New Questions for the Question Pool

[ab8ro]

I imagine the QRZ crew can come up with great questions to increase the size of the quesiton pool. Desigining good test questions takes time and review, however, and I believe that the QRZ crew has the skills and motivation to do that. Since the questions will be published in the pools there's no reason not to discuss them in the open.

So post what you think would be a good question for the pools in this thread.

Please identify which pool (Tech, General, Extra) and the subsection if you wish, although both may be debated by QRZ members.

Other posters may then discuss the question offering suggestions to improve it, make it less ambiguous, less easy to guess or memorize, etc.

This is not a place to criticize the intentions of the license holder, only the questions.

[w8ob]

Given the curren changes to ham bands the following are good starting questions

How did you get into this room
a. walked
b. skate board
c. flew
d. all of the above


What do you do when you have an itch.
a. take a shower
b. scratch
c. operate 2 meters
d. all of the above


If someone asked you how to build a dipole
a. Recite from memory the answer in the license guide
b. Tell them the telephone number of your favorite ham store
c. Don't care I operate shack on a belt
d. Make up some answer that sounds correct


When you are operating HF and hear two stations right at the noise level you:
a. go ahead and use the frequency they can't hear me anyway
b. ask if the frequency is busy
c. Give a big breaker breaker to clear the channel
d. Find another clear frequency to use.


Sorry just could not resist this one.

[ab8ro]

You couldn't resist? Do you have some kind of disability?

Perhaps you'd like to turn your post into something productive such as a suggestion for even just one legitimate question? It's pretty easty to complain after all, it's a bit more difficult to contribute productively to the amateur community.

[af2cw]

While I applaud your efforts here, we all know that the NCVEC would have the final say on any questions submitted. After seeing their NPRM which stated that the entry level exam was too complex, it would be a good assumption that the questions, whether published or not, won't be getting any harder.

[ab8ro]

Quote[/b] (af2cw @ Dec. 19 2006,18:18)]While I applaud your efforts here, we all know that the NCVEC would have the final say on any questions submitted. After seeing their NPRM which stated that the entry level exam was too complex, it would be a good assumption that the questions, whether published or not, won't be getting any harder.
Rich,

The point is to come up with legitimate questions to submit. Every amatuer can submit questions. Moreover, you are not restricted to submitting questions only for the entry level exam.

Here is an idea: Take a group of questions that already exist in the extra exam and write new questions that use similar langauge but are sufficiently different in content that those who only memorized might get them confused whereas those who know the material would not.

One thing is for certain. If those of you who wish things to change never do anything about it, then nothing will change. If you don't submit any questions then you really have nothing to complain about when the NCVEC makes decisions that you don't like.

[K7JEM]

Start us out with one. I can think of lots of questions, just don't know how good they would be.

1. If a two meter FM radio draws 12 amps in transmit, at 13 volts, and has an overall efficiency of 50%, what is it's output power?

A. 156 watts

B. 78 watts

C. 43 watts

D. 103 watts

2. If a preamp is added to a receiver that improves the sensitivity by 6 dB, what will the new sensitivity be if it is 1 microvolt without the preamp?

A. .707 uV

B. .5 uV

C. .25 uV

D. Not enough info to solve this problem.


3. An FM radio puts out 50 watts. Its overall efficiency is 50%. It is running off a power supply with an efficiency of 80%. What amount of power is the AC source providing?

A. 125 watts

B. 80 watts

C. 400 watts

D. 100 watts

[KA4DPO]

Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,17:26)]Quote[/b] (af2cw @ Dec. 19 2006,18:18)]While I applaud your efforts here, we all know that the NCVEC would have the final say on any questions submitted. After seeing their NPRM which stated that the entry level exam was too complex, it would be a good assumption that the questions, whether published or not, won't be getting any harder.
Rich,

The point is to come up with legitimate questions to submit. Every amatuer can submit questions. Moreover, you are not restricted to submitting questions only for the entry level exam.

Here is an idea: Take a group of questions that already exist in the extra exam and write new questions that use similar langauge but are sufficiently different in content that those who only memorized might get them confused whereas those who know the material would not.

