Ham Radio General Class Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

Baudot code is recognized as a 5-bit character coding system primarily used in telegraphy. This code translates textual information into a sequence of 5 bits for each character, allowing for efficient communication over telegraph and data transmission systems.

It operates by encoding characters in a compact format, which is particularly effective for sending messages quickly. The structure of Baudot code includes additional mechanisms like start and stop bits when used in asynchronous communication, similar to other coding systems, which enable the receiving equipment to recognize the beginning and end of each character being transmitted.

The other options refer to characteristics of different coding or error-checking systems. A 7-bit code would pertain to other coding formats, such as ASCII, while error detection and correction relates to systems that implement redundancy or checksums for data integrity, which Baudot doesn't inherently include as part of its design. The mention of SELCAL and LISTEN suggests codes used for aircraft identification and communication systems, which are also outside the specific function of Baudot code. Thus, the identification of Baudot code as a 5-bit structure with start and stop bits accurately encapsulates its functional design.