Operating Procedures Flashcards
Phone operating procedures: USB/LSB conventions, breaking into a contact, transmitter setup for voice operation; answering DX stations
Which mode is most commonly used for voice communications on frequencies of 14 MHz or higher?
A. Upper sideband
B. Lower sideband
C. Suppressed sideband
D. Double sideband
A. Upper sideband
To keep bandwidth to a minimum and to make transmissions consistent the upper sideband is used by convention for voice communications on frequencies 14 MHz or higher.
Note: Remember that the HIGHER frequencies (smaller wavelengths) generally use the UPPER sideband. LOWER frequencies (larger wavelengths) generally use the LOWER sideband.
Background info: John Renshaw Carson invented SSB in 1915 (WW1), when the parts needed to make a single sideband radio were much cheaper for LSB at frequencies below 9MHz, and much cheaper for USB at frequencies above 9MHz. 9MHz is the split, and that’s why.
So- “Are pre-WW2 SSB radios easy to find? Nein.”
Which mode is most commonly used for voice communications on the 160-, 75-, and 40-meter bands?
A. Upper sideband
B. Lower sideband
C. Suppressed sideband
D. Double sideband
B. Lower sideband
To make communications consistent and to keep bandwidths to a minimum, the convention is to use lower sideband (LSB) communications for the longer wavelength (lower frequency) bands at 160, 75, and 40 meters.
Note: Just remember that LOWER frequencies (longer wavelengths) generally use the LOWER sideband, and the HIGHER frequencies (shorter wavelengths) generally use the UPPER sideband.
Background info: John Renshaw Carson invented SSB in 1915 (WW1), when the parts needed to make a single sideband radio were much cheaper for LSB at frequencies below 9MHz, and much cheaper for USB at frequencies above 9MHz. 9MHz is the split, and that’s why.
So- “Are pre-WW2 SSB radios easy to find? Nein.”
Another trick: 160-, 75-, and 40-meter bands are in decreasing order so “Lower Side Band”.
Which mode is most commonly used for SSB voice communications in the VHF and UHF bands?
A. Upper sideband
B. Lower sideband
C. Suppressed sideband
D. Double sideband
A. Upper sideband
Amateur radio operators normally designate either upper or lower sideband for phone communications on a specific band to keep things consistent and to keep bandwidths reasonable. The Upper Sideband (USB) is most commonly used for SSB voice communications in the VHF (very high frequency) and UHF (ultra high frequency) bands.
Note: Just remember that HIGHER frequencies generally use the UPPER sideband, and LOWER frequencies generally use the LOWER sideband.
Memory Aid: John Renshaw Carson invented SSB in 1915 (WW1), when the parts needed to make a single sideband radio were much cheaper for LSB at frequencies below 9MHz, and much cheaper for USB at frequencies above 9MHz. 9MHz is the split, and that’s why.
So- “Are pre-WW2 SSB radios easy to find? Nein.”
Which mode is most commonly used for voice communications on the 17- and 12-meter bands?
A. Upper sideband
B. Lower sideband
C. Suppressed sideband
D. Double sideband
A. Upper sideband
The 17 and 12 meter bands are some of the higher frequency bands (shorter wavelength) to which general class operators are granted privileges. The convention is to use the Upper Sideband on these frequencies for voice communications.
Note: Just remember that HIGHER frequencies above 10 MHz (< 30m, shorter wavelengths) generally use the UPPER sideband, and LOWER frequencies below 10 MHz (> 30m, longer wavelengths) generally use the LOWER sideband.
Memory Aid: John Renshaw Carson invented SSB in 1915 (WW1), when the parts needed to make a single sideband radio were much cheaper for LSB at frequencies below 9MHz, and much cheaper for USB at frequencies above 9MHz. 9MHz is the split, and that’s why.
So- “Are pre-WW1 SSB radios easy to find? Nein.”
Which mode of voice communication is most commonly used on the HF amateur bands?
A. Frequency modulation
B. Double sideband
C. Single sideband
D. Single phase modulation
C. Single sideband
One of the signal properties that we have to be aware of is signal bandwidth. Single sideband communications are most commonly used on the high frequency amateur bands because they should take up less than 3 kHz of bandwidth.
Which of the following is an advantage of using single sideband, as compared to other analog voice modes on the HF amateur bands?
