
A Global Positioning System receiver

T8D03

What does the abbreviation PSK mean?

Phase Shift Keying

T8D06

What is PSK31?
A low-rate data transmission mode

T8D07

What name is given to an amateur radio station that is used to connect other amateur
stations to the Internet?
A gateway

T8C11

How might you obtain a list of active nodes that use VoIP?
From a repeater directory

T8C09

How do you select a specific IRLP node when using a portable transceiver?
Use the keypad to transmit the IRLP node ID

T8C10

What is required in place of on-air station identification when sending signals to a radio
control model using amateur frequencies?
A label indicating the licensee's call sign and address must be affixed to the transmitter

T8C08

What is the maximum power allowed when transmitting telecommand signals to radio
controlled models?
1 watt

T8C07

What type of transmission is indicated by the term NTSC?

An analog fast scan color TV signal

T8D04

13

Technician ClassMulti-Mode Radio Excitement

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

Which of the following devices is most useful for VHF weak-signal communication?
A multi-mode VHF transceiver

T7A09

T8A05

Which of the following types of emission has the narrowest bandwidth?

CW
What is the approximate maximum bandwidth required to transmit a CW signal?
150 Hz

T8A11

What is the function of block 1 if figure T4 is a simple CW transmitter?

Oscillator

T7A05

Which of the following is an appropriate receive filter to select in order to minimize

noise and interference for CW reception?
500 Hz

T4B10

What type of receiver is shown in Figure T6?

Single-conversion superheterodyne

T7A02

What is the function of a product detector?

Detect CW and SSB signals

T7A01

Which of the following is a form of amplitude modulation?

Single sideband

T8A01

What is the approximate bandwidth of a single sideband voice signal?

3 kHz

T8A08

Which of the following circuits combines a speech signal and an RF carrier?

Modulator

T7A08

What is the function of a mixer in a superheterodyne receiver?

To shift the incoming signal to an intermediate frequency

T7A03

T4B08 What is the advantage of having multiple receive bandwidth choices on a multimode
transceiver?
Permits noise or interference reduction by selecting a bandwidth matching the mode

Which of the following is an appropriate receive filter to select in order to

minimize noise and interference for SSB reception?

T4B09

2400 Hz
Which of the following controls could be used if the voice pitch of a single-sideband
signal seems too high or low?
The receiver RIT or clarifier

T4B06

T4B07

What does the term "RIT" mean?

Receiver Incremental Tuning

Where is an RF preamplifier installed?
Between the antenna and receiver

T7A13

What is meant by fundamental overload in reference to a receiver?

Interference caused by very strong signals

T7B02

14

Which term describes the ability of a receiver to discriminate between multiple

signals?
Selectivity

T7A12

What determines the amount of deviation of an FM signal?

The amplitude of the modulating signal

T2B05

What happens when the deviation of an FM transmitter is increased?

Its signal occupies more bandwidth

T2B06

What circuit is pictured in Figure T7, if block 1 is a frequency discriminator?

An FM receiver

T7A04

Which of the following circuits demodulates FM signals?

Discriminator

T7A11

What is the typical bandwidth of analog fast-scan TV transmissions on the 70 cm band?

About 6 MHz

T8A10

Technician ClassRun Some Interference Protection

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

What might be the problem if you receive a report that your signal through the repeater
is distorted or unintelligible?
Your transmitter may be slightly off frequency, Your batteries may be running low, You
could be in a bad location, All of these choices are correct

T7B10

What may happen if a transmitter is operated with the microphone gain set too high?
The output signal might become distorted

T4B01

What can you do if you are told your FM handheld or mobile transceiver is over
deviating?
Talk farther away from the microphone

T7B01

What should you do if you receive a report that your stations transmissions are causing
splatter or interference on nearby frequencies?
Check your transmitter for off-frequency operation or spurious emissions

T2B07

Which of the following would reduce ignition interference to a receiver?

