Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

What does the impedance of a Beverage antenna typically indicate?

1. It is high and easy to match

2. It is adjustable for different frequencies

3. It is low and often requires matching

4. It is constant for all applications

The correct answer is: It is low and often requires matching

The Beverage antenna, invented by Harold Beverage, is known for its unique design that results in a low impedance, typically around 50 to 600 ohms. This characteristic is significant because low impedance antennas can be less efficient in some scenarios and may lead to signal losses. To maximize performance when using a Beverage antenna, it often requires a matching network or transformer to connect it effectively to the transmitter or receiver, ensuring that the maximum amount of radio frequency energy can be transmitted or received without significant loss. This adjustment is particularly important because a mismatch in impedance can lead to reflected power and overall inefficiency in the antenna system. Understanding that the Beverage antenna has a low impedance helps operators recognize the potential need for additional equipment to achieve optimal performance on their desired frequency bands, making matching techniques essential for successful operation.