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General exam G2: Operating Procedures

All 60 questions in subelement G2. The exam asks 5 of them, one from each group (G2A, G2B, G2C, G2D, G2E). Answers are hidden until you open them.

Drill these 60 questions Full practice exam

G2A

  1. G2A01 Which mode is most commonly used for voice communications on frequencies of 14 MHz or higher?

    1. Upper sideband
    2. Lower sideband
    3. Suppressed sideband
    4. Double sideband
    Show answer

    A. Upper sideband

  2. G2A02 Which mode is most commonly used for voice communications on the 160-, 75-, and 40-meter bands?

    1. Upper sideband
    2. Lower sideband
    3. Suppressed sideband
    4. Double sideband
    Show answer

    B. Lower sideband

  3. G2A03 Which mode is most commonly used for SSB voice communications in the VHF and UHF bands?

    1. Upper sideband
    2. Lower sideband
    3. Suppressed sideband
    4. Double sideband
    Show answer

    A. Upper sideband

  4. G2A04 Which mode is most commonly used for voice communications on the 17- and 12-meter bands?

    1. Upper sideband
    2. Lower sideband
    3. Suppressed sideband
    4. Double sideband
    Show answer

    A. Upper sideband

  5. G2A05 Which mode of voice communication is most commonly used on the HF amateur bands?

    1. Frequency modulation
    2. Double sideband
    3. Single sideband
    4. Single phase modulation
    Show answer

    C. Single sideband

  6. G2A06 Which of the following is an advantage of using single sideband, as compared to other analog voice modes on the HF amateur bands?

    1. Very high-fidelity voice modulation
    2. Less subject to interference from atmospheric static crashes
    3. Ease of tuning on receive and immunity to impulse noise
    4. Less bandwidth used and greater power efficiency
    Show answer

    D. Less bandwidth used and greater power efficiency

  7. G2A07 Which of the following statements is true of single sideband (SSB)?

    1. Only one sideband and the carrier are transmitted; the other sideband is suppressed
    2. Only one sideband is transmitted; the other sideband and carrier are suppressed
    3. SSB is the only voice mode authorized on the 20-, 15-, and 10-meter amateur bands
    4. SSB is the only voice mode authorized on the 160-, 75-, and 40-meter amateur bands
    Show answer

    B. Only one sideband is transmitted; the other sideband and carrier are suppressed

  8. G2A08 What is the recommended way to break into a phone contact?

    1. Say “QRZ” several times, followed by your call sign
    2. Say your call sign once
    3. Say “Breaker Breaker”
    4. Say “CQ” followed by the call sign of either station
    Show answer

    B. Say your call sign once

  9. G2A09 Why do most amateur stations use lower sideband on the 160-, 75-, and 40-meter bands?

    1. Lower sideband is more efficient than upper sideband at these frequencies
    2. Lower sideband is the only sideband legal on these frequency bands
    3. Because it is fully compatible with an AM detector
    4. It is commonly accepted amateur practice
    Show answer

    D. It is commonly accepted amateur practice

  10. G2A10 Which of the following statements is true of VOX operation versus PTT operation?

    1. The received signal is more natural sounding
    2. It allows “hands free” operation
    3. It occupies less bandwidth
    4. It provides more power output
    Show answer

    B. It allows “hands free” operation

  11. G2A11 Generally, who should respond to a station in the contiguous 48 states calling “CQ DX”?

    1. Any caller is welcome to respond
    2. Only stations in Germany
    3. Any stations outside the lower 48 states
    4. Only contest stations
    Show answer

    C. Any stations outside the lower 48 states

  12. G2A12 What control is typically adjusted for proper ALC setting on a single sideband transceiver?

    1. RF clipping level
    2. Transmit audio or microphone gain
    3. Antenna inductance or capacitance
    4. Attenuator level
    Show answer

    B. Transmit audio or microphone gain

G2B

  1. G2B01 Which of the following is true concerning access to frequencies?

    1. Nets have priority
    2. QSOs in progress have priority
    3. Except during emergencies, no amateur station has priority access to any frequency
    4. Contest operations should yield to non-contest use of frequencies
    Show answer

    C. Except during emergencies, no amateur station has priority access to any frequency (97.101(b), (c))

  2. G2B02 What is the first thing you should do if you are communicating with another amateur station and hear a station in distress break in?