Turn on the noise blanker

T4B05

What could be happening if another operator reports a variable high-pitched whine on

the audio from your mobile transmitter?
Noise on the vehicles electrical system is being transmitted along with your speech audio

T7B09

What is the source of a high-pitched whine that varies with engine speed in a mobile
transceivers receive audio?
The alternator

T4A10

Which would you use to reduce RF current flowing on the shield of an audio cable?
Ferrite choke

T4A09

What type of filter should be connected to a TV receiver as the first step in trying to
prevent RF overload from a nearby 2 meter transmitter?
Band-reject filter

T4A05

Where must a filter be installed to reduce harmonic emissions?

Between the transmitter and the antenna

T4A04

15

Which of the following may be a cause of radio frequency interference?

Fundamental overload, Harmonics, Spurious emissions.All of these choices are correct

T7B03

What is a symptom of RF feedback in a transmitter or transceiver?

Reports of garbled, distorted, or unintelligible transmissions

T7B11

What should you do first if someone tells you that your transmissions are interfering
with their radio or TV reception?
Make sure that your station is operating properly and that it does not cause interference to
your own television

T7B06

What is the most likely cause of interference to a telephone from a nearby transmitter?
The telephone is inadvertently acting as a radio receiver

T7B04

What is a logical first step when attempting to cure a radio frequency interference
problem in a nearby telephone?
Install an RF filter at the telephone

T7B05

Which of the following may be useful in correcting a radio frequency interference

problem?
Snap-on ferrite chokes, Low-pass and high-pass filters, Band-reject and band-pass filters All
of these choices are correct

T7B07

What should you do if a "Part 15" device in your neighbors home is causing harmful
interference to your amateur station?
Work with your neighbor to identify the offending device, Politely inform your neighbor
about the rules that require him to stop using the device if it causes interference, Check your
station and make sure it meets the standards of good amateur practice All of these choices
are correct

T7B08

Technician ClassElectrons Go With The Flow!

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

What is the electrical term for the electromotive force (EMF) that causes electron flow?
Voltage

T5A05

What is the basic unit of electromotive force?

The volt

T5A11

Which instrument would you use to measure electric potential or electromotive force?
A voltmeter

T7D01

What is the correct way to connect a voltmeter to a circuit?

In parallel with the circuit

T7D02

What is the nominal voltage of a fully charged nickel-cadmium cell?

1.2 volts

T6A10

Which battery type is not rechargeable?

Carbon-zinc

T6A11

How much voltage does a mobile transceiver usually require?

About 12 volts

T5A06

Where should a mobile transceivers power negative connection be made?

At the battery or engine block ground strap

T4A11

T5A03

16

What is the name for the flow of electrons in an electric circuit?

Current
Which instrument is used to measure electric current?
An ammeter

T7D04

How is an ammeter usually connected to a circuit?

In series with the circuit

T7D03

Electrical current is measured in which of the following units?

Amperes

T5A01

Which of the following is a good electrical conductor?

Copper

T5A07

What is the name for a current that reverses direction on a regular basis?
Alternating current
T3B02 What term describes the number of times per second that an alternating current
reverses direction?
T5A09

Frequency
Which of the following devices or circuits changes an alternating current into a varying
direct current signal?
Rectifier

T6D01

T5A04 What is the name for a current that flows only in one direction?
Direct current

What electronic component allows current to flow in only one direction?

Diode

T6B02

T6B09

What are the names of the two electrodes of a diode?

Anode and cathode

How is a semiconductor diodes cathode lead usually identified?
With a stripe

T6B06

What electrical component is used to oppose the flow of current in a DC circuit?

Resistor

T6A01

What instrument is used to measure resistance?

An ohmmeter

T7D05

T6A02 What type of component is often used as an adjustable volume control?

Potentiometer

What electrical parameter is controlled by a potentiometer?

Resistance

T6A03

Which of the following is a good electrical insulator?

Glass

T5A08

What type of electrical component stores energy in a magnetic field?

Inductor

T6A06

What electrical component is usually composed of a coil of wire?

