BasicB-002-004-001
What should you do before you transmit on any frequency?
B
Answer
Licensing, station identification, and operation
Type
A
Increase power to ensure someone will hear you
B
Listen to make sure others are not using the frequency
C
Make sure the SWR on your transmission line is high enough
D
Check your antenna for resonance at the selected frequency
Answer Notes
The golden rule of amateur radio is "Listen, Listen, Listen." Before making any transmission, you must always monitor the frequency to ensure it is not already in use by other operators.
Transmitting blindly can cause harmful interference to ongoing communications, which might even include emergency traffic. Even if the frequency seems clear after listening, it is good practice to ask "Is the frequency in use?" before calling CQ.
Choosing to increase power or check SWR directly on the air without listening are poor operating practices that demonstrate a disregard for other stations on the band.
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When calling a specific station on voice, what is the preferred format for your transmission?
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If you contact another station and your signal is extremely strong and perfectly readable, what adjustment should you make to your transmitter?