The dark cold nights of winter can be handy for the 160m band! Since Technicians do not have privileges on the top band the available questions are thin, but many people use a simple wire antenna and those don’t get much simpler than a dipole.

T9A10 In which direction does a half-wave dipole antenna radiate the strongest signal?

A. Equally in all directions

B. Off the ends of the antenna

C. In the direction of the feed line

D. Broadside to the antenna

G3C05 Why is long-distance communication on the 40-, 60-, 80-, and 160-meter bands more difficult during the day?

A. The F region absorbs signals at these frequencies during daylight hours

B. The F region is unstable during daylight hours

C. The D region absorbs signals at these frequencies during daylight hours

D. The E region is unstable during daylight hours

E9H02 Which is generally true for 160- and 80-meter receiving antennas?

A. Atmospheric noise is so high that directivity is much more important than losses

B. They must be erected at least 1/2 wavelength above the ground to attain good directivity

C. Low loss coax transmission line is essential for good performance

D. All these choices are correct

Answers:

T9A10 = D

G3C05 = C

E9H02 = A