Amateur Radio Practices Flashcards
7 cards from real Ham Radio General Class Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Amateur Radio Practices flashcards as text
Which of the following best describes the 'net control station' (NCS) role?
Answer: The station responsible for directing and maintaining orderly net operations
The net control station manages check-ins, directs traffic flow, and keeps the net running in an orderly manner.
What is the advantage of using a digital mode such as FT8 compared to SSB voice during weak-signal conditions?
Answer: FT8 can decode signals many dB below what the human ear can hear in noise
FT8 uses forward error correction and computer decoding to pull signals out of noise at levels 15–20 dB below what SSB requires.
What is 'pileup' in amateur radio DX operating?
Answer: Many stations simultaneously calling a rare DX station
A pileup occurs when a large number of stations all call a rare or sought-after DX station at the same time, creating a chaotic mix of signals.
What is a 'repeater offset' and why is it needed?
Answer: The frequency difference between a repeater's receive and transmit frequencies
A repeater receives on one frequency and transmits on another; the offset is the difference between these two, allowing full-duplex operation.
What is the purpose of sending 'QRL?' before transmitting on an HF frequency?
Answer: To ask if the frequency is in use before transmitting
QRL? is the Q-code query meaning 'Is this frequency in use?' — a courtesy check to avoid interfering with an ongoing contact.
What does a high SWR reading on your feed line indicate?
Answer: There is an impedance mismatch between the feed line and the antenna
High SWR indicates that the antenna and feed line impedances are not matched, causing power to be reflected back toward the transmitter.
What is 'picket fencing' as experienced on a VHF mobile station?
Answer: Rapid flutter or pulsing in signal strength caused by multipath reflections while moving
Picket fencing is rapid, rhythmic signal fading caused by the mobile antenna alternately passing through constructive and destructive interference zones.