HAM Radio Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are the three classes of Amateur Radio licenses in the U.S.?
Technician, General, Extra
What frequencies do Technician license holders primarily use?
VHF (144–148 MHz) and UHF (420–450 MHz)
What is a repeater?
A relay station that receives a signal and retransmits it to extend range.
When must you identify your call sign during a transmission?
Every 10 minutes and at the end of the communication.
What types of messages are prohibited on HAM radio?
Music, encrypted messages, commercial/business traffic, obscenity, and false distress calls.
Can you transmit without a license in an emergency?
Yes—if it’s a life-threatening emergency, you can use any frequency, any means.
What is the purpose of the Technician class license?
It grants entry-level access to local communication using VHF/UHF bands.
What is a transceiver?
A device that can both transmit and receive radio signals.
What is the legal power limit for most Technician VHF/UHF transmissions?
1500 watts PEP (but most handhelds use 5–8 watts)
What organization regulates amateur radio in the U.S.?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
What must every amateur radio station have?
A control operator (usually the license holder)
What’s the primary purpose of the amateur radio service?
Voluntary, non-commercial communication, especially for public service and emergencies
What is the role of a repeater input/output frequency pair?
You transmit on one frequency (input), and the repeater rebroadcasts on another (output)
What mode is most common for voice on VHF/UHF?
FM (Frequency Modulation)
Are you allowed to use amateur radio for personal business?
No—commercial use is strictly prohibited
What is “simplex” communication in amateur radio?
Direct communication using the same frequency to transmit and receive.
What is “duplex” communication?
Uses two frequencies—one to transmit, one to receive—standard for repeater use.
What does “offset” mean when using a repeater?
The frequency difference between your transmit and receive signals.
What is the standard VHF repeater offset?
±600 kHz (typically +600 for 2 meters)
What is the standard UHF repeater offset?
±5 MHz (typically –5 MHz for 70cm)
What is a PL (CTCSS) tone?
A sub-audible tone that opens a repeater’s squelch so your signal is accepted.
What is the basic format for initiating a contact on a repeater?
“Your call sign, this is [Your Call Sign], listening.”
What’s a common shorthand way to call out on a repeater?
Just saying “[Your Call Sign], monitoring.”
If you hear a conversation in progress, what should you do before transmitting?
Wait for a pause, then say your call sign to indicate you’d like to join.
