Amateur Radio for Smart People
The Extra-Extra-Extra Read All About it question of the week is a real beauty. [E8B12] What is digital time division multiplexing? A. Two or more data streams are assigned to discrete sub-carriers on an FM transmitter B. Two or more signals are arranged to share discrete time slots of a data transmission C. Two or … Read more
Which value of an AC signal results in the same power dissipation as a DC voltage of the same value? [G5B07] A. The peak-to-peak value B. The peak value C. The RMS value D. The reciprocal of the RMS value This is, unfortunately a “definition” question, so we’ll just come right out and tell you … Read more
How does current flowing through the body cause a health hazard [T0A02] A. By heating tissue B. It disrupts the electrical functions of cells C. It causes involuntary muscle contractions D. All of these choices are correct Lets run down the possible answers, and see what we come up with…. A. By heating tissue. Your … Read more
Today’s question for you studying to be Extra’s is a real doozy, about receivers. [E4D01] What is meant by the blocking dynamic range of a receiver? A. The difference in dB between the noise floor and the level of an incoming signal which will cause 1 dB of gain compression B. The minimum difference in … Read more
What precaution should be taken when installing a ground-mounted antenna? [G0A13] A. It should not be installed higher than you can reach B. It should not be installed in a wet area C. It should limited to 10 feet in height D. It should be installed so no one can be exposed to RF radiation … Read more
What is the FCC Part 97 definition of telecommand? [T1A13] A. An instruction bulletin issued by the FCC B. A one-way radio transmission of measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument C. A one-way transmission to initiate, modify or terminate functions of a device at a distance D. An instruction from a VEC The … Read more
This week in the Amateur Extra spectrum, we’ll look at a question from the “band plan” area of the exam [E2C06] During a VHF/UHF contest, in which band segment would you expect to find the highest level of activity? A. At the top of each band, usually in a segment reserved for contests B. In … Read more
This question comes from the General exam, the “rules” section…. [G1D06] When must you add the special identifier “AG” after your call sign if you are a Technician Class licensee and have a CSCE for General Class operator privileges, but the FCC has not yet posted your upgrade on its Web site? A. Whenever you … Read more
Lets turn our gaze skyward for this question from the Technician pool… [T8B03] Which of the following are provided by satellite tracking programs? A. Maps showing the real-time position of the satellite track over the earth B. The time, azimuth, and elevation of the start, maximum altitude, and end of a pass C. The apparent … Read more
Ah, another fine math problem from the Amateur Extra exam (don’t you just love these?) [E5D18] How many watts are consumed in a circuit having a power factor of 0.71 if the apparent power is 500 VA? A. 704 W B. 355 W C. 252 W D. 1.42 mW Remember that the “power factor” of … Read more