Amateur Radio for Smart People
How does antenna gain stated in dBi compare to gain stated in dBd for the same antenna? A. dBi gain figures are 2.15 dB lower than dBd gain figuresB. dBi gain figures are 2.15 dB higher than dBd gain figuresC. dBi gain figures are the same as the square root of dBd gain figures multiplied … Read more
What is used to control the attenuation of RF signals by a PIN diode? A. Forward DC bias current B. A sub-harmonic pump signal C. Reverse voltage larger than the RF signal D. Capacitance of an RF coupling capacitor [E6B11] This question from the new Amateur Extra question pool dives head first into the operation … Read more
What is a reliable way to determine if the MUF is high enough to support skip propagation between your station and a distant location on frequencies between 14 and 30 MHz? A. Listen for signals from an international beacon in the frequency range you plan to useB. Send a series of dots on the band … Read more
Which of the following properties is important in estimating whether an RF signal exceeds the maximum permissible exposure (MPE)? A. Its duty cycleB. Its frequencyC. Its power densityD. All these choices are correct [G0A02] Let’s look at each possible answer individually, and then we’ll decide which is correct. A. Its duty cycle. Duty Cycle refers … Read more
How is a simple ammeter connected to a circuit? A. In series with the circuitB. In parallel with the circuitC. In quadrature with the circuitD. In phase with the circuit This is a really easy question, if you’ve ever used an ammeter before, that is. If you haven’t how are you supposed to know, right? … Read more
What unit is used to measure reactance? A. FaradB. OhmC. AmpereD. Siemens This is a really easy question, when you understand what reactance is exactly. Reactance is one part of what we call Impedance. The problem is that impedance is in mathematical terms, a complex number. That means there’s a “real” part, and an “imaginary” … Read more
What is a telecommand station in the amateur satellite service? A. An amateur station located on the Earth’s surface for communication with other Earth stations by means of Earth satellitesB. An amateur station that transmits communications to initiate, modify or terminate functions of a space stationC. An amateur station located more than 50 km above … Read more
Part of the Amateur Extra exam is meant to prepare you for the possibility of becoming a VEC or Volunteer Exam Coordinator, and so they want you to know and understand some of the mechanics of the exams themselves. So, here’s one: What is the minimum passing score on amateur operator license examinations? A. Minimum … Read more
Ah a little down one of the side paths of amateur radio for this question from the General Class exam pool. How many states does a 3-bit binary counter have? A. 3B. 6C. 8D. 16 The answer depends on us knowing how to count in binary. Essentially the question is asking us what the maximum … Read more
Which of the following must be done to insure that a crystal oscillator provides the frequency specified by the crystal manufacturer? A. Provide the crystal with a specified parallel inductanceB. Provide the crystal with a specified parallel capacitanceC. Bias the crystal at a specified voltageD. Bias the crystal at a specified current A crystal oscillator … Read more