    1. Inform your local emergency coordinator
    2. Acknowledge the station in distress and determine what assistance may be needed
    3. Immediately decrease power to avoid interfering with the station in distress
    4. Immediately cease all transmissions
    Show answer

    B. Acknowledge the station in distress and determine what assistance may be needed

  3. G2B03 What is good amateur practice if propagation changes during a contact creating interference from other stations using the frequency?

    1. Advise the interfering stations that you are on the frequency and that you have priority
    2. Decrease power and continue to transmit
    3. Attempt to resolve the interference problem with the other stations in a mutually acceptable manner
    4. Switch to the opposite sideband
    Show answer

    C. Attempt to resolve the interference problem with the other stations in a mutually acceptable manner

  4. G2B04 When selecting a CW transmitting frequency, what minimum separation from other stations should be used to minimize interference to stations on adjacent frequencies?

    1. 5 Hz to 50 Hz
    2. 150 Hz to 500 Hz
    3. 1 kHz to 3 kHz
    4. 3 kHz to 6 kHz
    Show answer

    B. 150 Hz to 500 Hz

  5. G2B05 When selecting an SSB transmitting frequency, what minimum separation should be used to minimize interference to stations on adjacent frequencies?

    1. 5 Hz to 50 Hz
    2. 150 Hz to 500 Hz
    3. 2 kHz to 3 kHz
    4. Approximately 6 kHz
    Show answer

    C. 2 kHz to 3 kHz

  6. G2B06 How can you avoid harmful interference on an apparently clear frequency before calling CQ on CW or phone?

    1. Send “QRL?” on CW, followed by your call sign; or, if using phone, ask if the frequency is in use, followed by your call sign
    2. Listen for 2 minutes before calling CQ
    3. Send the letter “V” in Morse code several times and listen for a response, or say “test” several times and listen for a response
    4. Send “QSY” on CW or if using phone, announce “the frequency is in use,” then give your call sign and listen for a response
    Show answer

    A. Send “QRL?” on CW, followed by your call sign; or, if using phone, ask if the frequency is in use, followed by your call sign

  7. G2B07 Which of the following complies with commonly accepted amateur practice when choosing a frequency on which to initiate a call?

    1. Listen on the frequency for at least two minutes to be sure it is clear
    2. Identify your station by transmitting your call sign at least 3 times
    3. Follow the voluntary band plan
    4. All these choices are correct
    Show answer

    C. Follow the voluntary band plan

  8. G2B08 What is the voluntary band plan restriction for US stations transmitting within the 48 contiguous states in the 50.1 MHz to 50.125 MHz band segment?

    1. Only contacts with stations not within the 48 contiguous states
    2. Only contacts with other stations within the 48 contiguous states
    3. Only digital contacts
    4. Only SSTV contacts
    Show answer

    A. Only contacts with stations not within the 48 contiguous states

  9. G2B09 Who may be the control operator of an amateur station transmitting in RACES to assist relief operations during a disaster?

    1. Only a person holding an FCC-issued amateur operator license
    2. Only a RACES net control operator
    3. A person holding an FCC-issued amateur operator license or an appropriate government official
    4. Any control operator when normal communication systems are operational
    Show answer

    A. Only a person holding an FCC-issued amateur operator license (97.407(a))

  10. G2B10 Which of the following is good amateur practice for net management?

    1. Always use multiple sets of phonetics during check-in
    2. Have a backup frequency in case of interference or poor conditions
    3. Transmit the full net roster at the beginning of every session
    4. All these choices are correct
    Show answer

    B. Have a backup frequency in case of interference or poor conditions

  11. G2B11 How often may RACES training drills and tests be routinely conducted without special authorization?

    1. No more than 1 hour per month
    2. No more than 2 hours per month
    3. No more than 1 hour per week
    4. No more than 2 hours per week
    Show answer

