All 44 Ham Radio Technician questions for T7 Station Equipment with the correct answers marked and a short explanation for each, from the official 2026-2030 question pool. Test yourself with the free practice exam.
T7A01
Which term describes the ability of a receiver to detect the presence of a signal?
A. RF gain
B. Sensitivity ✓
C. Selectivity
D. Total Harmonic Distortion
Why: Sensitivity is a receiver's ability to detect weak signals. Selectivity is a different property: the ability to separate signals that are close together in frequency.
T7A02
What is a transceiver?
A. A device that combines a receiver and transmitter ✓
B. A device for matching feed line impedance to 50 ohms
C. A device for automatically sending and decoding Morse code
D. A device for converting receiver and transmitter frequencies to another band
Why: A transceiver combines a receiver and a transmitter in one unit, often sharing circuits such as oscillators and filters. Most modern amateur radios are transceivers.
T7A03
Which of the following is used to convert a signal from one frequency to another?
A. Phase splitter
B. Mixer ✓
C. Inverter
D. Amplifier
Why: A mixer combines two signals to produce new frequencies at their sum and difference. This lets a radio convert a signal from one frequency to another, such as to an intermediate frequency.
T7A04
Which term describes the ability of a receiver to discriminate between multiple signals?
A. Discrimination ratio
B. Sensitivity
C. Selectivity ✓
D. Harmonic distortion
Why: Selectivity is a receiver's ability to discriminate between signals, receiving the wanted one while rejecting nearby signals. Sensitivity refers to detecting weak signals instead.
T7A05
What is the name of a circuit that generates a signal at a specific frequency?
A. Reactance modulator
B. Phase modulator
C. Low-pass filter
D. Oscillator ✓
Why: An oscillator is a circuit that generates a signal at a specific frequency. Oscillators set the operating frequency in transmitters and receivers. Modulators and filters process signals rather than generate them.
T7A06
What device converts the RF input and output of a transceiver to another band?
A. High-pass filter
B. Low-pass filter
C. Transverter ✓
D. Phase converter
Why: A transverter converts a transceiver's transmit and receive signals to and from another band, for example letting a 10-meter radio operate on 2 meters or microwave bands.
T7A07
What is the function of a transceiver’s PTT input?
A. Input for a key used to send CW
B. Switches transceiver from receive to transmit when grounded ✓
C. Provides a transmit tuning tone when grounded
D. Input for a preamplifier tuning tone
Why: The PTT (push-to-talk) input switches the transceiver from receive to transmit when it is grounded, such as when you press the microphone button or a computer interface keys the radio.
T7A08
Which of the following describes combining speech with an RF carrier signal?
A. Impedance matching
B. Oscillation
C. Modulation ✓
D. Low-pass filtering
Why: Modulation is the process of combining an information signal, such as speech, with an RF carrier so it can be transmitted. AM, FM and SSB are types of modulation.
T7A09
What is the function of the switch which selects either SSB or CW-FM on some VHF power amplifiers?
A. Change the mode of the transmitted signal
B. Set the amplifier for proper operation in the selected mode ✓
C. Change the frequency range of the amplifier to operate in the proper segment of the band
D. Reduce the received signal noise
Why: SSB requires a linear amplifier, while CW and FM can use more efficient non-linear operation. The mode switch sets the amplifier's biasing for proper operation in the selected mode; it does not change the radio's mode.
T7A10
What can be added to the output of a transceiver to increase the transmitted output power?
A. A potentiometer
B. An RF power amplifier ✓
C. An impedance multiplier
D. All these choices are correct
Why: An RF power amplifier boosts a transceiver's output signal to a higher power level. A potentiometer cannot add power, and an 'impedance multiplier' is not a power-increasing device.
T7A11
What is the function of the Variable Frequency Oscillator (VFO) circuit in a transceiver?
A. Set the receive and transmit frequency ✓
B. Provide automatic frequency control
C. Inject a variable frequency to allow CW reception
D. Generate and demodulate single sideband signals
Why: The VFO (variable frequency oscillator) generates an adjustable frequency that sets where the transceiver receives and transmits. Turning the tuning knob changes the VFO frequency.
T7B01
What can you do if you are told your FM handheld or mobile transceiver is over-deviating?
