FCC Exam Question: 6A389

What may be used as indicating devices in neutralizing an RF amplifier stage?

A. Neon bulb, sensitive wavemeter
B. A flashlight bulb connected to a small loop of wire, a sensitive thermocoupler either attached to asmall loop of wire
C. Amplifier grid current meter, a thermocouple meter connected in series with the plate tank
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Neutralization involves canceling parasitic capacitance in an RF amplifier to prevent self-oscillation. This process typically involves turning off the amplifier's plate voltage, applying drive, and adjusting the neutralizing capacitor for minimum RF output from the plate tank. Indicating devices help detect this minimum RF. * **Option A:** A **neon bulb** glows in the presence of RF fields, indicating RF energy. A **sensitive wavemeter** (or field strength meter) detects and measures the presence of RF energy, providing a more quantitative indication. * **Option B:** A **flashlight bulb connected to a small loop of wire** acts as a simple RF indicator, lighting up when significant RF current flows through the loop. A **sensitive thermocouple** also measures RF current, often via a small loop, by converting RF energy to heat, which is then measured. * **Option C:** An **amplifier grid current meter** can indicate RF feedback; with plate voltage off and driver on, proper neutralization minimizes grid current. A **thermocouple meter connected in series with the plate tank** directly measures RF current in the tank circuit, which should be minimized during neutralization. Since all listed methods and devices are valid for indicating RF energy or current during the neutralization process, "All of the above" is the correct choice.

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