    C. No more than 1 hour per week (97.407(d)(4))

G2C

  1. G2C01 Which of the following describes full break-in CW operation (QSK)?

    1. Breaking stations send the Morse code prosign “BK”
    2. Automatic keyers, instead of hand keys, are used to send Morse code
    3. An operator must activate a manual send/receive switch before and after every transmission
    4. Transmitting stations can receive between code characters and elements
    Show answer

    D. Transmitting stations can receive between code characters and elements

  2. G2C02 What should you do if a CW station sends “QRS?”

    1. Send slower
    2. Change frequency
    3. Increase your power
    4. Repeat everything twice
    Show answer

    A. Send slower

  3. G2C03 What does it mean when a CW operator sends “KN” at the end of a transmission?

    1. No US stations should call
    2. Operating full break-in
    3. Listening only for a specific station or stations
    4. Closing station now
    Show answer

    C. Listening only for a specific station or stations

  4. G2C04 What does the Q signal “QRL?” mean?

    1. “Will you keep the frequency clear?”
    2. “Are you operating full break-in?” or “Can you operate full break-in?”
    3. “Are you listening only for a specific station?”
    4. “Are you busy?” or “Is this frequency in use?”
    Show answer

    D. “Are you busy?” or “Is this frequency in use?”

  5. G2C05 What is the best speed to use when answering a CQ in Morse code?

    1. The fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no slower than the CQ
    2. The fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no faster than the CQ
    3. At the standard calling speed of 10 wpm
    4. At the standard calling speed of 5 wpm
    Show answer

    B. The fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no faster than the CQ

  6. G2C06 What does the term “zero beat” mean in CW operation?

    1. Matching the speed of the transmitting station
    2. Operating split to avoid interference on frequency
    3. Sending without error
    4. Matching the transmit frequency to the frequency of a received signal
    Show answer

    D. Matching the transmit frequency to the frequency of a received signal

  7. G2C07 When sending CW, what does a “C” mean when added to the RST report?

    1. Chirpy or unstable signal
    2. Report was read from an S meter rather than estimated
    3. 100 percent copy
    4. Key clicks
    Show answer

    A. Chirpy or unstable signal

  8. G2C08 What prosign is sent to indicate the end of a formal message when using CW?

    1. SK
    2. BK
    3. AR
    4. KN
    Show answer

    C. AR

  9. G2C09 What does the Q signal “QSL” mean?

    1. Send slower
    2. We have already confirmed the contact
    3. I have received and understood
    4. We have worked before
    Show answer

    C. I have received and understood

  10. G2C10 What does the Q signal “QRN” mean?

    1. Send more slowly
    2. Stop sending
    3. Zero beat my signal
    4. I am troubled by static
    Show answer

    D. I am troubled by static

  11. G2C11 What does the Q signal “QRV” mean?

    1. You are sending too fast
    2. There is interference on the frequency
    3. I am quitting for the day
    4. I am ready to receive
    Show answer

    D. I am ready to receive

G2D

  1. G2D01 What is the Volunteer Monitor Program?

    1. Amateur volunteers who are formally enlisted to monitor the airwaves for rules violations
    2. Amateur volunteers who conduct amateur licensing examinations
    3. Amateur volunteers who conduct frequency coordination for amateur VHF repeaters
    4. Amateur volunteers who use their station equipment to help civil defense organizations in times of emergency
    Show answer

    A. Amateur volunteers who are formally enlisted to monitor the airwaves for rules violations

  2. G2D02 Which of the following are objectives of the Volunteer Monitor Program?

    1. To conduct efficient and orderly amateur licensing examinations
    2. To provide emergency and public safety communications
    3. To coordinate repeaters for efficient and orderly spectrum usage
    4. To encourage amateur radio operators to self-regulate and comply with the rules
    Show answer

    D. To encourage amateur radio operators to self-regulate and comply with the rules

  3. G2D03 What procedure may be used by Volunteer Monitors to localize a station whose continuous carrier is holding a repeater on in their area?

