Ham Radio General Class Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which statement best describes General class privileges on the 30-meter band?

Full phone and CW privileges
Full privileges identical to Extra class
Limited CW only, same as Technician
CW and RTTY only, no phone (Correct answer)

Correct answer: CW and RTTY only, no phone

On 30 meters (10.100–10.150 MHz), the ITU allocates this as a secondary band where phone is not permitted; only CW and digital are allowed.

Question 2: Under FCC rules, a General class licensee may be the control operator of what types of amateur stations?

Only fixed and mobile stations
Only stations using frequencies within General class privileges
Any amateur station, but the station may only transmit on frequencies permitted to the control operator's license class (Correct answer)
Any amateur station on any amateur frequency with no restriction

Correct answer: Any amateur station, but the station may only transmit on frequencies permitted to the control operator's license class

A General class licensee may operate any amateur station as control operator, but the station's transmissions are limited to the frequencies and modes authorized by the General class license.

Question 3: What does the term 'standing wave ratio' (SWR) indicate?

The impedance match between the antenna system and the transmission line (Correct answer)
The bandwidth of the transmitted signal
The gain of the antenna
The power output of the transmitter

Correct answer: The impedance match between the antenna system and the transmission line

SWR measures how well the antenna system impedance matches the feed line impedance.

Question 4: What is the approximate speed at which radio waves travel through free space?

150,000,000 meters per second
186,000 meters per second
300,000 meters per second
300,000,000 meters per second (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 300,000,000 meters per second

Radio waves travel at the speed of light, approximately 300,000,000 meters per second (3 x 10^8 m/s) in free space.

Question 5: In a Yagi antenna, what is the typical relationship in length between the driven element, the reflector, and the directors?

The directors are the longest, the driven element is shorter, and the reflector is the shortest.
The driven element is the longest, the reflector is shorter, and the directors are the shortest.
The reflector is the longest, the driven element is shorter, and the directors are the shortest. (Correct answer)
All elements are the same length for maximum resonance.

Correct answer: The reflector is the longest, the driven element is shorter, and the directors are the shortest.

In a typical Yagi-Uda antenna design, the reflector element is slightly longer than the driven element, and the director elements are progressively shorter than the driven element. This arrangement of element lengths is crucial for achieving the antenna's characteristic gain and directional pattern, with the signal being focused in the direction of the directors.

Question 6: Why should a storage battery that is being charged by a solar panel have a series diode connected between them?

To prevent overload by regulating the charging voltage
To prevent discharge of the battery through the panel during times of low or no illumination (Correct answer)
To prevent damage to the battery due to excessive voltage at high illumination levels
To limit the current flowing from the panel to a safe value

Correct answer: To prevent discharge of the battery through the panel during times of low or no illumination

To prevent discharge of the storage battery through the solar panel during periods of low or no light, a series diode is attached between the solar panel and the battery. Electronic parts with two terminals called diodes provide zero resistance in one direction and negligible resistance in the other.

Question 7: When should a General class licensee use the prosign 'AR' in CW operation?

Before giving a signal report
At the end of a transmission to indicate it is complete (Correct answer)
To indicate a distress situation
To separate the callsigns in a contact

Correct answer: At the end of a transmission to indicate it is complete

The prosign AR (sent as a single character: .-.-.) signifies 'end of message' or end of transmission in CW.

Question 8: Which body tissues are considered most susceptible to RF heating effects?

Tissues with poor blood circulation, such as eyes and testes (Correct answer)
Skin and outer epidermis only
Bone and muscle tissue
Brain tissue exclusively

Correct answer: Tissues with poor blood circulation, such as eyes and testes

Tissues with limited blood flow (like eyes and testes) cannot dissipate heat as effectively, making them more vulnerable to RF-induced heating damage.

Question 9: What is the maximum transmitting power permitted for a General class amateur station on the 20-meter band?

500 watts PEP
200 watts PEP
1500 watts PEP (Correct answer)
1000 watts PEP

Correct answer: 1500 watts PEP

General class licensees are permitted a maximum of 1500 watts PEP output on the 20-meter band under FCC Part 97.

