HF Operating Procedures 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 HF Operating Procedures flashcards as text
What is the purpose of 'listening before transmitting' on an HF frequency?
Answer: To determine whether the frequency is already in use before causing interference
Listening first ensures you do not interfere with an ongoing QSO that may be in progress on the frequency.
What does the abbreviation 'OM' stand for in amateur radio conversation?
Answer: Old Man, a traditional friendly address for any male amateur operator
'OM' (Old Man) is traditional amateur radio shorthand for a friendly greeting to any male operator, regardless of age.
What is the correct sequence for establishing an SSB contact after hearing a CQ?
Answer: Say the calling station's callsign, then your callsign
To answer a CQ, say the calling station's callsign once, then identify yourself with your own callsign.
What does 'working a net' mean in HF amateur radio?
Answer: Participating in an organized on-air meeting on a scheduled frequency and time
Working a net means participating in a scheduled, organized group communication session on a designated HF frequency.
What is the typical frequency separation between upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB) in HF operation?
Answer: USB is used above 10 MHz and LSB is used below 10 MHz by convention
By amateur radio convention, LSB is used on bands below 10 MHz and USB is used on 10 MHz and above.
What does it mean when a station is described as 'running high power' in HF DX operation?
Answer: The station is transmitting at or near the legal maximum power limit
Running high power generally means operating near the legal limit (1500W PEP for US General class), often using a linear amplifier.
What is 'shorthand' for a contact in amateur radio parlance?
Answer: QSO
A QSO is an amateur radio contact or two-way communication between stations.