    1. Compare vertical and horizontal signal strengths on the input frequency
    2. Compare beam headings on the repeater input from their home locations with that of other Volunteer Monitors
    3. Compare signal strengths between the input and output of the repeater
    4. All these choices are correct
    Show answer

    B. Compare beam headings on the repeater input from their home locations with that of other Volunteer Monitors

  4. G2D04 Which of the following describes an azimuthal projection map?

    1. A map that shows accurate land masses
    2. A map that shows true bearings and distances from a specific location
    3. A map that shows the angle at which an amateur satellite crosses the equator
    4. A map that shows the number of degrees longitude that an amateur satellite appears to move westward at the equator with each orbit
    Show answer

    B. A map that shows true bearings and distances from a specific location

  5. G2D05 Which of the following indicates that you are looking for an HF contact with any station?

    1. Sign your call sign once, followed by the words “listening for a call” -- if no answer, change frequency and repeat
    2. Say “QTC” followed by “this is” and your call sign -- if no answer, change frequency and repeat
    3. Repeat “CQ” a few times, followed by “this is,” then your call sign a few times, then pause to listen, repeat as necessary
    4. Transmit an unmodulated carried for approximately 10 seconds, followed by “this is” and your call sign, and pause to listen -- repeat as necessary
    Show answer

    C. Repeat “CQ” a few times, followed by “this is,” then your call sign a few times, then pause to listen, repeat as necessary

  6. G2D06 How is a directional antenna pointed when making a “long-path” contact with another station?

    1. Toward the rising sun
    2. Along the gray line
    3. 180 degrees from the station’s short-path heading
    4. Toward the north
    Show answer

    C. 180 degrees from the station’s short-path heading

  7. G2D07 Which of the following are examples of the NATO Phonetic Alphabet?

    1. Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog
    2. Adam, Boy, Charles, David
    3. America, Boston, Canada, Denmark
    4. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta
    Show answer

    D. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta

  8. G2D08 Why do many amateurs keep a station log?

    1. The FCC requires a log of all international contacts
    2. The FCC requires a log of all international third-party traffic
    3. The log provides evidence of operation needed to renew a license without retest
    4. To help with a reply if the FCC requests information about your station
    Show answer

    D. To help with a reply if the FCC requests information about your station

  9. G2D09 Which of the following is required when participating in a contest on HF frequencies?

    1. Submit a log to the contest sponsor
    2. Send a QSL card to the stations worked, or QSL via Logbook of The World
    3. Identify your station according to normal FCC regulations
    4. All these choices are correct
    Show answer

    C. Identify your station according to normal FCC regulations

  10. G2D10 What is QRP operation?

    1. Remote piloted model control
    2. Low-power transmit operation
    3. Transmission using Quick Response Protocol
    4. Traffic relay procedure net operation
    Show answer

    B. Low-power transmit operation

  11. G2D11 Why are signal reports typically exchanged at the beginning of an HF contact?

    1. To allow each station to operate according to conditions
    2. To be sure the contact will count for award programs
    3. To follow standard radiogram structure
    4. To allow each station to calibrate their frequency display
    Show answer

    A. To allow each station to operate according to conditions

G2E

  1. G2E01 Which mode is normally used when sending RTTY signals via AFSK with an SSB transmitter?

    1. USB
    2. DSB
    3. CW
    4. LSB
    Show answer

    D. LSB

  2. G2E02 What is VARA?

    1. A low signal-to-noise digital mode used for EME (moonbounce)
    2. A digital protocol used with Winlink
    3. A radio direction finding system used on VHF and UHF
    4. DX spotting system using a network of software defined radios
    Show answer

    B. A digital protocol used with Winlink

  3. G2E03 What symptoms may result from other signals interfering with a PACTOR or VARA transmission?

    1. Frequent retries or timeouts
    2. Long pauses in message transmission
    3. Failure to establish a connection between stations
    4. All these choices are correct
    Show answer

    D. All these choices are correct

  4. G2E04 Which of the following is good practice when choosing a transmitting frequency to answer a station calling CQ using FT8?

