ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What should you do if a neighbor complains that your transmissions are interfering with their radio or TV reception?

1. Make sure your station is functioning properly

2. Reduce transmission power

3. Change the broadcasting frequency

4. Ignore the complaint

The correct answer is: Make sure your station is functioning properly

When a neighbor reports that your transmissions are causing interference with their radio or TV reception, the most responsible and effective first step is to ensure that your own station is functioning properly. This means checking that your equipment, including your transmitter and any antennas, is operating within the established legal limits and is set up correctly. Interference issues can arise from a variety of factors, such as equipment malfunctions or improper grounding. By confirming that your station is in good working order, you can eliminate the possibility that the interference is a result of your equipment being out of compliance or poorly configured. Addressing any technical issues at your station may resolve the interference without further action. The other options, while they might seem reasonable in some contexts, do not address the underlying cause effectively. Reducing transmission power can be a temporary solution, but if there are issues with your equipment, it might not resolve the problem completely. Changing the broadcasting frequency may work if the interference is frequency-specific, but if your station is improperly configured, it might not prevent future interference. Ignoring the complaint is not advisable as it could lead to further complications, including potential legal action or the need for mediation. Therefore, ensuring your station is operating properly is the best initial course of action.