A. Very high-fidelity voice modulation
B. Less subject to interference from atmospheric static crashes
C. Ease of tuning on receive and immunity to impulse noise
D. Less bandwidth used and greater power efficiency
D. Less bandwidth used and greater power efficiency
Single sideband operations have a number of advantages over other voice communication methods, especially when used for the HF amateur bands. They use much less bandwidth (less than 3 kHz) and they also have a higher power efficiency as the power is directed over a smaller segment of the band.
Hint: Less is more!
Which of the following statements is true of single sideband (SSB)?
A. Only one sideband and the carrier are transmitted; the other sideband is suppressed
B. Only one sideband is transmitted; the other sideband and carrier are suppressed
C. SSB is the only voice mode authorized on the 20-, 15-, and 10-meter amateur bands
D. SSB is the only voice mode authorized on the 160-, 75-, and 40-meter amateur bands
B. Only one sideband is transmitted; the other sideband and carrier are suppressed
What is the recommended way to break into a phone contact?
A. Say “QRZ” several times, followed by your call sign
B. Say your call sign once
C. Say “Breaker Breaker”
D. Say “CQ” followed by the call sign of either station
B. Say your call sign once
You don’t need to say “Break”, “QRZ” or “CQ” or any other jargon when trying to enter a conversation using voice operations. All you need to do is to listen for a gap in the conversation and then say your call sign during a break between the transmissions from the other stations, so that you can be heard, identified, and invited to join in!
Why do most amateur stations use lower sideband on the 160-, 75-, and 40-meter bands?
A. Lower sideband is more efficient than upper sideband at these frequencies
B. Lower sideband is the only sideband legal on these frequency bands
C. Because it is fully compatible with an AM detector
D. It is commonly accepted amateur practice
D. It is commonly accepted amateur practice
There are no hard and fast rules from the FCC, however it is current amateur practice to use the lower sideband (LSB) on the 160, 75 and 40 meter bands.
Note: Just remember that LOWER frequencies (longer wavelengths) generally use the LOWER sideband, while HIGHER frequencies (shorter wavelengths) generally use the UPPER sideband.
Background info: John Renshaw Carson invented SSB in 1915 (WW1), when the parts needed to make a single sideband radio were much cheaper for LSB at frequencies below 9MHz, and much cheaper for USB at frequencies above 9MHz. 9MHz is the split, and that’s why.
So- “Are pre-WW2 SSB radios easy to find? Nein.”
Which of the following statements is true of VOX operation versus PTT operation?
A. The received signal is more natural sounding
B. It allows “hands free” operation
C. It occupies less bandwidth
D. It provides more power output
B. It allows “hands free” operation
Generally, who should respond to a station in the contiguous 48 states calling “CQ DX”?
A. Any caller is welcome to respond
B. Only stations in Germany
C. Any stations outside the lower 48 states
D. Only contest stations
C. Any stations outside the lower 48 states
What control is typically adjusted for proper ALC setting on a single sideband transceiver?
A. RF clipping level
B. Transmit audio or microphone gain
C. Antenna inductance or capacitance
D. Attenuator level
B. Transmit audio or microphone gain
The transmit audio or microphone gain is typically adjusted for proper ALC setting on an amateur single sideband transceiver.
ALC (Automatic Level Control) is a self-controlling transmitter circuit that attempts to maintain a constant level of output power by automatically adjusting the gain of the final amplifier, to prevent it from overloading and damaging the final stage by excessive drive. An operator would adjust the input signal, which is the microphone gain (the transmitted audio) to ensure that the ALC is set appropriately for SSB.
Which of the following is true concerning access to frequencies?
A. Nets have priority
B. QSOs in progress have priority
C. Except during emergencies, no amateur station has priority access to any frequency
D. Contest operations should yield to non-contest use of frequencies
C. Except during emergencies, no amateur station has priority access to any frequency
What is the first thing you should do if you are communicating with another amateur station and hear a station in distress break in?
A. Inform your local emergency coordinator
B. Acknowledge the station in distress and determine what assistance may be needed
C. Immediately decrease power to avoid interfering with the station in distress
D. Immediately cease all transmissions
B. Acknowledge the station in distress and determine what assistance may be needed
“Help! It’s an emergency”.
