The General test
35questions
26to pass
0extra FCC fee for an upgrade
HFbands opened
Many exam sessions let you try the next test the same day at no extra cost.
How HF reaches so far
- Your signal goes upToward the sky at an angle
- The ionosphere bends it backA charged layer high above the earth
- It lands hundreds of miles awaySometimes thousands
- It can bounce againSkipping across the country
Changes with the sun
Day, night and the solar cycle change which bands work.
A simple HF station
| Piece | Notes |
|---|---|
| HF radio | 100 watts is common |
| Wire antenna | A dipole between two trees works well |
| Power supply | About 20 to 30 amps at 12 V |
| Tuner | Helps match the antenna on several bands |
A ranch with tall trees is a great place for an HF wire antenna.
Sources: FCC Part 97; ARRL General class materials
Remember
General opens HF, where the sky itself is your repeater.
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Answer key
- What does the General license mainly open?HF bandsGeneral adds most HF privileges.
- How many questions are on the General test?3535 questions, 26 to pass.
- What bends HF signals back to earth?The ionosphereThe ionosphere refracts HF signals.
- Which simple antenna works well for HF?A wire dipole between two treesWire dipoles are simple and effective.
- What changes which HF bands work?Time of day and the sunPropagation depends on the sun and time of day.