FCC Exam Question: 6A7

Modern reserve transmitters are solid-state designs and transmit using only A2 modulation. Whenmeasuring transmitter center frequency, what precaution must be taken:

A. Antenna must be grounded to suppress spurious side-lobes
B. Modulation must be reduced to zero to eliminate sidebands
C. Voltage to the PA must be kept at half-value
D. Antenna current must be reduced to about 2.5 uA
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Modern A2 modulation, like other forms of modulation, superimposes information onto a carrier wave. This process inherently creates spectral components called sidebands, which exist above and below the fundamental carrier frequency. When attempting to measure the precise "center frequency" of the transmitter, the presence of these sidebands would interfere with the measurement, potentially leading to an inaccurate reading. By reducing modulation to zero, only the unmodulated carrier signal remains. This pure carrier allows a frequency counter or spectrum analyzer to accurately identify and measure the true center frequency without the confounding influence of sidebands. Options A, C, and D describe unrelated or ineffective precautions for this specific measurement. Grounding the antenna (A) addresses spurious radiation, not spectral purity for frequency measurement. Reducing PA voltage (C) or antenna current (D) merely lowers output power, but doesn't eliminate the modulation components themselves.

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