A call for help, or a station in distress should always be immediately acknowledged, and you should determine what assistance may be needed.
Don’t just move away to another frequency or ignore the signal. You may be the only one in a position to help!
NOTE: It could be argued that the FIRST thing to do is actually cease all transmissions so that you can actually hear the message that the station in distress is transmitting. If the first thing you do is start transmitting yourself, then you may very well be talking over their signal.
What is good amateur practice if propagation changes during a contact creating interference from other stations using the frequency?
A. Advise the interfering stations that you are on the frequency and that you have priority
B. Decrease power and continue to transmit
C. Attempt to resolve the interference problem with the other stations in a mutually acceptable manner
D. Switch to the opposite sideband
C. Attempt to resolve the interference problem with the other stations in a mutually acceptable manner
Remember our golden rule: Be courteous and don’t cause harmful interference. If the propagation of your signal changes during your contact or you notice increasing interference, it is a good indication that another station is operating on a nearby frequency and that your signal may be causing THEM interference as well. Use the initiative as a common courtesy, and move your contact to another frequency.
When selecting a CW transmitting frequency, what minimum separation from other stations should be used to minimize interference to stations on adjacent frequencies?
A. 5 Hz to 50 Hz
B. 150 Hz to 500 Hz
C. 1 kHz to 3 kHz
D. 3 kHz to 6 kHz
B. 150 Hz to 500 Hz
Morse code (CW) operation takes very little bandwidth, and most CW operators use filters to keep their signals tight as well, so moving your frequency by as little as 150 to 500 Hz should be a sufficient minimum frequency separation to avoid interference.
Hint: Any answer with kHz is too large - not that much separation is required.
The only two remaining answers are in the Hz range, and 5-50 is certainly too small (since CW bandwidth is at LEAST 100 Hz), so the only obvious answer is 150-500 Hz.
Silly hint: The Roman numeral “C” means 100, so choose the answer for 150 - 500 Hz.
When selecting an SSB transmitting frequency, what minimum separation should be used to minimize interference to stations on adjacent frequencies?
A. 5 Hz to 50 Hz
B. 150 Hz to 500 Hz
C. 2 kHz to 3 kHz
D. Approximately 6 kHz
C. 2 kHz to 3 kHz
The general rule is that you want to allow at least the amount of bandwidth occupied by the signal type between signals to avoid interference. A single sideband (SSB) transmission generally takes up less than 3 kHz of bandwidth. Therefore, the customary minimum frequency separation between SSB signals is approximately 3 kHz.
Remember from the technician question pool that 2400 Hz is an appropriate receive filter bandwidth to select in order to minimize noise and interference for SSB reception. 3000 Hz is the closest to this.
Easy Cheat* SSB rhymes with 123
“SSB” has “2” S’s “3” letters total
” SSB….2 to 3”
How can you avoid harmful interference on an apparently clear frequency before calling CQ on CW or phone?
A. Send “QRL?” on CW, followed by your call sign; or, if using phone, ask if the frequency is in use, followed by your call sign
B. Listen for 2 minutes before calling CQ
C. Send the letter “V” in Morse code several times and listen for a response, or say “test” several times and listen for a response
D. Send “QSY” on CW or if using phone, announce “the frequency is in use,” then give your call sign and listen for a response
A. Send “QRL?” on CW, followed by your call sign; or, if using phone, ask if the frequency is in use, followed by your call sign
Always listen for a short while first –2 minutes followed by CQ is not required so that answer is wrong. Then, on CW send “QRL?” followed by your call sign, or using voice, ask if the frequency is in use, followed by your call sign. Always wait to give any other station a chance to respond before continuing with your transmission.
QRL means “Are you busy?” or “I am busy”.
“RL” Really Listening”
Which of the following complies with commonly accepted amateur practice when choosing a frequency on which to initiate a call?
A. Listen on the frequency for at least two minutes to be sure it is clear
B. Identify your station by transmitting your call sign at least 3 times
C. Follow the voluntary band plan
D. All these choices are correct
C. Follow the voluntary band plan
Before choosing a frequency for your transmission, it is always a good idea to check the Voluntary Band Plan for the operating mode you intend to use, so you know that you are using the right segment of the frequency band. For example, within the CW/data section of a band, there are plans for which band segment to use specifically for RTTY or for packet, as well as CW.
