FCC Exam Question: 6A491

If signals are heard with headphones in the detector plate circuit of a receiver, but none are heard withheadphones in the first AF stage plate circuit, what might be the cause?

A. Open winding of the coupling transformer
B. Defective coupling capacitor, improper operating potentials
C. Defective tube
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: This scenario points to a fault in the signal path between the detector stage and the first Audio Frequency (AF) amplifier stage, or within the first AF amplifier itself. * **A) Open winding of the coupling transformer:** If a transformer couples the detector output to the first AF stage, an open primary or secondary winding would prevent the audio signal from passing to the AF amplifier's grid, thus no signal would be amplified or heard at the AF plate. * **B) Defective coupling capacitor, improper operating potentials:** A defective (e.g., open) coupling capacitor between the detector and the AF stage would block the AC audio signal. Additionally, incorrect grid bias or plate voltage on the AF amplifier tube would prevent it from properly amplifying the signal, even if it reached the grid. * **C) Defective tube:** If the first AF amplifier tube itself is faulty (e.g., open filament, poor emission, internal short), it would fail to amplify the incoming audio signal, resulting in no output at its plate. Since any of these issues individually, or in combination, could cause the described symptom (signal at detector output but not at the first AF amplifier output), "All of the above" is the comprehensive correct answer.

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