Ham Radio General Class Test HF Operating Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the Q code 'QSY' mean?
- Change your transmitting frequency (Correct answer)
- Shall I increase power?
- Are you busy?
- Signal is fading
Correct answer: Change your transmitting frequency
QSY means 'change your transmitting frequency' or a request to do so.
Question 2: When operating split frequency on HF, the station transmits on one frequency and listens on another — how do you know which frequency to listen on?
- The DX station announces 'listening up' or a specific offset (Correct answer)
- Always listen 5 kHz above your transmit frequency
- Use the CTCSS tone to determine the listening frequency
- Check the FCC database for the station's secondary frequency
Correct answer: The DX station announces 'listening up' or a specific offset
DX stations typically announce where they are listening, such as 'up 5' or 'listening 14.200-14.210.'
Question 3: What is the standard phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'G'?
- Golf (Correct answer)
- George
- Gordon
- Geneva
Correct answer: Golf
The ITU phonetic alphabet word for 'G' is 'Golf.'
Question 4: Which RST report number indicates a perfectly readable, extremely strong signal?
- 59 (Correct answer)
- 99
- 55
- 35
Correct answer: 59
RST 59 means Readability 5 (perfectly readable) and Signal Strength 9 (extremely strong).
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'net control station' in an HF net?
- To direct stations to check in and maintain order in the net (Correct answer)
- To relay all messages between stations that cannot hear each other
- To provide a reference frequency for all operators in the net
- To record contacts and submit them to the FCC
Correct answer: To direct stations to check in and maintain order in the net
Net control directs check-ins, assigns turn to speak, and maintains orderly communication in the net.
Question 6: What is the correct way to indicate you are listening after a CQ call?
- Say your callsign followed by 'listening' or 'standing by' (Correct answer)
- Key down for 3 seconds to indicate readiness
- Send 'QRZ?' to indicate you are ready for replies
- Simply wait silently for 30 seconds
Correct answer: Say your callsign followed by 'listening' or 'standing by'
After a CQ, operators say their callsign and 'listening' or 'standing by' to indicate they await a response.
Question 7: What does 'working simplex' mean on HF?
- Both stations transmit and receive on the same frequency (Correct answer)
- One station transmits while the other receives on different frequencies
- Using only one sideband for voice communication
- Operating with a single-element antenna
Correct answer: Both stations transmit and receive on the same frequency
Simplex operation means both stations use the same single frequency for both transmitting and receiving.
Ham Radio General Class Test HF Operating Procedures 2
What does the Q code 'QSY' mean?