Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

What is a reliable way to determine if the Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) is high enough to support skip propagation between your station and a distant location on frequencies between 14 and 30 MHz?

1. Listen for signals from an international beacon

2. Send a series of dots on the band and listen for echoes from your signal

3. Check the strength of TV signals from Western Europe

4. Check the strength of signals in the MF AM broadcast band

The correct answer is: Listen for signals from an international beacon

Listening for signals from an international beacon is a reliable way to assess whether the Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) is suitable for skip propagation between your station and a distant location within the 14 to 30 MHz frequency range. International beacons are specifically designed to transmit signals across long distances on various amateur radio bands, including those used for HF communications. When you tune in to an international beacon, it broadcasts its signal regularly, allowing you to hear how effectively that signal is propagating at your location. If the beacon's signal is strong and clear, it indicates that the MUF is sufficiently high to support communication via skywave propagation. This method provides real-time information about current propagation conditions and is a practical approach for evaluating the likelihood of successful long-distance communication on HF frequencies. Other options, while related to propagation, do not provide a direct assessment of MUF conditions for the specified frequencies. For example, sending a series of dots and listening for echoes tests local propagation characteristics rather than providing information about MUF. Checking TV signals or AM broadcast signals focuses on different frequency ranges that may not correlate with the HF bands in question.