Inductor

T6A07

What is the ability to store energy in a magnetic field called?

Inductance

T5C03

17

What is the basic unit of inductance?

The henry

T5C04

What is the ability to store energy in an electric field called?

Capacitance

T5C01

T5C02

What is the basic unit of capacitance?

The farad
What electrical component stores energy in an electric field?
Capacitor

T6A04

What type of electrical component consists of two or more conductive surfaces

separated by an insulator?
Capacitor

T6A05

What electrical component is used to connect or disconnect electrical circuits?

Switch

T6A08

What electrical component is used to protect other circuit components from current
overloads?
Fuse

T6A09

Which of these components can be used as an electronic switch or amplifier?

Transistor

T6B03

What class of electronic components is capable of using a voltage or current signal to

control current flow?
Transistors

T6B01

Which of the following electronic components can amplify signals?

Transistor

T6B05

T6B12

What is the term that describes a transistor's ability to amplify a signal?

Gain
Which semiconductor component has an emitter electrode?
Bipolar transistor

T6B10

Which of these components is made of three layers of semiconductor material?

Bipolar junction transistor

T6B04

T6B08

What does the abbreviation "FET" stand for?

Field Effect Transistor

Which semiconductor component has a gate electrode?
Field effect transistor

T6B11

Technician ClassIts The Law, Per Mr. OHM!

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

Which term describes the rate at which electrical energy is used?

Power

T5A10

Electrical power is measured in which of the following units?

Watts

T5A02

18

What is the formula used to calculate electrical power in a DC circuit?

Power (P) equals voltage (E) multiplied by current (I)

T5C08

How much power is being used in a circuit when the applied voltage is 13.8 volts
DC and the current is 10 amperes?
T5C09

138 watts
T5C10 How much power is being used in a circuit when the applied voltage is 12 volts
DC and the current is 2.5 amperes?

30 watts

How many amperes are flowing in a circuit when the applied voltage is 12 volts
DC and the load is 120 watts?
T5C11

10 amperes
What formula is used to calculate voltage in a circuit?
Voltage (E) equals current (I) multiplied by resistance (R)

T5D02

T5D10 What is the voltage across a 2-ohm resistor if a current of 0.5 amperes flows through it?
1 volt

What is the voltage across a 10-ohm resistor if a current of 1 ampere flows through it?
10 volts

T5D11

What is the voltage across a 10-ohm resistor if a current of 2 amperes flows through it?
20 volts

T5D12

What formula is used to calculate current in a circuit?

Current (I) equals voltage (E) divided by resistance (R)

T5D01

What is the current flowing through a 24-ohm resistor connected across 240 volts?
10 amperes

T5D09

What is the current flowing through a 100-ohm resistor connected across 200 volts?
2 amperes

T5D08

What is the current flow in a circuit with an applied voltage of 120 volts and a resistance
of 80 ohms?
1.5 amperes

T5D07

What formula is used to calculate resistance in a circuit?

Resistance (R) equals voltage (E) divided by current (I)

T5D03

What is the resistance of a circuit in which a current of 3 amperes flows through

a resistor connected to 90 volts?

T5D04

30 ohms

What is the resistance in a circuit for which the applied voltage is 12 volts and
the current flow is 1.5 amperes?
T5D05

8 ohms
T5D06

What is the resistance of a circuit that draws 4 amperes from a 12-volt source?

3 ohms

Technician ClassPicture This!

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

19

What is the name for standardized representations of components in an electrical

wiring diagram?
Schematic symbols

T6C01

What do the symbols on an electrical circuit schematic diagram represent?

Electrical components

T6C12

T6C13 Which of the following is accurately represented in electrical circuit schematic

diagrams?
The way components are interconnected

What is component 3 in figure T3?

Variable inductor

T6C10

What is component 4 in figure T3?

Antenna

T6C11

What of the following is used together with an inductor to make a tuned circuit?
Capacitor
T6D08

What is component 1 in figure T1?

