ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What device takes the output of a low-powered 28 MHz SSB exciter and produces a 222 MHz output signal?

1. Amplifier

2. Transmitter

3. Transverter

4. Receiver

The correct answer is: Transverter

A transverter is designed specifically for the purpose of converting signals from one frequency range to another. In this case, it takes the low-powered output from a 28 MHz single sideband (SSB) exciter and effectively translates or converts that signal to a higher frequency of 222 MHz. This is essential in amateur radio as it allows operators to utilize lower frequency exciters to communicate over bands that require different, often higher frequencies. The functionality of a transverter is particularly valuable because it enables the use of existing equipment to operate on higher frequency bands without needing multiple dedicated transmitters. By converting the 28 MHz signal, the transverter adjusts the frequency while preserving the modulation characteristics, allowing for effective communication. Other options such as amplifiers, transmitters, and receivers serve different roles in radio systems. An amplifier boosts the power of a signal, a transmitter generates radio signals to communicate, and a receiver captures those signals rather than converting them. Thus, while they are all significant components in radio communications, only a transverter performs the specific function of frequency conversion needed in this scenario.