One thing is for certain. If those of you who wish things to change never do anything about it, then nothing will change. If you don't submit any questions then you really have nothing to complain about when the NCVEC makes decisions that you don't like.
You seem to be a pretty vocal critic of almost everyone. I challenge you to take the lead on this issue.

[kd0adz]

Quote[/b] (w8ob @ Dec. 20 2006,16:57)]Given the curren changes to ham bands the following are good starting questions

How did you get into this room
a. walked
b. skate board
c. flew
d. all of the above


What do you do when you have an itch.
a. take a shower
b. scratch
c. operate 2 meters
d. all of the above


If someone asked you how to build a dipole
a. Recite from memory the answer in the license guide
b. Tell them the telephone number of your favorite ham store
c. Don't care I operate shack on a belt
d. Make up some answer that sounds correct


When you are operating HF and hear two stations right at the noise level you:
a. go ahead and use the frequency they can't hear me anyway
b. ask if the frequency is busy
c. Give a big breaker breaker to clear the channel
d. Find another clear frequency to use.


Sorry just could not resist this one.
Thats GOOD,I Like your humor,,the answer to
#3 is frquency Divided by 468.for a half wave that is,
or by 234 for a quarter wave....
1st,You Scratch
2nd,You take shower
3rd,You operate 2 meters,,or that really
Freedom of speech group on 75meters.

Sorry,had to reply to that one..
Merry Christmas___http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
ki4fdx http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ab8ro]

Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ Dec. 19 2006,18:31)]Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,17:26)]Quote[/b] (af2cw @ Dec. 19 2006,18:18)]While I applaud your efforts here, we all know that the NCVEC would have the final say on any questions submitted. After seeing their NPRM which stated that the entry level exam was too complex, it would be a good assumption that the questions, whether published or not, won't be getting any harder.
Rich,

The point is to come up with legitimate questions to submit. Every amatuer can submit questions. Moreover, you are not restricted to submitting questions only for the entry level exam.

Here is an idea: Take a group of questions that already exist in the extra exam and write new questions that use similar langauge but are sufficiently different in content that those who only memorized might get them confused whereas those who know the material would not.

One thing is for certain. If those of you who wish things to change never do anything about it, then nothing will change. If you don't submit any questions then you really have nothing to complain about when the NCVEC makes decisions that you don't like.
You seem to be a pretty vocal critic of almost everyone. #I challenge you to take the lead on this issue.
I believe that I did. I started the thread. You won't hear me complain that the tests are too easy or inappropriate. I am satisfied with the job that the NCVEC is doing.

However, many are complaining that the exam is too easily memorized. There is a simple way to correct that which is within the power and authority of any ham. That is simply to increase the size of the question pool.

QRZ is an excellent forum to discuss questions as there are many technical experts that visit the site. Many have expressed a desire to elmer, to help out when asked. Well, here you go, an opportunity to help out, to contribute to make amateur radio better as you see it.

If you are not satisfied with the current question pool then it is within your power, some might argue responsibility, to try to change it. In my experience, writing good test questions is difficult, hence a group effort should be beneficial.

[ab8ro]

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 19 2006,18:28)]Start us out with one. I can think of lots of questions, just don't know how good they would be.

1. If a two meter FM radio draws 12 amps in transmit, at 13 volts, and has an overall efficiency of 50%, what is it's output power?

A. 156 watts

B. 78 watts

C. 43 watts

D. 103 watts

2. If a preamp is added to a receiver that improves the sensitivity by 6 dB, what will the new sensitivity be if it is 1 microvolt without the preamp?

A. .707 uV

B. .5 uV

C. .25 uV

D. Not enough info to solve this problem.


3. An FM radio puts out 50 watts. Its overall efficiency is 50%. It is running off a power supply with an efficiency of 80%. What amount of power is the AC source providing?

A. 125 watts

B. 80 watts

C. 400 watts

D. 100 watts
Thanks for contributing on a serious note Joe. I will save the technical corrections for our resident experts. I will limit my own input to testing langauge and issues only.

Take for example

Quote[/b] ]
An FM radio puts out 50 watts


While we all know what that means, it isn't very precise. Do you mean that it has an RF output power of 50 watts, or is it one of those Bose table radios with a 50 watt audio amplifier?

