FCC Exam Question: 8-44F2
Range rings on the PPI indicator are oval in shape. Which circuit would you suspect is faulty?
Explanation: The sweep generation circuit is responsible for creating the deflection voltages or currents that move the electron beam across the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) screen to form the display. In a Plan Position Indicator (PPI) radar, this circuit generates the radial sweep that expands outwards from the center, representing increasing range. If the sweep generation circuit is faulty, the horizontal and vertical deflection components might not be balanced or linear. This imbalance causes the electron beam to sweep unevenly, distorting the intended concentric circles of the range rings into an oval or elliptical shape. The circuit is critical for accurately translating time-of-flight (range) into a geometrically correct spatial representation on the display. * **A) Timing circuit:** Controls the overall timing of radar operations (e.g., PRF, pulse width, range gate). A fault might affect range *accuracy* or *detection*, but not the geometric shape of the range rings. * **B) Video amplifier circuit:** Processes the received echo signals. A fault would affect target brightness or contrast, not the shape of the display's inherent range markers. * **C) Range marker circuit:** Generates the specific pulses that brighten the display at fixed range intervals, creating the visible rings. A fault would affect the *presence* or *spacing* of the rings, but not their fundamental geometric shape (oval vs. circle), which is determined by the sweep.
8-6A2
8-12B6
8-23C5
8-1A6
8-3A5
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.