FCC Exam Question: 6A216

A carbon microphone should not be:

A. Jarred while in operation
B. Tapped while in operation
C. Subjected to violent sound intensities
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Carbon microphones convert sound into electrical signals by varying the resistance of packed carbon granules. A diaphragm, vibrated by sound waves, compresses and decompresses these granules. * **Jarring or tapping** (A and B) can cause the carbon granules to settle unevenly or compact too tightly, a condition known as "packing." This reduces the microphone's sensitivity, introduces noise, or can temporarily/permanently impair its operation. * **Violent sound intensities** (C) can similarly lead to granule packing due to excessive diaphragm movement, or even cause physical damage to the diaphragm itself. Overloading can also introduce significant distortion. Since all these actions interfere with the delicate balance of the carbon granules, leading to poor performance or damage, none of them should be done to a carbon microphone while in operation.

Pass Your FCC Exam!

Study offline, track your progress, and simulate real exams with the GMDSS Trainer app.


Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.