[af2cw]

Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,19:26)]Quote[/b] (af2cw @ Dec. 19 2006,18:18)]While I applaud your efforts here, we all know that the NCVEC would have the final say on any questions submitted. After seeing their NPRM which stated that the entry level exam was too complex, it would be a good assumption that the questions, whether published or not, won't be getting any harder.
Rich,

The point is to come up with legitimate questions to submit. Every amatuer can submit questions. Moreover, you are not restricted to submitting questions only for the entry level exam.

Here is an idea: Take a group of questions that already exist in the extra exam and write new questions that use similar langauge but are sufficiently different in content that those who only memorized might get them confused whereas those who know the material would not.

One thing is for certain. If those of you who wish things to change never do anything about it, then nothing will change. If you don't submit any questions then you really have nothing to complain about when the NCVEC makes decisions that you don't like.
Gee thanks Dad, I didn't know I could submit questions for other license exams, wow, what will they think of next? I'll leave you to your all knowing thread. #Since you are the only one that knows anything (wait, let me stop laughing for a second, OK) you should write up all the exams so this way you will know the exams are the way they are supposed to be, in your mind of course.

Happy Holidays folks.

[K7JEM]

"A 2M FM transmitter has an RF output power of 50 watts"

[ab8ro]

Quote[/b] (af2cw @ Dec. 19 2006,18:53)]Gee thanks Dad, I didn't know I could submit questions for other license exams, wow, what will they think of next? I'll leave you to your all knowing thread. #Since you are the only one that knows anything (wait, let me stop laughing for a second, OK) you should write up all the exams so this way you will know the exams are the way they are supposed to be, in your mind of course.

Happy Holidays folks.
Huh?

You will note, as stated above, #that I have no complaint about the exams. You clearly do as you have expressed so above. The thread is a forum for those of you who do not like the exams to affect change.

I predicted elsewhere that those who don't like the exams would rather complain than contribute in a positive attempt at change. Again, I invite all of the resident experts to prove me incorrect.

Here's another idea, for example. The FCC has stated in the recent R&O that they wish to treat morse the same as other modes. Since the other modes include questions in the written exam then it follows that there should now be questions on morse in the written exam.

So, for those of you who are morse experts and want to see morse perpetuated, what kinds of questions should new general and extra class operators be asked on the written test about the mode?

[KC0NBW]

how about this.

a question is added to the pool for the general and extra that says ''the examiners will now play an audio recording of morse code for you, what does it say ''

and then they have several answers to choose from http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[ab8ro]

Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 19 2006,19:21)]how about this.

a question is added to the pool for the general and extra #that says #''the examiners will now play an audio recording of morse code for you, what does it say ''

and then they have several answers to choose from #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
It's time to move towards acceptance. Morse testing is history in the United States. You can either contribute positively to the change or bury your head in the sand.

To those who actually know something about morse, here's another idea:

Can you think of good questions which ensures that a licensee knows what the prosigns mean?

[KD6NIG]

Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 20 2006,18:21)]how about this.

a question is added to the pool for the general and extra that says ''the examiners will now play an audio recording of morse code for you, what does it say ''

and then they have several answers to choose from http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
What did you just hear?

A) Morse Code
B) A cool new cell phone ringtone
C) The beginning of the next Pop album hit
D) The sound a modem makes when it hooks to the internet


As long as you didn't ask about content, the question would work http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[kc7jty]

If an Old Time op breaks off a contact when he discovers you are a no code extra you should.

#(A) Tell him where to go
#(B) #Sign and forget it.
© #Contact Tater & Mushmouse on the CB and get
# # # #them to come onto the band and harass the OT.
#(D) #Inform all the other no code extras of the OT's
# # # #call and tell them to be on the watch for him.

[KI4PEQ]

K7JEM hit the nail on the head. I wish I had more questions on my Tech exam like that! I think that the Technician test NEEDS to be more technically oriented.

My only frame of reference going to the Tech test was the Third Phone ticket test I took in 1977. I knew that the answers to the question pool were in my study guide, but committing the answers to memory did not seem to be the right way to do things. Practice, practice, practice works for me.

