Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

What is the best instrument to use when checking the keying waveform of a CW transmitter?

1. An oscilloscope

2. A field-strength meter

3. A sidetone monitor

4. A wavemeter

The correct answer is: An oscilloscope

An oscilloscope is the best instrument to use for checking the keying waveform of a CW (Continuous Wave) transmitter because it provides a visual representation of the electrical signal as a function of time. This visualization allows operators to observe the waveform directly, including its shape, frequency, amplitude, and any irregularities in the keying signal. By examining the waveform, a technician can ensure that the transmitter is operating correctly, verifying aspects such as the rise and fall times of the keying signal and the overall stability of the transmission. If there's an issue with the transmission, such as poor keying, noise, or distortion, these problems will be evident on the oscilloscope display, enabling effective troubleshooting and adjustments. Other instruments may serve specific purposes, like measuring field strength, monitoring audio tones, or measuring frequency characteristics, but they do not provide the same detailed view of the electrical waveform that an oscilloscope does. This makes the oscilloscope an indispensable tool for accurately assessing the performance of a CW transmitter.