FCC Exam Question: 3-87N1
What causes the SART to begin a transmission?
Explanation: A Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) is a type of radar beacon used to pinpoint the location of a distress incident or survival craft. After being manually or water activated, the SART does not continuously radiate. Instead, it operates as a transponder. It listens for pulses from X-band marine RADARs operating in the 9 GHz band. Upon receiving a RADAR interrogation pulse, the SART immediately transmits a series of 12 distinct sweep signals back to the RADAR. These signals appear as a line of dots on the RADAR display, indicating the SART's position and helping search and rescue vessels navigate towards it. Therefore, the SART only begins to transmit *in response* to an incoming RADAR signal, making option B correct. Options A and C are incorrect because they imply continuous radiation after activation, which is not how a SART works. Option D is incorrect as SARTs are automatic responders, not manually keyed devices.
3-87N5
3-20C5
3-71K2
3-52G1
3-78L4
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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.