I was disappointed in the test. I brought my scientific calculator with me thinking I was going to have to use it for a lot of the questions. Nope. I could do the math in my head or on paper. TOO MANY questions on rules and regs. A balance of half rules and procedures and half practical questions involving calculations of power, voltage, resistance, reactance, etc. would have made a better test. It was what I was expecting.

I am not particularly good at higher math, but I can understand basic electronics princples. As we are supposed to further the radio art, a set of pool questions that are predominantly rules based is doing a disservice to the amateur community.

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Dec. 20 2006,19:25)]If an Old Time op breaks off a contact when he discovers you are a no code extra you should.

#(A) Tell him where to go
#(B) #Sign and forget it.
#© #Contact Tater & Mushmouse on the CB and get
# # # #them to come onto the band and harass the OT.
#(D) #Inform all the other no code extras of the OT's
# # # #call and tell them to be on the watch for him.
the only acceptable answer is b.

how many would do that though, i can just hear the qrm now.

[K0HWY]

Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,19:44)]There is a simple way to correct that which is within the power and authority of any ham. That is simply to increase the size of the question pool.
There's an even easier way. You could even REDUCE the size of the question pool. Don't publish the test questions!

OK, I'll admit that's not a very realistic scenario, but it is extremely simple.

[ab8ro]

Quote[/b] (K0HWY @ Dec. 19 2006,22:02)]Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,19:44)]There is a simple way to correct that which is within the power and authority of any ham. That is simply to increase the size of the question pool.
There's an even easier way. You could even REDUCE the size of the question pool. Don't publish the test questions!

OK, I'll admit that's not a very realistic scenario, but it is extremely simple.
That's not within your present authority. Changing the pool is.

[K0HWY]

Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,23:12)]Quote[/b] (K0HWY @ Dec. 19 2006,22:02)]Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,19:44)]There is a simple way to correct that which is within the power and authority of any ham. That is simply to increase the size of the question pool.
There's an even easier way. You could even REDUCE the size of the question pool. Don't publish the test questions!

OK, I'll admit that's not a very realistic scenario, but it is extremely simple.
That's not within your present authority. Changing the pool is.
Oh! For a moment there I thought I read, "There is a simple way to correct that which is within the power and authority of any ham. That is simply to increase the size of the question pool."

So, I have the authority to INCREASE the size of the question pool but no authority to DECREASE it. Increasing the pool is defined as changing it but decreasing it is defined as....something else?

[KG6YTZ]

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,16:28)]Start us out with one. I can think of lots of questions, just don't know how good they would be.
I'll go with B, C, and D. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Edit: Uhhhh... #No. #Wait. #What is the AC source providing?

Make that B, C, and... uh... A?

[K7JEM]

Quote[/b] (KG6YTZ @ Dec. 20 2006,21:30)]Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,16:28)]Start us out with one. I can think of lots of questions, just don't know how good they would be.
I'll go with B, C, and D. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
You got one right.

[K7JEM]

Quote[/b] (K0HWY @ Dec. 20 2006,21:26)]Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,23:12)]Quote[/b] (K0HWY @ Dec. 19 2006,22:02)]Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,19:44)]There is a simple way to correct that which is within the power and authority of any ham. That is simply to increase the size of the question pool.
There's an even easier way. You could even REDUCE the size of the question pool. Don't publish the test questions!

OK, I'll admit that's not a very realistic scenario, but it is extremely simple.
That's not within your present authority. Changing the pool is.
Oh! For a moment there I thought I read, "There is a simple way to correct that which is within the power and authority of any ham. That is simply to increase the size of the question pool."

So, I have the authority to INCREASE the size of the question pool but no authority to DECREASE it. Increasing the pool is defined as changing it but decreasing it is defined as....something else?
1. What are the requirements for each question pool?

a. They have to be made available to the public, and be at least ten times the questions on the test.

b. They are chosen by the local VE teams, and must be published on the FCC website.

c. Each VEC may choose the questions to be used by their VE's, as long as they are published.

d. The FCC will choose the questions, and they will be published in the Federal Register

[KG6YTZ]

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,20:41)]Quote[/b] (KG6YTZ @ Dec. 20 2006,21:30)]Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,16:28)]Start us out with one. I can think of lots of questions, just don't know how good they would be.
I'll go with B, C, and D. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
You got one right.
Just one? Hm.

