Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

Which of the following is an application for a Beverage antenna?

1. Directional transmitting for low HF bands

2. Directional receiving for low HF bands

3. Portable direction finding at higher HF frequencies

4. Portable direction finding at lower HF frequencies

The correct answer is: Directional receiving for low HF bands

A Beverage antenna is designed primarily for receiving signals, particularly in the low HF bands. It is a type of long-wire antenna that is terminated at one end and is usually positioned close to the ground. Its main characteristics include high directivity and low angle of radiation, making it effective for weak signal reception. This antenna's design and placement allow it to favor signals coming from a specific direction while rejecting noise and interference coming from other directions. In practice, operators often use Beverage antennas to enhance their receiving capabilities, especially for low frequency signals that are prevalent in amateur radio operations. Considering the other applications listed, while directional transmitting and portable direction finding can be relevant in certain contexts, they do not align with the primary function and intended use of the Beverage antenna, which focuses on enhancing receiving performance. Thus, option B, which emphasizes directional receiving for low HF bands, accurately captures its primary application in amateur radio.