“Check to see if the channel is assigned to another station” is false because amateur operators are not assigned any specific frequency and no one has a frequency monopoly.
“Identify your station by transmitting your call sign at least 3 times” is false because transmitting your call sign multiple times is unnecessary, all answers on the test that call for doing so are false.
What is the voluntary band plan restriction for US stations transmitting within the 48 contiguous states in the 50.1 MHz to 50.125 MHz band segment?
A. Only contacts with stations not within the 48 contiguous states
B. Only contacts with other stations within the 48 contiguous states
C. Only digital contacts
D. Only SSTV contacts
A. Only contacts with stations not within the 48 contiguous states
This is commonly known as the DX (long distance) window on 6 meters. Complying with the DX window allows other amateurs to enjoy a low local noise level in order to more easily receive stations outside of the continental U.S.
Memory aid: The 50.1 MHz to 50.125 MHz band is “not within the 48 contiguous states”. THIS IS A POORLY WRITTEN QUESTION If the question is asking what is “restricted” then the answer should be B. Contacts within the 48 contiguous states.
Who may be the control operator of an amateur station transmitting in RACES to assist relief operations during a disaster?
A. Only a person holding an FCC-issued amateur operator license
B. Only a RACES net control operator
C. A person holding an FCC-issued amateur operator license or an appropriate government official
D. Any control operator when normal communication systems are operational
A. Only a person holding an FCC-issued amateur operator license
The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is an organization which uses the radio service for emergency communications. It is a requirement that an amateur station in RACES must hold an FCC issued amateur operator license to transmit for assisting in relief operations during a disaster.
Note: RACES is authorized in Part 97.407, while Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) is organized by the ARRL.
Which of the following is good amateur practice for net management?
A. Always use multiple sets of phonetics during check-in
B. Have a backup frequency in case of interference or poor conditions
C. Transmit the full net roster at the beginning of every session
D. All these choices are correct
B. Have a backup frequency in case of interference or poor conditions
How often may RACES training drills and tests be routinely conducted without special authorization?
A. No more than 1 hour per month
B. No more than 2 hours per month
C. No more than 1 hour per week
D. No more than 2 hours per week
C. No more than 1 hour per week
RACES: Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services
A group of Hams certified by a civil defense agency.
A restriction of 1 hour per week has been imposed on RACES for drills and testing etc to ensure there is not a large burden placed on volunteers.
Which of the following describes full break-in CW operation (QSK)?
A. Breaking stations send the Morse code prosign “BK”
B. Automatic keyers, instead of hand keys, are used to send Morse code
C. An operator must activate a manual send/receive switch before and after every transmission
D. Transmitting stations can receive between code characters and elements
D. Transmitting stations can receive between code characters and elements
One way to send a CW or data transmission is to use full break-in telegraphy (QSK). The abbreviation QSK is used as Q code for “Can you hear me between your signals?” or “I can hear you between my signals.” Using this method allows the transmitting stations to receive returning signals between code characters and elements. This is useful for the receiving station to be able to “break-in” during a long transmission and ask about a mis-spelled word or other issue with your transmission.
Hint: You have to read BETWEEN the lines.
What should you do if a CW station sends “QRS?”
A. Send slower
B. Change frequency
C. Increase your power
D. Repeat everything twice
A. Send slower
What does it mean when a CW operator sends “KN” at the end of a transmission?
A. No US stations should call
B. Operating full break-in
C. Listening only for a specific station or stations
D. Closing station now
C. Listening only for a specific station or stations
One easy way to think of this code is that someone using “KN” is looking for a station that they KNow, not just anyone.
What does the Q signal “QRL?” mean?
A. “Will you keep the frequency clear?”
B. “Are you operating full break-in?” or “Can you operate full break-in?”
C. “Are you listening only for a specific station?”
D. “Are you busy?” or “Is this frequency in use?”
D. “Are you busy?” or “Is this frequency in use?”
QRL? is sometimes used to survey whether or not a frequency you’d like to communicate on is already in use for a different contact.
Mnemonics:
Rampant eLocution
Resident Lecturer
Requesting Line
I’m Really Listening
Radio Loud?
Resource Locked?