[N2RJ]

(Extra)On which of the following frequencies may an Extra class licensee legally operate LSB on the 40 meter band?

A. 7.125MHz
B. 7.089MHz
C. 7.128MHz
D. Screw 40m, 11 meters is where it's at, 10-4 good buddy?

(Extra)You notice that the SWR reading at the input of your grounded grid tube amplifier has increased to approximately 2:1 when you key the exciter, and increases to 4:1 within 2 seconds. When the amplifier is bypassed and the transmitter connected directly to the antenna, the SWR is at 1.1:1. What is the most likely cause of this problem?

A. The line voltage is too low
B. The input tank circuit needs readjustment
C. The output tank circuit needs to be readjusted
D. You need to reseat the tubes with the power turned on, just make sure your will is in order first and you have life insurance.

(General)If treated as a digital mode, how many digital states does the emission mode A1A have?

A. Five
B. Two
C. Eight
D. CW is not a digital mode. It's a dinosaur mode used by OF's and suckups.

(General) Where may the emission mode J2D be used on the 80 meter band?

A. 3.500MHz
B. 3.950MHz
C. 3.590MHz
D. None of the above.

[K7JEM]

Quote[/b] (KG6YTZ @ Dec. 20 2006,21:30)]Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,16:28)]Start us out with one. I can think of lots of questions, just don't know how good they would be.
I'll go with B, C, and D. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Edit: Uhhhh... No. Wait. What is the AC source providing?

Make that B, C, and... uh... A?
Two are right.

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,19:48)]While we all know what that means, it isn't very precise. Do you mean that it has an RF output power of 50 watts, or is it one of those Bose table radios with a 50 watt audio amplifier?
Kidding aside, the answer would be the same regardless.

[N2RJ]

(Tech)In a mobile radio installation, a fuse of the appropriate size should be installed:

A. On the positive lead, no more than 18 inches from the battery
B. On the negative lead only, no more than 18 inches from the battery
C. On both leads, 18 inches from the radio only
D. No fuse is required. The radio's fuse is sufficient.

[N2RJ]

(Tech)A resistor with the color coding brown black orange has a resistance of:

A. 100 ohms
B. 10k ohms
C. 1 megohm
D. None of the above

(General)Where is the majority of energy radiated from in an inverted vee dipole?

A. Close to the center
B. Close to the end
C. In the middle
D. Evenly throughout the wire

(Gen)One of your neighbors is complaining of interference to their television set. The picture loses color. Which band would you be operating on that would most likely cause the problem?

A. 40 meters
B. 2 meters
C. 80 meters
D. 10 meters

[KG6YTZ]

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,21:10)]I'll go with B, C, and D. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Edit: Uhhhh... #No. #Wait. #What is the AC source providing?

Make that B, C, and... uh... #A?
Two are right.[/quote]
Oooookay... #Logically, then, my new third answer must be correct, so...

My reasoning on the second one was... #A 3 dB increase is a doubling of signal strength. #Conversely, a 3 dB decrease is a halving of signal strength. #If the preamp improves sensitivity by 6 dB, which is 1 uV without it... #Increase sensitivity by 3 dB, and you can now detect .5 uV. #Increase by 3 dB again, and you can detect half of .5, or .25 uV. #[Another 3 dB, and you can detect .125 uV?]

If that's right, then the first one is wrong. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #Damned if I can figure out why, though... #12 amps, 13 volts... #Watts = volts X amps. #12A X 13V = 156W. #If the TX is 50% efficient, then the rig is transmitting 50% of 156W, or 78W.

I'm baffled as to why either one might be wrong.

[K7JEM]

Quote[/b] (KG6YTZ @ Dec. 20 2006,22:24)]Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,21:10)]I'll go with B, C, and D. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Edit: Uhhhh... No. Wait. What is the AC source providing?

Make that B, C, and... uh... A?
Two are right.
Oooookay... Logically, then, my new third answer must be correct, so...

