Technician Practice Test T4 – Station Setup and Operation
Power supplies and batteries, computer interfaces for FT8, radio controls and settings. Tap an answer to check it.
Score: 0 / 0 (15)
Question 1
Which of the following is an appropriate power supply rating for a typical 50-watt output mobile FM transceiver?
Mobile rigs run on about 13.8 V. A 50-watt FM radio draws roughly 10 A when transmitting, so a 12 A supply is a good fit.
Question 2
Which of the following should be considered when selecting an accessory SWR meter?
An SWR meter is made for certain frequency ranges and power levels; choose one that matches how you will use it.
Question 3
Why are short, heavy-gauge wires used for a transceiver’s DC power connection?
Transmitting draws high current. Short, thick wires have low resistance, so the voltage at the radio does not drop much.
Question 4
How are the audio input and output of a transceiver connected in a station configured to operate using FT8?
For FT8, the radio's audio output goes to the computer's input and the computer's audio output goes to the radio's input.
Question 5
Where should an RF power meter be installed?
An RF power meter goes in the feed line between the transmitter and the antenna.
Question 6
What signals are used in a computer-radio interface for digital mode operation?
A computer–radio interface carries receive audio, transmit audio and a signal to key the transmitter (PTT).
Question 7
Which of the following is one of the connections required between a computer and a transceiver to operate digital modes?
The computer listens to the radio, so the computer's line-in connects to the radio's speaker or audio output.
Question 8
Which of the following conductors is preferred for bonding at RF?
At RF, current flows on the surface of conductors, so wide flat copper strap has the lowest impedance for bonding.
Question 9
How can you determine the length of time that equipment can be powered from a battery?
Battery run time ≈ ampere-hour rating ÷ average current draw. Example: 20 Ah ÷ 2 A = 10 hours.
Question 10
What function does a digital mode hotspot perform for nearby transceivers?
A hotspot is a small low-power transceiver that connects nearby digital radios to a digital voice or data network over the internet.
Question 11
Where should the negative power return of a mobile transceiver be connected in a vehicle?
Connect the negative lead directly to the battery's chassis-ground point, not to a random body screw, to avoid noise and voltage drop.
Question 12
What is an electronic keyer?
An electronic keyer helps you send Morse code by forming the dots and dashes automatically from a paddle.
Question 13
What is the effect of excessive microphone gain on SSB transmissions?
Too much microphone gain on SSB overdrives the transmitter and distorts the audio (and can cause splatter).
Question 14
Which of the following can be used to enter a transceiver’s operating frequency?
You can set the operating frequency with the keypad or by turning the VFO knob.
Question 15
How is squelch adjusted so that a weak FM signal can be heard?
To hear the weakest FM signals, set the squelch so the audio stays on all the time (open squelch).
Get all 409 questions in the app
Full mock exams with one question from each group like test day, a readiness score for every subelement, mistake review and formula cards. No ads.
▶ Get it on Google PlayWant more T4 · Station setup questions?
These are the first 15 of 23 T4 · Station setup questions. The app has all of them, plus full mock exams that pick one question from each group like the real test.
Get all 409 questions in the app
Full mock exams with one question from each group like test day, a readiness score for every subelement, mistake review and formula cards. No ads.
▶ Get it on Google PlayOfficial sources
The questions are the official public Technician pool. The rules come from FCC Part 97. Always check these sources for the current rules.