Prepare for the Ham Amateur Radio Technician Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Master the material for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What measurement is specified by FCC rules that regulate maximum power?

  1. Average output from the transmitter

  2. Peak envelope power (PEP) output from the transmitter

  3. Field strength measured at a distance

  4. RMS output from the transmitter

The correct answer is: Peak envelope power (PEP) output from the transmitter

The correct answer, which refers to peak envelope power (PEP) output from the transmitter, is specified by the FCC as a standardized method for measuring transmitter power in amateur radio operations. PEP is a crucial measurement because it reflects the highest instantaneous power output of the transmitter during modulation, which is important for understanding the effective radiated power that can affect transmission distance and communication quality. Using PEP allows for a clearer understanding of how well a transmitter can communicate over varying distances, as it directly correlates with the maximum power level that might be radiated on peak signals. This is especially relevant in scenarios involving single-sideband (SSB) communication, where the envelope of the transmitted signal varies with the modulating audio signal. In contrast, measuring average output or RMS (Root Mean Square) output can provide different perspectives on power levels, such as how much power is typically being used over time or for different types of modulation. Field strength measured at a distance can indicate how well the signal propagates, but it does not directly specify limitations on transmitter power within the FCC regulations. Thus, peak envelope power is the most appropriate and relevant measurement for defining maximum power under FCC rules.