ARRL Technician Practice Exam

Under what type of control do APRS network digipeaters typically operate?

1. Manual

2. Remote

3. Partial

4. Automatic

The correct answer is: Automatic

APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) network digipeaters operate under automatic control. This refers to the ability of these digipeaters to receive and retransmit packets of data without the need for human intervention. The primary function of digipeaters in an APRS network is to enhance the range of the APRS signals by relaying these packets from one station to another, effectively allowing for communication over larger distances and improving network accessibility. Automatic control is essential in APRS since it enables real-time tracking and reporting of information such as position data, weather reports, and messages. It allows for dynamic, continuous operation, which is a critical element of the APRS system, especially when multiple stations are active simultaneously. This system can efficiently manage network traffic without requiring manual operation, thus supporting the spontaneous nature of amateur radio communication.