Question 10: After turning off and unplugging a high-voltage power supply, such as one found in a linear amplifier, what is the most significant remaining danger?

The vacuum tubes are hot enough to cause severe thermal burns.
The filter capacitors can store a lethal charge. (Correct answer)
The power transformer's magnetic field needs time to collapse.
The internal fuses are time-delayed and may still be active.

Correct answer: The filter capacitors can store a lethal charge.

Large filter capacitors in high-voltage power supplies can store a deadly electrical charge long after the power has been switched off. Bleeder resistors are designed to drain this charge, but they can fail. It is crucial to always assume the capacitors are charged and safely discharge them before servicing the equipment.

Question 11: Which of the following best practices for net management among amateurs?

All of the above
Have a backup frequency in case of interference or poor conditions (Correct answer)
Always use multiple sets of phonetics during check-in
Transmit the full net roster at the beginning of every session

Correct answer: Have a backup frequency in case of interference or poor conditions

In order to handle the net effectively, it is a good amateur practice to have a backup frequency.

Question 12: How must a General class licensee indicate they are operating under a reciprocal permit in a foreign country?

No special indication is required beyond the US call sign
Use the country prefix and district designator as specified by the host country (Correct answer)
Use only their US call sign with the country prefix
Append the foreign station's call sign to their own

Correct answer: Use the country prefix and district designator as specified by the host country

When operating under a reciprocal agreement, amateurs typically must use the host country's prefix and may need to append their home call sign as specified by the host administration.

Question 13: What is the recommended way for a General class operator to break into an ongoing HF QSO?

Wait for a pause and say your callsign once (Correct answer)
Call the station you want to contact on a different frequency first
Transmit 'Break break' continuously until acknowledged
Send three dits on CW to request the frequency

Correct answer: Wait for a pause and say your callsign once

The courteous way to break into a QSO is to wait for a pause between transmissions and then briefly say your callsign.

Question 14: An amateur station is used to retransmit signals from a commercial broadcast station. Is this permitted under FCC rules?

Yes, if the broadcast station gives permission
No, retransmitting broadcast station signals is prohibited (Correct answer)
Yes, if the content is informational and non-commercial
Yes, during public emergencies only

Correct answer: No, retransmitting broadcast station signals is prohibited

FCC Part 97 prohibits amateur stations from retransmitting programs or signals from any commercial broadcast station.

Question 15: What is the lowest frequency on which General class licensees may operate phone on 15 meters?

21.000 MHz
21.300 MHz
21.225 MHz (Correct answer)
21.200 MHz

Correct answer: 21.225 MHz

General class phone privileges on 15 meters begin at 21.225 MHz and extend to 21.450 MHz.

Question 16: What must a General class operator do before transmitting on a frequency?

Listen to make sure the frequency is not in use (Correct answer)
Transmit a test signal at low power
Send a CQ call immediately
Request permission from a net control station

Correct answer: Listen to make sure the frequency is not in use

Good operating practice requires listening first to ensure the frequency is clear before beginning a transmission.

Question 17: Which antenna configuration would provide the lowest angle of radiation for DX contacts on HF?

A vertical dipole with no ground plane
A horizontal dipole mounted at one wavelength above ground (Correct answer)
A horizontal dipole mounted at one-quarter wavelength above ground
A horizontal dipole mounted at one-eighth wavelength above ground

Correct answer: A horizontal dipole mounted at one wavelength above ground

A horizontal antenna at approximately one wavelength height produces a low radiation angle favorable for long-distance HF communication.

Question 18: If a ham operator lives in an apartment and their neighbor's bedroom is 15 feet from the antenna, what additional concern applies?

