ARRL Technician Practice Exam

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What is PSK31?

A low-rate data transmission mode
A high-rate data transmission mode
A voice transmission mode
An analog transmission mode

The correct answer is: A low-rate data transmission mode

PSK31 is a digital mode of communication primarily used for transmitting text via radio. It stands for Phase Shift Keying at 31 baud, where "baud" refers to the rate of signal changes per second. This mode is indeed a low-rate data transmission mode, optimized for efficiency and effective use of bandwidth. PSK31 uses a narrow bandwidth of about 31.25 Hz, making it less susceptible to noise compared to wider bandwidth modes. This characteristic allows it to perform well in crowded frequency bands, which is particularly valuable in amateur radio operations. The other options do not accurately describe PSK31. It is not a high-rate data transmission mode, as that would imply a faster data rate capable of transmitting larger amounts of data in a given time. It is also not a voice transmission mode, which would involve the transmission of audio signals rather than digital data. Lastly, PSK31 is not classified as an analog transmission mode; it operates digitally, utilizing specific encoding techniques to represent text characters. Thus, the correct classification of PSK31 as a low-rate data transmission mode aligns with its intended use and technical characteristics.