Ham Radio General Class Test Ham Radio General License 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On which frequencies may a General class licensee transmit SSB voice on the 40-meter band?
- 7.000–7.300 MHz
- 7.175–7.300 MHz (Correct answer)
- 7.025–7.125 MHz
- 7.150–7.225 MHz
Correct answer: 7.175–7.300 MHz
General class licensees are authorized SSB phone privileges on 40 meters only from 7.175 to 7.300 MHz. The lower segment (7.025–7.125 MHz) is restricted to CW, RTTY, and data modes for Generals.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of connecting a dummy load to a transmitter during testing?
- To increase the transmitter's output efficiency
- To tune the antenna to resonance before operating
- To absorb RF power without radiating a signal (Correct answer)
- To measure the transmitter's operating frequency
Correct answer: To absorb RF power without radiating a signal
A dummy load is a non-radiating resistive device that dissipates RF energy as heat. It allows operators to test and adjust transmitter output without causing interference by transmitting over the air.
Question 3: What is the frequency range of the 15-meter amateur band?
- 14.000–14.350 MHz
- 18.068–18.168 MHz
- 21.000–21.450 MHz (Correct answer)
- 24.890–24.990 MHz
Correct answer: 21.000–21.450 MHz
The 15-meter band spans 21.000 to 21.450 MHz. It is a popular DX band for General class licensees and offers good propagation during the daytime, especially near the peak of the solar cycle.
Question 4: What does the acronym VOX stand for in amateur radio operation?
- Variable Output eXpander
- Voice-Operated Transmit (Correct answer)
- Variable Oscillator eXchange
- Voice Output eXecution
Correct answer: Voice-Operated Transmit
VOX stands for Voice-Operated Transmit. It automatically keys the transmitter when the operator speaks into the microphone, allowing hands-free operation without pressing a push-to-talk button.
Question 5: Which emission mode is most commonly used for slow-scan television (SSTV) transmissions on HF?
- AM (amplitude modulation)
- FM (frequency modulation)
- SSB (single sideband) (Correct answer)
- CW (continuous wave)
Correct answer: SSB (single sideband)
SSTV uses SSB, typically USB, to transmit still images over HF. The audio tones that encode the image are transmitted within the narrow bandwidth of an SSB signal, making it spectrum-efficient for HF use.
Question 6: What is the maximum transmitter power output permitted for a General class licensee operating on the 160-meter band?
- 200 watts PEP
- 750 watts PEP
- 100 watts PEP
- 1500 watts PEP (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 1500 watts PEP
General class licensees are permitted up to 1500 watts PEP on the 160-meter band (1.800–2.000 MHz), the same limit that applies to most other HF amateur bands, unless operating near certain frequencies with additional restrictions.
Ham Radio General Class Test Ham Radio General License 1
On which frequencies may a General class licensee transmit SSB voice on the 40-meter band?