The 15-foot rule automatically satisfies all FCC requirements
Only the operator's own exposure matters legally
Neighbors represent uncontrolled exposure and must not exceed general public MPE limits (Correct answer)
No concern since neighbors are not licensees

Correct answer: Neighbors represent uncontrolled exposure and must not exceed general public MPE limits

Neighbors are members of the general public subject to uncontrolled MPE limits, and operators must ensure their station does not expose others above those stricter limits.

Question 19: Which component is commonly used to regulate voltage in a power supply circuit?

Zener diode (Correct answer)
Fuse
Transformer
Inductor

Correct answer: Zener diode

A Zener diode is designed to maintain a constant voltage across its terminals when reverse-biased, making it ideal for voltage regulation.

Question 20: Which type of antenna installation generally minimizes RF exposure to people in a residential setting?

An antenna mounted high above the roofline on a tower (Correct answer)
A low-mounted vertical inside the attic
A dipole strung through the living space
A mobile whip mounted on a window frame

Correct answer: An antenna mounted high above the roofline on a tower

Mounting an antenna high on a tower keeps it far away from people, reducing RF exposure by increasing the distance between the antenna and inhabited areas.

Question 21: What is the purpose of a 'balun' at a dipole antenna feed point?

To increase the antenna's gain by 3 dB
To prevent RF current from flowing on the outside of the coaxial feed line (Correct answer)
To match a 300-ohm line to a 50-ohm radio
To protect the antenna against lightning strikes

Correct answer: To prevent RF current from flowing on the outside of the coaxial feed line

A balun (balanced-to-unbalanced) chokes off common-mode current on the coax shield, preventing the feed line from acting as part of the antenna.

Question 22: What is the purpose of a dummy load in amateur radio?

To increase the power output of a transmitter
To filter harmonics from the transmitted signal
To allow transmitter testing without radiating a signal (Correct answer)
To match impedance between different antennas

Correct answer: To allow transmitter testing without radiating a signal

A dummy load absorbs RF energy so you can test your transmitter without transmitting over the air.

Question 23: Which of the following propagation modes is most likely responsible for enabling long-distance communication on VHF and UHF bands, often extending several hundred miles?

Skywave propagation via the F2 layer
Sporadic E-skip
Ground wave propagation
Tropospheric ducting (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tropospheric ducting

Tropospheric ducting occurs when a temperature inversion creates a 'duct' in the troposphere (the lowest layer of the atmosphere). This duct can trap and guide VHF and UHF radio waves, allowing them to travel far beyond the normal line-of-sight distance, often for hundreds or even over a thousand kilometers.

Question 24: What is the function of a preamplifier placed ahead of an HF receiver or transceiver?

Boost weak incoming signals to improve reception on noisy bands (Correct answer)
Lower the receiver's operating frequency
Increase transmitter output power
Filter broadcast interference

Correct answer: Boost weak incoming signals to improve reception on noisy bands

A preamplifier adds gain before the receiver's first stage, improving signal-to-noise ratio when antenna signals are weak relative to the receiver's noise floor.

Question 25: What is the purpose of FCC Part 97 designating certain HF frequencies as 'phone sub-bands' separate from the CW/digital sub-bands?

To prevent interference between voice and data/CW modes and share the spectrum among license classes (Correct answer)
To comply with ITU Region 2 regulations exclusively
To allow higher power on phone frequencies
To limit bandwidth usage on overcrowded HF bands

Correct answer: To prevent interference between voice and data/CW modes and share the spectrum among license classes

Sub-band segmentation separates modes to minimize mutual interference and progressively extends privileges to higher license classes in phone portions.

Question 26: What does a balun do when used at the feed point of a dipole antenna?

Matches any impedance to 50 ohms
Converts between balanced and unbalanced systems (Correct answer)
Increases the antenna gain by 3 dB
Filters harmonics from the transmitted signal

Correct answer: Converts between balanced and unbalanced systems

A balun converts between the balanced feed point of a dipole and the unbalanced coaxial feed line, reducing common-mode currents.

Question 27: Which feed line type has the lowest loss at VHF and UHF frequencies for long runs?