A. Talk louder into the microphone
B. Let the transceiver cool off
C. Change to a higher power level
D. Talk farther away from the microphone ✓
Why: Over-deviation in FM means the audio is too strong, swinging the frequency too far. Talking farther from the microphone or more softly reduces deviation. Talking louder would make it worse.
T7B02
What would cause a broadcast AM or FM radio to receive an amateur radio transmission unintentionally?
A. The receiver is unable to reject strong signals outside the AM or FM band ✓
B. The microphone gain of the transmitter is turned up too high
C. The audio amplifier of the transmitter is overloaded
D. The deviation of an FM transmitter is set too low
Why: Many consumer receivers lack the filtering to reject strong signals outside their band. A nearby amateur transmitter can overload them, even if the ham signal is perfectly clean. This is called fundamental overload.
T7B03
Which of the following can cause radio frequency interference?
A. Fundamental overload
B. Harmonics
C. Spurious emissions
D. All these choices are correct ✓
Why: RF interference can come from fundamental overload of a nearby receiver, from harmonics (multiples of the transmit frequency), or from other spurious emissions. All of these can cause interference.
T7B04
Which of the following might be the cause of low RF power output from a solid-state transceiver?
A. Poor amplifier noise figure
B. Poor amplifier linearity
C. Low SWR
D. High SWR ✓
Why: Solid-state transmitters automatically reduce power when SWR is high to protect their output transistors from reflected power. So a high SWR often shows up as low output power.
T7B05
Which of the following might reduce interference by an amateur station to a non-amateur over-the-air radio receiver?
A. Block the amateur signal with a filter at the antenna input of the affected receiver ✓
B. Block the interfering signal with a filter on the amateur transmitter
C. Switch the transmitter from FM to SSB
D. Switch the transmitter to a narrow-band mode
Why: If interference is due to the receiver being overloaded by your strong signal, a filter at the affected receiver's antenna input can block your frequency while passing the desired signals.
T7B06
Which of the following actions should you take if a neighbor tells you that your station’s transmissions are interfering with their radio or TV reception?
A. Make sure that your station is functioning properly and that it does not cause interference to your own radio or television when it is tuned to the same channel ✓
B. Immediately turn off your transmitter and contact the nearest FCC office for assistance
C. Install a harmonic doubler on the output of your transmitter and tune it until the interference is eliminated
D. All these choices are correct
Why: First make sure your own station is working properly by checking whether it interferes with your own TV or radio on the same channel. If it does, the problem is likely in your station.
T7B07
Which of the following can reduce interference to a 2-meter band transceiver from a nearby commercial FM station?
A. Installing an RF preamplifier
B. Using double-shielded coaxial cable
C. Installing bypass capacitors on the microphone cable
D. Installing a band-reject filter ✓
Why: A strong commercial FM station (88 to 108 MHz) can overload a 2-meter receiver. A band-reject filter tuned to the FM broadcast band blocks that signal. A preamplifier would make overload worse.
T7B08
What should you do if something in a neighbor’s home is causing harmful interference to your amateur station?
A. Work with your neighbor to identify the offending device
B. Politely inform your neighbor that FCC rules prohibit the use of devices that cause interference
C. Make sure your station meets the standards of good amateur practice
D. All these choices are correct ✓
Why: Work cooperatively with your neighbor to identify the offending device, politely explain that FCC rules prohibit devices that cause harmful interference, and make sure your own station meets good practice. All apply.
T7B09
What should be the first step to resolve non-fiber optic cable TV interference caused by your amateur radio transmission?
A. Add a low-pass filter to the TV antenna input
B. Add a high-pass filter to the TV antenna input
C. Add a preamplifier to the TV antenna input
D. Be sure all TV feed line coaxial connectors are installed properly ✓
Why: With coaxial cable TV, loose or poorly installed connectors let RF leak in and cause interference. Checking and tightening all TV feed line connectors is the simplest first step.
T7B10
What might be a problem if you receive a report that your audio signal through an FM repeater is distorted or unintelligible?
A. Your transmitter is slightly off frequency
B. You are speaking too loudly or too close to the microphone
C. You are in a bad location
D. All these choices are correct ✓
Why: Distorted audio through a repeater can result from being slightly off frequency, speaking too loudly or too close to the microphone, or being in a poor location causing a weak, noisy signal. All apply.