What is the best speed to use when answering a CQ in Morse code?
A. The fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no slower than the CQ
B. The fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no faster than the CQ
C. At the standard calling speed of 10 wpm
D. At the standard calling speed of 5 wpm
B. The fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no faster than the CQ
What does the term “zero beat” mean in CW operation?
A. Matching the speed of the transmitting station
B. Operating split to avoid interference on frequency
C. Sending without error
D. Matching the transmit frequency to the frequency of a received signal
D. Matching the transmit frequency to the frequency of a received signal
It means that both stations are using the same frequency/wavelength and not competing nearby wave forms. This allows for the best clarity of signal transmission and reception between the two stations.
When sending CW, what does a “C” mean when added to the RST report?
A. Chirpy or unstable signal
B. Report was read from an S meter rather than estimated
C. 100 percent copy
D. Key clicks
A. Chirpy or unstable signal
What prosign is sent to indicate the end of a formal message when using CW?
A. SK
B. BK
C. AR
D. KN
C. AR
Prosigns (procedural signs) are common abbreviations that help send shorter, more efficient transmissions.
The prosign AR indicates the end of a formal message. It can also mean “new page” or “new message”. According to wikipedia the use of the AR prosign is superfluous in informal Morse conversations. (in other words, unnecessary / extra beyond what is needed).
This is a bit of a trick question, because the distractors are all used in informal Morse conversations as turnover indicators ending a transmission (BK: back to you, KN: over to you, SK: end of contact).
This question is asking about formal messages, not informal conversations.
Mnemonics:
Acknowledging Receipt
Await Receipt
All is Received
Au Revoir - “see you later” in French
What does the Q signal “QSL” mean?
A. Send slower
B. We have already confirmed the contact
C. I have received and understood
D. We have worked before
C. I have received and understood
Q codes are a system of standard abbreviations for use in CW and other communications. They’re used for common statements/questions involving CQ operation or transmissions.
Be careful to avoid the distractors that are confusing the Q signal QSL (“I acknowledge receipt”) with the idea of QSL cards, which are postcards that amateur operators often use to confirm a contact.
Mnemonics:
Si, lo tengo, Spanish for “yes, I got it”.
The first and last letters in successful, as in “your communication was successful”.
The L stands for Loud and clear.
Signal Lucid
What does the Q signal “QRN” mean?
A. Send more slowly
B. Stop sending
C. Zero beat my signal
D. I am troubled by static
D. I am troubled by static
HF operators will often call QRN or QRM during conditions where the signal is being interrupted or otherwise compromised by interference. In Phone modes the phrases used are often “Q R Mary” or “Q R Nancy.”
Although many operators will use the two designations interchangeably (or more often only use QRM), an easy way to remember the distinction is:
QRN: Natural Interference such as atmospheric Noise or static produced by solar storms or lightning
QRM: Man-Made Interference such as interference by signals near in frequency, stations in close proximity, or interference by electric equipment.
Mnemonics:
Really Noisy
Random Noise [compare Random Music]
What does the Q signal “QRV” mean?
A. You are sending too fast
B. There is interference on the frequency
C. I am quitting for the day
D. I am ready to receive
D. I am ready to receive
The Q code QRV is a shorthand that CW operators use to indicate that they’re ready to receive messages.
Mnemonics:
Notice that phonetically the first and last sounds in Ready to receiVe are RV.
Ready for Vibes
Receiving Vibes
What is the Volunteer Monitor Program?
A. Amateur volunteers who are formally enlisted to monitor the airwaves for rules violations
B. Amateur volunteers who conduct amateur licensing examinations
C. Amateur volunteers who conduct frequency coordination for amateur VHF repeaters
D. Amateur volunteers who use their station equipment to help civil defense organizations in times of emergency
A. Amateur volunteers who are formally enlisted to monitor the airwaves for rules violations
Which of the following are objectives of the Volunteer Monitor Program?
A. To conduct efficient and orderly amateur licensing examinations
B. To provide emergency and public safety communications
C. To coordinate repeaters for efficient and orderly spectrum usage
D. To encourage amateur radio operators to self-regulate and comply with the rules
D. To encourage amateur radio operators to self-regulate and comply with the rules
What procedure may be used by Volunteer Monitors to localize a station whose continuous carrier is holding a repeater on in their area?