RG-58 coaxial cable
RG-174 coaxial cable
RG-8 coaxial cable
Ladder line (open wire) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ladder line (open wire)

Open-wire ladder line has much lower loss per foot than any common coaxial cable, making it superior for long VHF/UHF runs.

Question 28: What is the minimum distance a General class operator must maintain from the Canadian border when operating on 70 cm?

250 miles
50 miles
There is no specific border distance restriction for 70 cm (Correct answer)
100 miles

Correct answer: There is no specific border distance restriction for 70 cm

The 70 cm band does not have a specific border distance restriction for General class operators.

Question 29: What is the National Traffic System (NTS)?

A satellite backup system for emergency communications
A federal highway communication network
An ARRL-organized network of nets for passing formal written messages across the country (Correct answer)
A digital mode used for emergency data relay

Correct answer: An ARRL-organized network of nets for passing formal written messages across the country

The NTS is a network of local, section, region, and area nets organized by the ARRL to relay formal written traffic (Radiograms) across the country.

Question 30: What does the term 'served agency' mean in the context of ARES/RACES operations?

A government agency that licenses amateur operators
An organization (such as the Red Cross or EOC) that amateur operators provide communication support for (Correct answer)
A commercial carrier that provides internet backup during emergencies
The FCC field office overseeing emergency spectrum use

Correct answer: An organization (such as the Red Cross or EOC) that amateur operators provide communication support for

A served agency is the organization (Red Cross, hospital, Emergency Operations Center, etc.) for which ARES/RACES operators provide volunteer communications support.

Question 31: What is the minimum frequency in the 80-meter band where a General class operator may transmit phone emissions?

3.800 MHz
3.500 MHz
3.900 MHz (Correct answer)
3.600 MHz

Correct answer: 3.900 MHz

General class phone privileges on 80 meters begin at 3.900 MHz and extend to 4.000 MHz.

Question 32: What does the term 'lid' refer to in amateur radio slang?

A poor or inconsiderate operator (Correct answer)
A type of antenna cap used for top-loading
A repeater with a malfunctioning squelch
A station running excessive power

Correct answer: A poor or inconsiderate operator

'Lid' is slang for an inexperienced or discourteous amateur radio operator.

Question 33: What type of filter is used to pass frequencies above a specified cutoff frequency while attenuating frequencies below it?

Band-pass filter
High-pass filter (Correct answer)
Notch filter
Low-pass filter

Correct answer: High-pass filter

A high-pass filter allows signals above the cutoff frequency to pass and attenuates lower frequencies.

Question 34: What are the key characteristics of a common-emitter amplifier?

Low voltage gain, high current gain, and non-inverting output
High voltage gain, high current gain, and an inverted output (Correct answer)
Low voltage gain, low current gain, and a non-inverting output
High voltage gain, low current gain, and an inverted output

Correct answer: High voltage gain, high current gain, and an inverted output

The common-emitter amplifier configuration is widely used because it provides both significant voltage gain and significant current gain, resulting in high power gain. A characteristic feature is that the output signal is 180 degrees out of phase with the input signal, meaning it is inverted.

Question 35: What is 'gray line' propagation?

Enhanced propagation along the terminator between daylight and darkness (Correct answer)
Propagation caused by industrial interference zones
Weak signal propagation through urban areas
Propagation through stratified clouds

Correct answer: Enhanced propagation along the terminator between daylight and darkness

The gray line (terminator) is the boundary between day and night where the D layer is absent but F layer ionization remains, enabling enhanced propagation.

Question 36: What is the velocity factor of a feed line?

The speed at which a signal travels through the line compared to the speed of light (Correct answer)
The rate at which signal strength decreases per foot
The maximum frequency the cable can carry
The ratio of impedance to capacitance per foot

Correct answer: The speed at which a signal travels through the line compared to the speed of light

Velocity factor is the ratio of the speed of signal propagation in the feed line to the speed of light in free space, typically expressed as a percentage.

Ham Radio General Class Exam

The FCC General Class exam expands on Technician privileges with additional HF band access.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

74%

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