    1. Always call on the station’s frequency
    2. Call on any frequency in the waterfall except the station’s frequency
    3. Find a clear frequency during the same time slot as the calling station
    4. Find a clear frequency during the alternate time slot to the calling station
    Show answer

    D. Find a clear frequency during the alternate time slot to the calling station

  5. G2E05 What is the standard sideband for JT65, JT9, FT4, or FT8 digital signal when using AFSK?

    1. LSB
    2. USB
    3. DSB
    4. SSB
    Show answer

    B. USB

  6. G2E06 What is the most common frequency shift for RTTY emissions in the amateur HF bands?

    1. 85 Hz
    2. 170 Hz
    3. 425 Hz
    4. 850 Hz
    Show answer

    B. 170 Hz

  7. G2E07 Which of the following is required when using FT8?

    1. A special hardware modem
    2. Computer time accurate to within approximately 1 second
    3. Receiver attenuator set to -12 dB
    4. A vertically polarized antenna
    Show answer

    B. Computer time accurate to within approximately 1 second

  8. G2E08 In what segment of the 20-meter band are most digital mode operations commonly found?

    1. At the bottom of the slow-scan TV segment, near 14.230 MHz
    2. At the top of the SSB phone segment, near 14.325 MHz
    3. In the middle of the CW segment, near 14.100 MHz
    4. Between 14.070 MHz and 14.100 MHz
    Show answer

    D. Between 14.070 MHz and 14.100 MHz

  9. G2E09 How do you join a contact between two stations using the PACTOR protocol?

    1. Send broadcast packets containing your call sign while in MONITOR mode
    2. Transmit a steady carrier until the PACTOR protocol times out and disconnects
    3. Joining an existing contact is not possible, PACTOR connections are limited to two stations
    4. Send a NAK code
    Show answer

    C. Joining an existing contact is not possible, PACTOR connections are limited to two stations

  10. G2E10 Which of the following is a way to establish contact with a digital messaging system gateway station?

    1. Send an email to the system control operator
    2. Send QRL in Morse code
    3. Respond when the station broadcasts its SSID
    4. Transmit a connect message on the station’s published frequency
    Show answer

    D. Transmit a connect message on the station’s published frequency

  11. G2E11 What is the primary purpose of an Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) mesh network?

    1. To provide FM repeater coverage in remote areas
    2. To provide real time propagation data by monitoring amateur radio transmissions worldwide
    3. To provide high-speed data services during an emergency or community event
    4. To provide DX spotting reports to aid contesters and DXers
    Show answer

    C. To provide high-speed data services during an emergency or community event

  12. G2E12 Which of the following describes Winlink?

    1. An amateur radio wireless network to send and receive email on the internet
    2. A form of Packet Radio
    3. A wireless network capable of both VHF and HF band operation
    4. All these choices are correct
    Show answer

    D. All these choices are correct

  13. G2E13 What is another name for a Winlink Remote Message Server?

    1. Terminal Node Controller
    2. Gateway
    3. RJ-45
    4. Printer/Server
    Show answer

    B. Gateway

  14. G2E14 What could be wrong if you cannot decode an RTTY or other FSK signal even though it is apparently tuned in properly?

    1. The mark and space frequencies may be reversed
    2. You may have selected the wrong baud rate
    3. You may be listening on the wrong sideband
    4. All these choices are correct
    Show answer

    D. All these choices are correct

  15. G2E15 Which of the following is a common location for FT8?

    1. Anywhere in the voice portion of the band
    2. Anywhere in the CW portion of the band
    3. Approximately 14.074 MHz to 14.077 MHz
    4. Approximately 14.110 MHz to 14.113 MHz
    Show answer

    C. Approximately 14.074 MHz to 14.077 MHz

Questions: NCVEC Question Pool Committee (public domain). Pool valid July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2027.