Resistor

T6C02

What is component 2 in figure T1?

Transistor

T6C03

What is the function of component 2 in Figure T1?

Control the flow of current

T6D10

What is component 3 in figure T1?

Lamp

T6C04

What is component 4 in figure T1?

Battery

T6C05

What type of switch is represented by item 3 in figure T2?

Single-pole single-throw

T6D03

What is component 4 in figure T2?

Transformer

T6C09

T6C06 What is component 6 in figure T2?

Capacitor

What is component 8 in figure T2?

Light emitting diode

T6C07

What is component 9 in figure T2?

Variable resistor

T6C08

Which of the following can be used to display signal strength on a numeric scale?
Meter

T6D04

What best describes a relay?

A switch controlled by an electromagnet

T6D02

What is the approximate amount of change, measured in decibels (dB), of a power

increase from 5 watts to 10 watts?
3 dB

T5B09

20

T5B10 What is the approximate amount of change, measured in decibels (dB), of a

power decrease from 12 watts to 3 watts?

6 dB

What is the approximate amount of change, measured in decibels (dB), of a

power increase from 20 watts to 200 watts?
T5B11

10 dB
What type of circuit controls the amount of voltage from a power supply?
Regulator

T6D05

What component is commonly used to change 120V AC house current to a lower AC

voltage for other uses?
Transformer

T6D06

What is the name of a device that combines several semiconductors and other
components into one package?
Integrated circuit

T6D09

What does the abbreviation "LED" stand for?

Light Emitting Diode

T6B07

T6D07

Which of the following is commonly used as a visual indicator?

LED
What is another way to specify a radio signal frequency of 1,500,000 hertz?
1500 kHz

T5B02

T5B03

How many volts are equal to one kilovolt?

One thousand volts

If an ammeter calibrated in amperes is used to measure a 3000-milliampere current,
what reading would it show?
3 amperes

T5B06

Which of the following is equivalent to 500 milliwatts?

0.5 watts

T5B05

How many milliamperes is 1.5 amperes?

1,500 milliamperes

T5B01

How many microfarads are 1,000,000 picofarads?

1 microfarad

T5B08

How many volts are equal to one microvolt?

One one-millionth of a volt

T5B04

Which of the following types of solder is best for radio and electronic use?
Rosin-core solder

T7D08

What is the characteristic appearance of a "cold" solder joint?

A grainy or dull surface

T7D09

Which of the following measurements are commonly made using a multimeter?

Voltage and resistance

T7D07

T7D11 Which of the following precautions should be taken when measuring circuit resistance
with an ohmmeter?

21

Ensure that the circuit is not powered

Which of the following might damage a multimeter?
Attempting to measure voltage when using the resistance setting

T7D06

What is probably happening when an ohmmeter, connected across a circuit, initially

indicates a low resistance and then shows increasing resistance with time?
The circuit contains a large capacitor

T7D10

Technician ClassAntennas
July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

Which of the following describes a simple dipole mounted so the conductor is parallel to
the Earth's surface?
A horizontally polarized antenna

T9A03

In which direction is the radiation strongest from a half-wave dipole antenna in free
space?
Broadside to the antenna

T9A10

What is the approximate length, in inches, of a 6 meter 1/2-wavelength wire dipole

antenna?
112

T9A09

How would you change a dipole antenna to make it resonant on a higher frequency?
Shorten it

T9A05

Which of the following is true regarding vertical antennas?

The electric field is perpendicular to the Earth

T9A02

What is the approximate length, in inches, of a quarter-wavelength vertical antenna for

146 MHz?
19

T9A08

What type of antennas are the quad, Yagi, and dish?

Directional antennas

T9A06

What is a beam antenna?

An antenna that concentrates signals in one direction

T9A01

Which of the following methods is used to locate sources of noise interference or

jamming?
Radio direction finding

T8C01

Which of these items would be useful for a hidden transmitter hunt?