A. Compare vertical and horizontal signal strengths on the input frequency
B. Compare beam headings on the repeater input from their home locations with that of other Volunteer Monitors
C. Compare signal strengths between the input and output of the repeater
D. All these choices are correct
B. Compare beam headings on the repeater input from their home locations with that of other Volunteer Monitors
A beam is a type of directional antenna. The signal is strongest when the front of the beam is pointed at the source of a signal.
The signal is weakest when the side of the beam is pointed at the source. The measurement from the side is often more precise than the front.
By noting the direction the beam is pointed when the signal is strongest or weakest, each monitoring station can note the direction of the source.
Using a map, drawing lines from the monitoring station toward the source, the place where the lines cross will be near the source.
Slight errors in measurement caused by calibration errors or reflections from buildings or terrain can cause the lines to not cross at a point, but they will cross near the source.
The next step is to go to the area where they cross and refine the measurements.
Which of the following describes an azimuthal projection map?
A. A map that shows accurate land masses
B. A map that shows true bearings and distances from a specific location
C. A map that shows the angle at which an amateur satellite crosses the equator
D. A map that shows the number of degrees longitude that an amateur satellite appears to move westward at the equator with each orbit
B. A map that shows true bearings and distances from a specific location
A projection is a redrawn map that has the same information but looks different.
The three distractors - land masses, current satellite paths and future satellite paths - could each be drawn on a typical Mercator projection, without needing to redraw the map.
Alternate projections might help in those cases, but only the correct choice requires projection of different data: A map that shows true bearings and distances from a specific location.
An azimuthal projection map is a world map projection centered on a particular location. An example would be where the North pole is at the focus or center of the circular map, and lines project in a radial scale from this central point, such as degrees longitude out to the equivalent of the equator. The image would look as if you were looking straight down on the north pole from a point out in space. Any point on the globe may be used as the focus, with radial degrees of direction issuing from that central point. This type of map is useful for figuring out the shortest straight line path for a signal far across the globe.
Which of the following indicates that you are looking for an HF contact with any station?
A. Sign your call sign once, followed by the words “listening for a call” – if no answer, change frequency and repeat
B. Say “QTC” followed by “this is” and your call sign – if no answer, change frequency and repeat
C. Repeat “CQ” a few times, followed by “this is,” then your call sign a few times, then pause to listen, repeat as necessary
D. Transmit an unmodulated carried for approximately 10 seconds, followed by “this is” and your call sign, and pause to listen – repeat as necessary
C. Repeat “CQ” a few times, followed by “this is,” then your call sign a few times, then pause to listen, repeat as necessary
How is a directional antenna pointed when making a “long-path” contact with another station?
A. Toward the rising sun
B. Along the gray line
C. 180 degrees from the station’s short-path heading
D. Toward the north
C. 180 degrees from the station’s short-path heading
The most direct path or shortest straight path points directly from one station or point to a second station or point. This is usually the best way to point a directional antenna. The long-path is considered to be the direction directly opposite the short path, or 180 degrees from its short-path heading. Depending on atmospheric conditions and nearby interferences, this can sometimes provide a clearer signal transmission and reception.
Which of the following are examples of the NATO Phonetic Alphabet?
A. Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog
B. Adam, Boy, Charles, David
C. America, Boston, Canada, Denmark
D. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta
D. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta
Why do many amateurs keep a station log?
A. The FCC requires a log of all international contacts
B. The FCC requires a log of all international third-party traffic
C. The log provides evidence of operation needed to renew a license without retest
D. To help with a reply if the FCC requests information about your station
D. To help with a reply if the FCC requests information about your station
Which of the following is required when participating in a contest on HF frequencies?
A. Submit a log to the contest sponsor
B. Send a QSL card to the stations worked, or QSL via Logbook of The World
C. Identify your station according to normal FCC regulations
D. All these choices are correct
C. Identify your station according to normal FCC regulations
What is QRP operation?
A. Remote piloted model control
B. Low-power transmit operation
C. Transmission using Quick Response Protocol
D. Traffic relay procedure net operation
B. Low-power transmit operation
CW uses Q codes as abbreviations for common statements or questions relating to signal transmission. The meaning of “QRP” is to “decrease your Power.” So low power transmit operations are often referred to as QRP operation. It is always good practice to use the lowest power output level that will still allow successful transmission of the signal.
