Login or Register for FREE!
Subelement E2

OPERATING PROCEDURES

Section E2E

Operating methods: digital modes and procedures for HF

Which of the following types of modulation is used for data emissions below 30 MHz?

  • DTMF tones modulating an FM signal
  • Correct Answer
    FSK
  • Pulse modulation
  • Spread spectrum

Below 30 megahertz, DTMF with FM signal would take a large amount of bandwidth as well as spread spectrum. The only other options left are Pulse modulation, and FSK.

Commonly, Frequency shift keying is used on these bands, which modulates the frequency a bit with data.

Silly memory aid: The question asks about modulation below 30 MHz. FSK is the shortest/smallest answer.

Last edited by m0j0. Register to edit

Tags: none

Which of the following synchronizes WSJT-X digital mode transmit/receive timing?

  • Alignment of frequency shifts
  • Correct Answer
    Synchronization of computer clocks
  • Sync-field transmission
  • Sync-pulse timing
This question does not yet have an explanation! Register to add one

Tags: none

To what does the "4" in FT4 refer?

  • Multiples of 4 bits of user information
  • Correct Answer
    Four-tone continuous-phase frequency shift keying
  • Four transmit/receive cycles per minute
  • All these choices are correct
This question does not yet have an explanation! Register to add one

Tags: none

Which of the following is characteristic of the FST4 mode?

  • Four-tone Gaussian frequency shift keying
  • Variable transmit/receive periods
  • Seven different tone spacings
  • Correct Answer
    All these choices are correct
This question does not yet have an explanation! Register to add one

Tags: none

Which of these digital modes does not support keyboard-to-keyboard operation?

  • Correct Answer
    WSPR
  • RTTY
  • PSK31
  • MFSK16

Keyboard-to-keyboard operation refers to the situation where you type characters and they're sent as a simple sequence of characters, one after the other. RTTY, PSK31 and MFSK all operate in this manner, which can be thought of almost like alternate forms of machine CW.

PACTOR, on the other hand, is a packet protocol that requires information to be divided up into packets which have header and footer information for features like data compression, error detection and acknowledgement messages for automatic repeat request (ARQ). Therefore it does not support "keyboard-to-keyboard" operation.

Just remember that PACTOR is for packets, not for keyboards typing to each other.

Last edited by marvsherman419. Register to edit

Tags: none

What is the length of an FT8 transmission cycle?

  • It varies with the amount of data
  • 8 seconds
  • Correct Answer
    15 seconds
  • 30 seconds
This question does not yet have an explanation! Register to add one

Tags: none

How does Q65 differ from JT65?

  • Keyboard-to keyboard operation is supported
  • Quadrature modulation is used
  • Correct Answer
    Multiple receive cycles are averaged
  • All these choices are correct
This question does not yet have an explanation! Register to add one

Tags: none

Which of the following HF digital modes can be used to transfer binary files?

  • PSK31
  • Correct Answer
    PACTOR
  • RTTY
  • AMTOR

PACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. Of the choices presented it is the best mode to transfer binary files. Not to say it cannot be done in other modes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PACTOR

Sill Hint: An pACTOR can be either a male or female (Binary)

Last edited by sparkie855. Register to edit

Tags: none

Which of the following HF digital modes uses variable-length character coding?

  • RTTY
  • PACTOR
  • MT63
  • Correct Answer
    PSK31

Similar to the way Morse Code has different lengths for different characters (E is one dot) PSK31 uses variable length coding where the most used characters are given shorter lengths to save bandwidth.

It was originally called varicode by its inventor, an amateur radio operator.

SILLY HINT: Question has "length" in it. Only two answers have numbers in them that you could use to measure a length. The correct "ONE," has "1" in it - D

Last edited by sparkie855. Register to edit

Tags: none

Which of these digital modes has the narrowest bandwidth?

  • MFSK16
  • 170 Hz shift, 45-baud RTTY
  • Correct Answer
    FT8
  • PACTOR IV

PSK31 operates with a very narrow bandwidth of only 31Hz, with contacts spaced as close as 100Hz apart. As many as 20 conversations can be realistically squeezed into the bandwidth of a single 2.5KHz SSB transmission. [PSK31 Spectrum efficiency on Wikipedia]

MFSK16 uses about 316 Hz bandwidth.

Hint: (PSK) Pretty SKinny

Last edited by ironcal67. Register to edit

Tags: none

What is the difference between direct FSK and audio FSK?

  • Correct Answer
    Direct FSK modulates the transmitter VFO
  • Direct FSK occupies less bandwidth
  • Direct FSK can transmit higher baud rates
  • All these choices are correct

Amateur transceivers use two different methods to modulate a signal using FSK: direct FSK and audio FSK. The difference between direct FSK and audio FSK is that direct FSK applies the data signal to the transmitter VFO. (E2E11) When using audio FSK, audio, typically from a computer sound card, is used to shift the frequency of the transmitted signal.

Note that only one answer addresses both Direct FSK and AFSK as presented in the question.

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: none

How do ALE stations establish contact?

  • Correct Answer
    ALE constantly scans a list of frequencies, activating the radio when the designated call sign is received
  • ALE radios monitor an internet site for the frequency they are being paged on
  • ALE radios send a constant tone code to establish a frequency for future use
  • ALE radios activate when they hear their signal echoed by back scatter

ALE is Automatic Link Establishment, the standard for digitally initiating and sustaining HF radio communications in an automated manner. You can think of it as an automated way of calling for a specific station and answering that call.

When attempting to call another station, an operator enters an ALE address into the radio. The calling radio selects an idle channel (frequency in its list) and transmits call messages. On the radio waiting for a call, ALE constantly scans a list of frequencies, activating the radio when the designated call sign is received. "The designated call sign" means the radio's own call sign.

There's a decent article about ALE on Wikipedia for those wanting more information.

Last edited by zekeabrams116. Register to edit

Tags: none

Which of these digital modes has the highest data throughput under clear communication conditions?

  • MFSK16
  • 170 Hz shift, 45 baud RTTY
  • FT8
  • Correct Answer
    PACTOR IV
This question does not yet have an explanation! Register to add one

Tags: none

Go to E2D Go to E3A