T7B11
Which of the following can eliminate distorted voice transmissions?
A. Adding extra feedline to the antenna to lower SWR
B. Turning the radio on and off to reset the computer-controlled circuitry
C. Adding a clip-on ferrite “choke” to the microphone cable to prevent the transmitted signal from feeding back into the transmitter ✓
D. Turning the squelch control fully clockwise to prevent the transmitted signal from triggering the squelch circuit
Why: RF from your own transmitter can travel back along the microphone cable and get into the audio circuits, causing distortion. A clip-on ferrite choke on the cable blocks this RF feedback.
T7C01
What is the primary purpose of a dummy load?
A. To prevent transmitting signals over the air when making tests ✓
B. To prevent over-modulation of a transmitter
C. To improve the efficiency of an antenna
D. To improve the signal-to-noise ratio of a receiver
Why: A dummy load absorbs your transmitter's power and turns it into heat instead of radiating it. This lets you test and adjust equipment without putting a signal on the air or causing interference.
T7C02
Which of the following is used to determine if an antenna is resonant at the desired operating frequency?
A. A VTVM
B. An antenna analyzer ✓
C. A Q meter
D. A frequency counter
Why: An antenna analyzer measures SWR and impedance across a range of frequencies, showing where an antenna is resonant. A frequency counter only measures frequency.
T7C03
What does a typical RF dummy load consist of?
A. A low-voltage power supply and an AC relay
B. A 50-ohm non-inductive resistor mounted on a heat sink ✓
C. A low-voltage power supply and a DC relay
D. A 50-ohm inductive reactance mounted in a shielded enclosure
Why: A dummy load is a 50-ohm non-inductive resistor that matches the transmitter's output impedance, mounted on a heat sink or in oil to dissipate the heat. Inductive parts would cause mismatch.
T7C04
What reading on an SWR meter indicates a perfect impedance match between the antenna and the feed line?
A. 50:50
B. Zero
C. 1:1 ✓
D. Full Scale
Why: An SWR of 1:1 means the antenna system impedance exactly matches the feed line, so no power is reflected. Higher ratios mean a greater mismatch.
T7C05
Why do most solid-state transmitters reduce output power as SWR increases beyond a certain level?
A. To protect the RF output amplifier transistors ✓
B. To comply with FCC rules on spectral purity
C. Because power supplies cannot supply enough current at high SWR
D. To lower the SWR on the transmission line
Why: High SWR sends reflected power back into the transmitter, which can overheat and damage the output transistors. Protection circuits reduce power to protect them.
T7C06
What does an SWR reading of 4:1 indicate?
A. Loss of -4 dB
B. Good impedance match
C. Gain of +4 dB
D. Impedance mismatch ✓
Why: An SWR of 4:1 indicates a significant impedance mismatch between feed line and load, with substantial reflected power. SWR is a ratio, not a gain or loss in dB.
T7C07
What happens to power lost in a feed line?
A. It increases the SWR
B. It is radiated as harmonics
C. It is converted into heat ✓
D. It distorts the signal
Why: Power lost in a feed line is converted into heat in the conductors and dielectric. It does not turn into harmonics or radiated signals.
T7C08
Which instrument can be used to determine SWR?
A. Voltmeter
B. Ohmmeter
C. Iambic pentameter
D. Directional wattmeter ✓
Why: A directional wattmeter measures forward and reflected power. From those two readings you can calculate SWR. A voltmeter or ohmmeter cannot measure SWR. ('Iambic pentameter' is poetry.)
T7C09
Which of the following causes failure of coaxial cables?
A. Moisture contamination ✓
B. Solder flux contamination
C. Rapid fluctuation in transmitter output power
D. Operation at 100% duty cycle for an extended period
Why: Water entering coaxial cable through damaged jackets or unsealed connectors contaminates the dielectric and corrodes the shield. This increases loss and eventually causes failure.
T7C10
Why should the outer jacket of coaxial cable be resistant to ultraviolet light?
A. Ultraviolet light can increase the resistance of the conductors
B. Ultraviolet light can increase losses in the cable’s jacket
C. Ultraviolet and RF signals can mix, causing interference
D. Ultraviolet light can damage the jacket and allow water to enter the cable ✓
Why: Sunlight's ultraviolet rays degrade many plastics, causing the jacket to crack. Cracks let water in, which damages the cable. UV-resistant jackets last much longer outdoors.
