ARRL Technician Practice Exam

How can you access a distant repeater if there are obstacles blocking the direct line of sight?

1. Use a higher frequency

2. Reflect signals towards the repeater

3. Switch to a handheld radio

4. Change your location entirely

The correct answer is: Reflect signals towards the repeater

To access a distant repeater when there are obstacles that impede a direct line of sight, reflecting signals can be a viable strategy. Using methods such as bouncing signals off buildings, water surfaces, or even the ionosphere can enable communication to reach the repeater indirectly. This reflection process can help circumvent obstacles that would otherwise block a direct path. For instance, in urban environments, signals may reflect off large buildings, allowing them to be routed around obstructions and maintain communication. While using a higher frequency might have certain advantages in terms of signal quality or propagation under some conditions, higher frequencies are also generally subject to increased blockage by physical obstructions. Simply switching to a handheld radio provides portability but does not inherently resolve the issue posed by obstacles. Changing your location can assist but may not always be practical or effective. Therefore, reflecting signals offers a strategic approach to overcoming physical barriers when trying to reach a distant repeater.