A directional antenna

T8C02

When using a directional antenna, how might your station be able to access a distant
repeater if buildings or obstructions are blocking the direct line of sight path?
Try to find a path that reflects signals to the repeater
T3A05

What is meant by the gain of an antenna?

The increase in signal strength in a specified direction when compared to a reference
antenna

T9A11

What antenna polarization is normally used for long-distance weak-signal CW and SSB
contacts using the VHF and UHF bands?
Horizontal

T3A03

22

What can happen if the antennas at opposite ends of a VHF or UHF line of sight radio link
are not using the same polarization?
Signals could be significantly weaker

T3A04

Technician ClassFeed Me With Some Good Coax!

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

What of the following is a common use of coaxial cable?

Carry RF signals between a radio and antenna

T6D11

Why is coaxial cable used more often than any other feedline for amateur radio antenna
systems?
It is easy to use and requires few special installation considerations

T9B03

T9B02 What is the impedance of the most commonly used coaxial cable in typical amateur
radio installations?
50 ohms

What generally happens as the frequency of a signal passing through coaxial cable is
increased?
The loss increases

T9B05

Which of the following is true of PL-259 type coax connectors?

The are commonly used at HF frequencies

T9B07

Which of the following connectors is most suitable for frequencies above 400 MHz?
A Type N connector

T9B06

T7C11 What is a disadvantage of "air core" coaxial cable when compared to foam or solid
dielectric types?
It requires special techniques to prevent water absorption

Which of the following is the most common cause for failure of coaxial cables?
Moisture contamination

T7C09

Why should coax connectors exposed to the weather be sealed against water intrusion?
To prevent an increase in feedline loss

T9B08

Why should the outer jacket of coaxial cable be resistant to ultraviolet light?
Ultraviolet light can damage the jacket and allow water to enter the cable

T7C10

What electrical difference exists between the smaller RG-58 and larger RG-8 coaxial
cables?
RG-8 cable has less loss at a given frequency

T9B10

Which of the following types of feedline has the lowest loss at VHF and UHF?
Air-insulated hard line

T9B11

What is the correct way to connect a voltmeter to a circuit?

In parallel with the circuit

T7C02

How is an ammeter usually connected to a circuit?

In series with the circuit

T7C03

Why is it important to have a low SWR in an antenna system that uses coaxial cable
feedline?
To allow the efficient transfer of power and reduce losses

T9B01

23

Which instrument is used to measure electric current?

An ammeter

T7C04

What instrument is used to measure resistance?

An ohmmeter

T7C05

T7C06

Which of the following might damage a multimeter?

Attempting to measure voltage when using the resistance setting

What might cause erratic changes in SWR readings?
A loose connection in an antenna or a feedline

T9B09

Which of the following types of solder is best for radio and electronic use?
Rosin-core solder

T7C08

Which of the following measurements are commonly made using a multimeter?

Voltage and resistance

T7C07

What does an antenna tuner do?

It matches the antenna system impedance to the transceiver's output impedance

T9B04

If figure T5 represents a transceiver in which block 1 is the transmitter portion and

block 3 is the receiver portion, what is the function of block 2?
A transmit-receive switch

T7A07

Which instrument would you use to measure electric potential or electromotive force?
A voltmeter

T7C01

Technician ClassSafety First!

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014

What is a good way to guard against electrical shock at your station?

Use three-wire cords and plugs for all AC powered equipment
Connect all AC powered station equipment to a common safety ground
Use a circuit protected by a ground-fault interrupter

T0A06

What is connected to the green wire in a three-wire electrical AC plug?

Safety ground

T0A03

T0A13 What safety equipment should always be included in home-built equipment that is
powered from 120V AC power circuits?
A fuse or circuit breaker in series with the AC "hot" conductor

What is the purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit?

To interrupt power in case of overload

T0A04

Why is it unwise to install a 20-ampere fuse in the place of a 5-ampere fuse?

