Explanation: Proper operation of an SSB (Single Sideband) transmitter is characterized by its power output directly corresponding to the modulation (audio or data tones). Let's analyze the options: * **A) In SSB (J3E) voice mode, with the transmitter keyed but without speaking into the microphone, power output is indicated.** This is incorrect. An SSB transmitter, by design, suppresses the carrier. Therefore, without any voice modulation, there should be virtually no power output, even when keyed. An indication of power would suggest carrier leakage or improper operation. * **B) In SITOR communications, the power meter can be seen fluctuating regularly from zero to the 60 watt relative output reading.** This is the correct option. SITOR (SImplex Teletype Over Radio) is a digital mode often used with an SSB transceiver by feeding audio tones into the microphone input (AFSK - Audio Frequency Shift Keying). Depending on the SITOR protocol (e.g., ARQ mode), the transmitter may cycle on and off in a regular pattern, transmitting bursts of data and then pausing to listen for acknowledgements. During the transmit bursts, power output would be present, potentially reaching the rated 60 watts PEP, and during receive/idle periods, it would drop to zero. This "fluctuating regularly from zero" accurately describes such a bursty digital transmission. * **C) In SSB (J3E) mode, speaking into the microphone causes power meter to fluctuate slightly around the 60 watt reading.** This is incorrect. For SSB voice, the power output should fluctuate widely and instantaneously with the speech waveform, peaking *up to* the 60 watt PEP rating. The average power output for voice would be significantly lower than the peak. A "slight fluctuation around 60 watts" would suggest a nearly constant carrier, which is not characteristic of proper SSB voice operation. * **D) A steady indication of transmitted energy on an RF Power meter with no fluctuations when speaking into the microphone.** This is incorrect. This describes a constant carrier mode (like CW with a steady key-down, or FM), not SSB voice. An SSB transmitter's power output for voice *must* fluctuate with the speech.