Technician T2B: Tones, digital voice and operating courtesy
These are the 14 official questions in group T2B of the 2026–2030 Technician question pool, with the correct answer marked and a plain-English explanation of why it's right. The real exam asks one question from this group.
- T2B01Question 1
What is the purpose of the reverse function on a VHF/UHF transceiver?
- ATo reduce power output
- BTo increase power output
- CTo listen on a repeater’s input frequency Correct
- DTo listen on a repeater’s output frequency
Why: Reverse swaps the frequencies so you can hear the repeater's input and tell whether you can work the other station directly.
- T2B02Question 2
What term describes the use of a sub-audible tone transmitted along with normal voice audio to open the squelch of a receiver?
- ACarrier squelch
- BTone burst
- CDTMF
- DCTCSS Correct
Why: CTCSS is a sub-audible tone sent with your voice that opens the receiver's squelch.
- T2B03Question 3
Which of the following describes a linked repeater network?
- AA network of repeaters in which signals received by one repeater are transmitted by all the repeaters in the network Correct
- BA single repeater with more than one receiver
- CMultiple repeaters with the same control operator
- DA system of repeaters linked by APRS
Why: In a linked network, a signal received by one repeater is transmitted by all of them.
- T2B04Question 4
Which of the following could be the reason you are unable to access a repeater whose output you can hear?
- AImproper transceiver offset
- BYou are using the wrong CTCSS tone
- CYou are using the wrong DCS code
- DAll these choices are correct Correct
Why: A wrong offset, a missing or wrong tone, or being out of range can each keep you out, so all the choices are correct.
- T2B05Question 5
Which of the following would cause your FM transmission audio to drop out on voice peaks?
- AYour repeater offset is inverted
- BYour FM deviation is too low
- CYou are talking too loudly Correct
- DYour transmit power is too high
Why: Talking too loudly over-deviates your FM signal, so audio drops out on peaks.
- T2B06Question 6
What type of signaling to a repeater uses two simultaneous audio tones?
- ADTMF Correct
- BCTCSS
- CGMRS
- DD-STAR
Why: DTMF (touch-tone) sends two tones at the same time for each key.
- T2B07Question 7
How can you join a digital repeater’s “talkgroup”?
- ARegister with the local Frequency Coordinator
- BRegister with the digital repeater control operator
- CProgram your radio with the group’s ID or code Correct
- DProgram your radio with the DTMF tone used by the talkgroup
Why: To join a talkgroup, program its ID into your radio.
- T2B08Question 8
Which of the following applies when two stations transmitting on the same frequency interfere with each other?
- AThe stations should negotiate continued use of the frequency Correct
- BBoth stations should choose another frequency to avoid conflict
- CWhichever station was on the frequency first has preemptive rights to the frequency
- DUse subaudible tones so both stations can share the frequency
Why: No one owns a frequency, so the two stations should work out who continues.
- T2B09Question 9
Why are simplex channels designated in the VHF/UHF band plans?
- ASo stations within range of each other can communicate without tying up a repeater Correct
- BFor contest operation
- CFor working DX only
- DSo stations with simple transmitters can access the repeater without automated offset
Why: Simplex channels let nearby stations talk directly and leave the repeater free.
- T2B10Question 10
Which Q signal indicates that you are receiving interference from other stations?
- AQRM Correct
- BQRN
- CQTH
- DQSB
Why: QRM means you're getting interference from other stations.
- T2B11Question 11
Which Q signal indicates that you are changing frequency?
- AQRU
- BQSY Correct
- CQSL
- DQRZ
Why: QSY means you're changing frequency.
- T2B12Question 12
What is the digital color code used on DMR repeater systems?
- AAn access code which must be programmed into a DMR transmitter to access a specific repeater Correct
- BA code which automatically programs the repeater offset to a frequency chosen by the user
- CA code which identifies the specific CODEC being used so that the repeater can properly decode the audio
- DA code transmitted by the repeater to indicate health and status of the equipment
Why: A DMR color code is an access code you program in to use a specific repeater.
- T2B13Question 13
What is the purpose of a squelch function?
- AReduce a CW transmitter's key clicks
- BMute the receiver audio when a signal is not present Correct
- CEliminate parasitic oscillations in an RF amplifier
- DReduce interference from impulse noise
Why: Squelch mutes the receiver audio when no signal is present.
- T2B14Question 14
Which of the following is a “talkgroup”?
- AA group of amateur radio operators who share email on a specific amateur radio topic
- BAn identifier used by DMR to organize radio traffic so that those who want to hear the group aren’t bothered by other radio traffic Correct
- CThe members of a net organized for amateur radio operators with a specific common interest
- DA method of automatically alerting all group members to the frequency where any member is transmitting
Why: A DMR talkgroup groups the traffic so people only hear the conversations they've chosen.