Excessive current could cause a fire

T0A05

What kind of hazard might exist in a power supply when it is turned off and
disconnected?
You might receive an electric shock from stored charge in large capacitors

T0A12

Which is a commonly accepted value for the lowest voltage that can cause a dangerous
electric shock?
30 volts

T0A01

T0A02

24

How does current flowing through the body cause a health hazard?

By heating tissue
It disrupts the electrical functions of cells
It causes involuntary muscle contractions
What is one way to recharge a 12-volt lead-acid station battery if the commercial power
is out?
Connect the battery to a car's battery and run the engine

T0A08

What can happen if a lead-acid storage battery is charged or discharged too quickly?
The battery could overheat and give off flammable gas or explode

T0A10

What kind of hazard is presented by a conventional 12-volt storage battery?

Explosive gas can collect if not properly vented

T0A09

Which of the following is an important safety precaution to observe when putting up an

antenna tower?
Look for and stay clear of any overhead electrical wires

T0B04

What is the minimum safe distance from a power line to allow when installing an
antenna?
So that if the antenna falls unexpectedly, no part of it can come closer than 10 feet to the
power wires

T0B06

Why should you avoid attaching an antenna to a utility pole?

The antenna could contact high-voltage power wires

T0B09

What is a good precaution to observe before climbing an antenna tower?

Put on a climbing harness and safety glasses

T0B02

Under what circumstances is it safe to climb a tower without a helper or observer?

Never

T0B03

Which of the following is an important safety rule to remember when using a crank-up
tower?
This type of tower must never be climbed unless it is in the fully retracted position

T0B07

Which of the following establishes grounding requirements for an amateur radio tower
or antenna?
Local electrical codes

T0B11

What is considered to be a proper grounding method for a tower?

Separate eight-foot long ground rods for each tower leg, bonded to the tower and each other

T0B08

Which type of conductor is best to use for RF grounding?

Flat strap

T4A08

Which of the following is good practice when installing ground wires on a tower for
lightning protection?
Ensure that connections are short and direct

T0A11

Which of the following is true concerning grounding conductors used for lightning
protection?
Sharp bends must be avoided

T0B10

Which of these precautions should be taken when installing devices for lightning
protection in a coaxial cable feedline?

T0A07

25

Ground all of the protectors to a common plate which is in turn connected to an external
ground
When should members of a tower work team wear a hard hat and safety glasses?
At all times when any work is being done on the tower

T0B01

What is the purpose of a gin pole?

To lift tower sections or antennas

T0B05

What factors affect the RF exposure of people near an amateur station antenna?
Frequency and power level of the RF field
Distance from the antenna to a person
Radiation pattern of the antenna

T0C04

T0C05

Why do exposure limits vary with frequency?

The human body absorbs more RF energy at some frequencies than at others
T0C02 Which of the following frequencies has the lowest Maximum Permissible Exposure
limit?
50 MHz

What is the maximum power level that an amateur radio station may use at frequencies
above 30 MHz before an RF exposure evaluation is required?

T0C03

50 watts PEP at the antenna

T0C01 What type of radiation are VHF and UHF radio signals?
Non-ionizing radiation
T0C06 Which of the following is an acceptable method to determine that your station complies
with FCC RF exposure regulations?
By calculation based on FCC OET Bulletin 65
By calculation based on computer modeling
By measurement of field strength using calibrated equipment

Which of the following actions might amateur operators take to prevent exposure to RF
radiation in excess of FCC-supplied limits?
Relocate antennas

T0C08

T0C09 How can you make sure your station stays in compliance with RF safety regulations?
By re-evaluating the station whenever an item of equipment is changed

What is meant by "duty cycle" when referring to RF exposure?

The ratio of "on" time to "off" time of a transmitted signal

T0C11

Why is duty cycle one of the factors used to determine safe RF radiation exposure
levels?
It affects the average exposure of people to radiation

T0C10

What could happen if a person accidentally touched your antenna while you were
transmitting?
They might receive a painful RF burn

T0C07

26

Graphics for 2010 Technician Question Pool Exam Element 2

Effective July 1, 2010

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