My reasoning on the second one was... A 3 dB increase is a doubling of signal strength. Conversely, a 3 dB decrease is a halving of signal strength. If the preamp improves sensitivity by 6 dB, which is 1 uV without it... Increase sensitivity by 3 dB, and you can now detect .5 uV. Increase by 3 dB again, and you can detect half of .5, or .25 uV. [Another 3 dB, and you can detect .125 uV?]

If that's right, then the first one is wrong. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Damned if I can figure out why, though... 12 amps, 13 volts... Watts = volts X amps. 12A X 13V = 156W. If the TX is 50% efficient, then the rig is transmitting 50% of 156W, or 78W.

I'm baffled as to why either one might be wrong.[/QUOTE]
You've fallen into a thought pattern that the second question was designed to exploit. Everyone knows that 3 dB is half power, so 6 dB is one fourth, right?

But the question is asking about voltage, not power. A 6 dB drop in voltage is half of the voltage.

.5 uV is the correct answer.

This is not a trick question, but it is something that many people will miss. I've had arguments before with people that insist that if you go from 1uV to 2uV it is a 3dB increase, when it is actually 6dB.

Joe

[ab8ro]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Dec. 19 2006,23:12)]Quote[/b] (ab8ro @ Dec. 20 2006,19:48)]While we all know what that means, it isn't very precise. Do you mean that it has an RF output power of 50 watts, or is it one of those Bose table radios with a 50 watt audio amplifier?
Kidding aside, the answer would be the same regardless.
Of course you're right, if we are talking about properly measured or calculated output power. My point was that the phrase "puts out" is not precise.

[KL7FZ]

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,17:28)]Start us out with one. I can think of lots of questions, just don't know how good they would be.

1. If a two meter FM radio draws 12 amps in transmit, at 13 volts, and has an overall efficiency of 50%, what is it's output power?

A. 156 watts

B. 78 watts

C. 43 watts

D. 103 watts
All the answers are incorrect as there is not enough info to determine the output power.
Granted that 12 amps x 13 V = 156 W divided by 2 = 78. #One of the answers. But this does not account for the current consumption of the driver stage (generally the second largest amount of current drain in the rig on TX) and all the other circuitry leading up to the driver/final. Including dial lights and displays, which these days do account for a large amount of drain.
If the question had disallowed the current drain of all stages prior to the PA and stated that the current was all confined in the final then the question would be valid. The correct answer would be less than 78 watts and probably more than the 43. But more info would be needed to have the correct answer.

#KL7FZ

[K7JEM]

Quote[/b] (KL7FZ @ Dec. 20 2006,23:29)]Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,17:28)]Start us out with one. I can think of lots of questions, just don't know how good they would be.

1. If a two meter FM radio draws 12 amps in transmit, at 13 volts, and has an overall efficiency of 50%, what is it's output power?

A. 156 watts

B. 78 watts

C. 43 watts

D. 103 watts
All the answers are incorrect as there is not enough info to determine the output power.
Granted that 12 amps x 13 V = 156 W divided by 2 = 78. One of the answers. But this does not account for the current consumption of the driver stage (generally the second largest amount of current drain in the rig on TX) and all the other circuitry leading up to the driver/final. Including dial lights and displays, which these days do account for a large amount of drain.
If the question had disallowed the current drain of all stages prior to the PA and stated that the current was all confined in the final then the question would be valid. The correct answer would be less than 78 watts and probably more than the 43. But more info would be needed to have the correct answer.

KL7FZ
It's looking at the overall efficiency of the radio, not just the finals. Yes, that includes the drivers and panel lights, etc. This is not a question about final amp efficiency, but rather total efficiency, and requiring the applicant to figure power from volts and amps, and then figure efficiency (overall) of the radio itself.

This is a concept that people don't think too much about, but all of the power that isn't going out the antenna port is being dissipated as heat in the radio.

Perhaps it's a poor question. In reality, the best thing to do for these new questions would be to take existing questions and modify the parameters. That way there would be no "surprises" on the test. Even if you couldn't memorize all the answers, you could certainly figure what kind of questions would be asked.

