HAM HAM Radio Extra Class Test Operating Procedures and Practices 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum power output allowed for an Amateur Extra class licensee on most HF bands in the United States?
- 500 watts PEP
- 1000 watts PEP
- 1500 watts PEP (Correct answer)
- 2000 watts PEP
Correct answer: 1500 watts PEP
FCC rules allow US amateur licensees to use a maximum of 1500 watts PEP output on most HF bands.
Question 2: What does the Q-code 'QSL' mean in amateur radio communications?
- I am busy, please stand by
- I acknowledge receipt of your transmission (Correct answer)
- What is your operating frequency?
- Please reduce your power
Correct answer: I acknowledge receipt of your transmission
QSL means 'I acknowledge receipt' or 'I confirm,' and is also the basis for the QSL card tradition of confirming contacts.
Question 3: What is the NATO phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'Z'?
- Zebra
- Zero
- Zorro
- Zulu (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Zulu
In the NATO phonetic alphabet used internationally in amateur radio, the letter 'Z' is represented by 'Zulu.'
Question 4: What does 'CQ' mean when transmitted by an amateur radio operator?
- Contact quality test in progress
- General call seeking any station to respond (Correct answer)
- Cease all transmissions immediately
- Circuit query for frequency check
Correct answer: General call seeking any station to respond
CQ is a general call meaning the transmitting station is seeking contact with any other station willing to respond.
Question 5: What does the number '73' traditionally mean in amateur radio?
- Good morning
- Goodbye and clear frequency
- Best regards or best wishes (Correct answer)
- I am done transmitting
Correct answer: Best regards or best wishes
The number '73' is a traditional amateur radio expression meaning 'best regards' or good wishes, originating from old Morse code telegraph abbreviations.
Question 6: What is RST in the context of amateur radio signal reporting?
- Receiver Sensitivity Test used in equipment evaluation
- Readability, Signal strength, and Tone — a three-component signal report (Correct answer)
- Radio Signal Transmission standard for digital modes
- Remote Station Telemetry for automated reporting
Correct answer: Readability, Signal strength, and Tone — a three-component signal report
RST stands for Readability (1–5), Signal strength (1–9), and Tone (1–9 for CW only), and is the standard signal reporting system used in amateur radio contacts.
HAM HAM Radio Extra Class Test Operating Procedures and Practices 1
What is the maximum power output allowed for an Amateur Extra class licensee on most HF bands in the United States?