Note: Remember that the “P” in “QRP” refers to Power. You might also consider “QRP” as in “Reduced Power”.
Why are signal reports typically exchanged at the beginning of an HF contact?
A. To allow each station to operate according to conditions
B. To be sure the contact will count for award programs
C. To follow standard radiogram structure
D. To allow each station to calibrate their frequency display
A. To allow each station to operate according to conditions
Which mode is normally used when sending RTTY signals via AFSK with an SSB transmitter?
A. USB
B. DSB
C. CW
D. LSB
D. LSB
Audio frequency-shift keying (AFSK) is a frequency modulation method sometimes used when transmitting radioteletype (RTTY) signals.
Frequency-shift keying
Lower sideband (LSB) is normally used for RTTY signals throughout the amateur radio bands when using this method with an SSB transmitter.
There is no technical reason to use LSB instead of USB, however, LSB is conventional.
Mnemonic:
LSMFT = Lower Sideband Means Fine Teletype
What is VARA?
A. A low signal-to-noise digital mode used for EME (moonbounce)
B. A digital protocol used with Winlink
C. A radio direction finding system used on VHF and UHF
D.A DX spotting system using a network of software defined radios
B. A digital protocol used with Winlink
Mnemonic: The W in Winlink looks like the letter V twice, for VARA.
From Wikipedia: Generally, e-mail communications over amateur radio in the 21st century is now considered normal and commonplace. E-mail via high frequency[b] (HF) can be used nearly everywhere on the planet, and is made possible by connecting an HF single sideband (SSB) transceiver system to a computer, modem interface, and appropriate software. The HF modem technologies include PACTOR, Winmor(deprecated), ARDOP, Vara HF, and Automatic Link Establishment (ALE). VHF/UHF protocols include AX.25 Packet and Vara FM.
What symptoms may result from other signals interfering with a PACTOR or VARA transmission?
A. Frequent retries or timeouts
B. Long pauses in message transmission
C. Failure to establish a connection between stations
D. All these choices are correct
D. All these choices are correct
Both PACTOR and VARA are digital modes of communication. If the signal is interfered with, you’d get what you’d expect from interference.
Frequent retries- due to not hearing each other correctly
Long pauses- due to never hearing a response
Failure to establish connection- due to not hearing each other
As such, all choices are correct because all of these are results of interference that prevents stations from hearing each other correctly.
Which of the following is good practice when choosing a transmitting frequency to answer a station calling CQ using FT8?
A. Always call on the station’s frequency
B. Call on any frequency in the waterfall except the station’s frequency
C. Find a clear frequency during the same time slot as the calling station
D. Find a clear frequency during the alternate time slot to the calling station
D. Find a clear frequency during the alternate time slot to the calling station
The reason to look for a clear frequency during the alternate time slot is transmitting during the same time slot will not result in a contact. The calling station will not be able to listen for your transmission at the same time as they also are transmitting. WSJT-X operates by transmitting for about 15 seconds and then listening for about 15 seconds. The program is able to figure out the correct time slot most of the time.
Finding a clear frequency is also important so you are not interfering with transmissions from fellow operators.
What is the standard sideband for JT65, JT9, FT4, or FT8 digital signal when using AFSK?
A. LSB
B. USB
C. DSB
D. SSB
B. USB
JT-65 and JT-9 are frequency shift keying modes which use a single tone shifted between multiple frequencies over time. Most of the available software which support them are designed to interface with a radio via an Audio (sound-card) interface (the “A” in AFSK) while the radio is operated in a single sideband mode using the upper sideband.
As with all questions pertaining to the use of Upper or Lower sideband, The use of Upper Sideband is an artifact of custom and convention rather than a stringent technical requirement. Nearly all digital modes which employ computer-based audio interfaces are operated with Upper Sideband modulation.
When you use a computer, think USB, Except for RTTY which uses LSB here in the States.
Computers use USB connectors all the time..
HINT: J2T served at a USafB-ase.
What is the most common frequency shift for RTTY emissions in the amateur HF bands?
