ARRL Technician Practice Exam

How can overload of a non-amateur radio or TV receiver by an amateur signal be minimized?

1. By using a noise filter on the transmitter

2. By blocking the amateur signal with a filter at the receiver antenna

3. By changing the operational frequency

4. By positioning the antenna further away

The correct answer is: By blocking the amateur signal with a filter at the receiver antenna

Minimizing the overload of a non-amateur radio or TV receiver by an amateur signal can be effectively achieved by blocking the amateur signal with a filter at the receiver antenna. This approach directly addresses the issue by preventing unwanted signals from overwhelming the receiver. When an amateur signal overlaps with a frequency that is being used by a non-amateur device, it can lead to interference and degradation of the quality of the received signal. By employing a filter at the receiving antenna, you can selectively reduce or eliminate the amateur signals on frequencies that may interfere with the normal operation of the non-amateur device. This is particularly useful in environments where multiple signals are present, allowing the non-amateur receiver to function more effectively without interference. The other options may not address the problem as effectively. Using a noise filter on the transmitter would not specifically target the signals being received by the non-amateur device and might not reduce the interference perceived by that device. Changing the operational frequency could potentially help, but it does not guarantee that interference will be minimized if the new frequency still encounters the same receiver conditions. Positioning the antenna further away might reduce interference to some extent, but it does not reliably resolve the issue, especially if the amateur signals are strong enough to overcome the distance advantage