T7C11
What is an advantage of foam-dielectric versus solid-dielectric coaxial cable?
A. It is more resistant to moisture contamination
B. It has higher voltage breakdown
C. It has less loss per foot ✓
D. It has a better impedance match to 50 ohms
Why: Foam dielectric contains air bubbles, which have lower loss than solid plastic, so foam cable has less loss per foot. However, it absorbs moisture more easily and has lower voltage breakdown.
T7D01
Which instrument would you use to measure electric potential?
A. An ammeter
B. A voltmeter ✓
C. A potentiometer
D. An ohmmeter
Why: Electric potential is another name for voltage, which is measured with a voltmeter. An ammeter measures current, and an ohmmeter measures resistance.
T7D02
How is a voltmeter connected to a component to measure applied voltage?
A. In series
B. In parallel ✓
C. In quadrature
D. In phase
Why: A voltmeter measures the voltage difference between two points, so it is connected in parallel across the component. Its high internal resistance draws very little current.
T7D03
When configured to measure current, how is a multimeter connected to a component?
A. In series ✓
B. In parallel
C. In quadrature
D. In phase
Why: To measure current, the meter must be part of the current path, so it is connected in series with the component. The circuit is opened and the meter inserted.
T7D04
Which instrument is used to measure electric current?
A. An ohmmeter
B. An electrometer
C. A voltmeter
D. An ammeter ✓
Why: An ammeter measures electric current in amperes. It is connected in series with the circuit so the current flows through it.
T7D05
How does an ohmmeter measure the resistance of a circuit or component?
A. By applying a small current and measuring the resulting voltage ✓
B. By placing a variable resistor in parallel with the circuit
C. By placing a variable resistor in series with the circuit
D. By applying a variable voltage and measuring the resulting current change
Why: An ohmmeter supplies a small, known current from its internal battery and measures the resulting voltage. Then it calculates resistance using Ohm's law: R = E / I.
T7D06
Which of the following can damage a multimeter?
A. Attempting to measure resistance using the voltage setting
B. Failing to connect one of the probes to ground
C. Attempting to measure voltage when using the resistance setting ✓
D. Not allowing it to warm up properly
Why: On the resistance setting, a multimeter sends its own small current through the circuit. Connecting it to an external voltage can drive excess current through the meter and damage it.
T7D07
Which of the following measurements are made using a multimeter?
A. Signal strength and noise
B. Impedance and reactance
C. Voltage and resistance ✓
D. All these choices are correct
Why: A multimeter combines a voltmeter, ammeter and ohmmeter, so it measures voltage, current and resistance. It does not measure signal strength or reactance.
T7D08
Which of the following types of solder should not be used for radio and electronic applications?
A. Acid-core solder ✓
B. Lead-tin solder
C. Rosin-core solder
D. Tin-copper solder
Why: Acid-core solder is meant for plumbing. Its acid flux corrodes electronic components and circuit boards. Use rosin-core solder for electronics.
T7D09
What is the characteristic appearance of a cold tin-lead solder joint?
A. Dark black spots
B. A bright or shiny surface
C. A rough or lumpy surface ✓
D. A greenish tinge
Why: A cold solder joint forms when the solder or parts are not hot enough, leaving a rough, lumpy or dull surface and a poor connection. A good tin-lead joint is smooth and shiny.
T7D10
What reading indicates that an ohmmeter is connected across a large, discharged capacitor?
A. Increasing resistance with time ✓
B. Decreasing resistance with time
C. Steady full-scale reading
D. Alternating between open and short circuit
Why: When an ohmmeter is connected to a discharged capacitor, its current charges the capacitor. The resistance reading starts low and increases as the capacitor charges, until it reads open.
T7D11
Which of the following precautions should be taken when measuring in-circuit resistance with an ohmmeter?
A. Ensure that the applied voltages are correct
B. Ensure that the circuit is not powered ✓
C. Ensure that the circuit is grounded
D. Ensure that the circuit is operating at the correct frequency
Why: Always remove power before measuring resistance. An ohmmeter uses its own battery, and voltage in the circuit can give false readings or damage the meter.