A. 85 Hz
B. 170 Hz
C. 425 Hz
D. 850 Hz
B. 170 Hz
Amateur radio transmissions of radioteletype (RTTY) signals use methods of frequency-shift keying (FSK). Two frequencies, known as the mark and space tones are used. The difference between these two frequencies is known as the frequency shift. The amount of shift most frequently used on the HF bands for amateur operators is a 170 Hz difference.
For more info see Wikipedia: RTTY
Silly hint: The letter “R” (in RTTY) is the 18th letter of the alphabet. The first two digits of the correct answer (17) is the closest number to 18.
Major System 170 = ticks, the sound an old teletype makes.
Which of the following is required when using FT8?
A. A special hardware modem
B. Computer time accurate to within approximately 1 second
C. Receiver attenuator set to -12 dB
D. A vertically polarized antenna
B. Computer time accurate to within approximately 1 second
In what segment of the 20-meter band are most digital mode operations commonly found?
A. At the bottom of the slow-scan TV segment, near 14.230 MHz
B. At the top of the SSB phone segment, near 14.325 MHz
C. In the middle of the CW segment, near 14.100 MHz
D. Between 14.070 MHz and 14.100 MHz
D. Between 14.070 MHz and 14.100 MHz
PSK31, or Phase-Shift Keying at 31 baud, is a data transmission method. On bands where the FCC has indicated specific areas for CW/data versus phone operations, the data modes are allocated to the lower frequency end of the range. PSK31 is most similar to RTTY, and so on the 20 meter band is assigned to the area below the RTTY segment, near 14.070 MHz.
Notes: Slow scan TV is in the image/voice section at the upper end of the band, just above the SSB phone segment. The CW range is contiguous, not having anything stuck in the middle like one (incorrect) distracter suggests.
Probably the best way to remember this is to know that RTTY (Radio Teletype) is also a “digital mode” and is the most similar to PSK31 of all the options listed; PSK31 is just below the RTTY segment, putting the two digital modes together.
Hint: The only answer that gives specific frequencies.
How do you join a contact between two stations using the PACTOR protocol?
A. Send broadcast packets containing your call sign while in MONITOR mode
B. Transmit a steady carrier until the PACTOR protocol times out and disconnects
C. Joining an existing contact is not possible, PACTOR connections are limited to two stations
D. Send a NAK code
C. Joining an existing contact is not possible, PACTOR connections are limited to two stations
A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet, extending Internet access to sea based and other isolated users
PACTOR is basically like a short wave wireless internet connection. A request is made to a certain destination. The destination receives the request and responds to the sender. The communication is only intended to reach a specific destination from a specific destination. It is a point to point protocol.
Suggest key: PACTOR is Pact with Two :P
Which of the following is a way to establish contact with a digital messaging system gateway station?
A. Send an email to the system control operator
B. Send QRL in Morse code
C. Respond when the station broadcasts its SSID
D. Transmit a connect message on the station’s published frequency
D. Transmit a connect message on the station’s published frequency
What is the primary purpose of an Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) mesh network?
A. To provide FM repeater coverage in remote areas
B. To provide real time propagation data by monitoring amateur radio transmissions worldwide
C. To provide high-speed data services during an emergency or community event
D. To provide DX spotting reports to aid contesters and DXers
C. To provide high-speed data services during an emergency or community event
Which of the following describes Winlink?
A. An amateur radio wireless network to send and receive email on the internet
B. A form of Packet Radio
C. A wireless network capable of both VHF and HF band operation
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
What is another name for a Winlink Remote Message Server?
A. Terminal Node Controller
B. Gateway
C. RJ-45
D. Printer/Server
B. Gateway
What could be wrong if you cannot decode an RTTY or other FSK signal even though it is apparently tuned in properly?
A. The mark and space frequencies may be reversed
B. You may have selected the wrong baud rate
C. You may be listening on the wrong sideband
D. All these choices are correct
D. All these choices are correct
Which of the following is a common location for FT8?
A. Anywhere in the voice portion of the band
B. Anywhere in the CW portion of the band
C. Approximately 14.074 MHz to 14.077 MHz
D. Approximately 14.110 MHz to 14.113 MHz
C. Approximately 14.074 MHz to 14.077 MHz
FT8 is a digital mode, so it may only be operated within the data portion of the band- specifically- the RTTY portion of the band. For 20m, this is 14.070-14.095 MHz.