Joe

[KG6YTZ]

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,21:39)]This is not a trick question, but it is something that many people will miss. I've had arguments before with people that insist that if you go from 1uV to 2uV it is a 3dB increase, when it is actually 6dB.
Uh... okay. <shrug> #I'll take your word for it, and assume that this is something I can look up somewhere.

Frankly, I've never heard [or read] anything about a halving or doubling of voltage being a 6 dB difference. #However, that statement means one thing and one thing only - that I've never heard or read anything about that. #Now, if I had myself a copy of, say, the ARRL Handbook, then maybe I might have read about it.

KL7FZ said:
Quote[/b] ]All the answers are incorrect as there is not enough info to determine the output power.
Perhaps not, I guess, but maybe I can infer that from the original question, which assumes "an overall efficiency" of 50%. #This assumes that "overall efficiency" includes the driver stages and, if this is a modern rig http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif, the computers and PLL synthesizers and so on as well. #OVERALL, if the rig is using 50% of those 156W to TX, the output would be 78W, wouldn't it?

[K7JEM]

dB calculator (http://www.daycounter.com/Calculators/Decibels-Calculator.phtml)

[KG6YTZ]

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,22:59)]dB calculator (http://www.daycounter.com/Calculators/Decibels-Calculator.phtml)
{plays with calculator}

6 dB = 2.0 voltage gain. #
-6 dB = 0.5 voltage gain.

Got it. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[AE6IP]

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,20:49)]1. What are the requirements for each question pool?

a. They have to be made available to the public, and be at least ten times the questions on the test.

b. They are chosen by the local VE teams, and must be published on the FCC website.

c. Each VEC may choose the questions to be used by their VE's, as long as they are published.

d. The FCC will choose the questions, and they will be published in the Federal Register
Quote[/b] ]
§ 97.523 Question pools.

All VECs must cooperate in maintaining one question pool for each written examination element. Each question pool must contain at least 10 times the number of questions required for a single examination. Each question pool must be published and made available to the public prior to its use for making a question set. Each question on each VEC question pool must be prepared by a VE holding the required FCC-issued operator license. See §97.507(a) of this part.


By the way, the Question Pool Committee (http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=333) has updated (http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=338) the pool to reflect the changes that went into effect on 15 December and rescheduled the releases of the updated pool.

Now is the perfect time to submit questions for the General pool as it is the next to be updated.

[KL1ZB]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Dec. 19 2006,20:25)]If an Old Time op breaks off a contact when he discovers you are a no code extra you should.

(A) Tell him where to go
(B) Sign and forget it.
© Contact Tater & Mushmouse on the CB and get
them to come onto the band and harass the OT.
(D) Inform all the other no code extras of the OT's
call and tell them to be on the watch for him.
You forgot the option.

Look up address on QRZ, Take a trip and cut OT's coax.

That is the proper CB response.

[w5alt]

Quote[/b] (K7JEM @ Dec. 20 2006,20:28)]1. If a two meter FM radio draws 12 amps in transmit, at 13 volts, and has an overall efficiency of 50%, what is it's output power?

A. 156 watts

B. 78 watts

C. 43 watts

D. 103 watts

...

3. An FM radio puts out 50 watts. Its overall efficiency is 50%. It is running off a power supply with an efficiency of 80%. What amount of power is the AC source providing?

A. 125 watts

B. 80 watts

C. 400 watts

D. 100 watts
Take out the words about 2m and FM and those are pretty much questions straight off the old Novice test.

Sad ....

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif I dont went ( correct english ) and took all the tests I am a' gonna take.

If you wanna know more, jus ask my wife ( she says she knows ever'thing ) .

But 'member, that you just hafta use correct english here on th' inter-net, or you will upset the train of thought goin' through th' thread. We'uns dont wanna upset THAT, now do we'uns ?

Of course some of you folks are runnin' a train with no locomotive in th' front anyway....or your caboose done went an' got hit and knocked off th' track.






just messing with the english language...again.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ki4ned]

But 'member, that you just hafta use correct english here on th' inter-net,


sometimes the internet is broken, hi, hi

[ab8ro]

As Marty pointed out already, now is the perfect time to submit questions for the general pool. I ask again, what do you morse experts think new generals should know about morse. There's no point in complaining if you don't do anything about it.