FCC Exam Question: 6A536

From how many simultaneous directions is a direction finder capable of receiving signals if adjusted totake unilateral bearings through 360 degrees?

A. From 360 degrees
B. From 180 degrees
C. From all but one direction
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: A direction finder adjusted to take unilateral bearings uses a reception pattern that eliminates the 180-degree ambiguity often found in simpler direction-finding systems (like a basic loop antenna). This is typically achieved by creating a cardioid (heart-shaped) reception pattern. A cardioid pattern is characterized by a single, very deep null (a point of minimum reception) in one specific direction. While it receives signals with varying strength from all other directions, it effectively "blanks out" or fails to receive from that single null direction. This deep null is precisely what is rotated to pinpoint the bearing of a signal source. Thus, the direction finder is capable of receiving signals from all but that one specific direction of its null.

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