Technician T8C: Contests, fox hunts and internet linking
These are the 11 official questions in group T8C 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.
- T8C01Question 1
Which of the following methods is used to locate sources of noise interference or jamming?
- AEcholocation
- BDoppler radar
- CRadio direction finding Correct
- DPhase locking
Why: Radio direction finding locates the source of noise or jamming.
- T8C02Question 2
Which of these items would be useful for a hidden transmitter hunt?
- ACalibrated SWR meter
- BA directional antenna Correct
- CA directional wattmeter
- DAll these choices are correct
Why: A directional antenna points you toward the hidden transmitter.
- T8C03Question 3
What operating activity involves contacting as many stations as possible during a specified period?
- ASimulated emergency exercises
- BNet operations
- CHidden transmitter hunts
- DContesting Correct
Why: Contesting means making as many contacts as possible in a set time.
- T8C04Question 4
Which of the following is good practice when contacting another station in a contest?
- ASigning only the last two letters of your call if there are many other stations calling
- BContacting the station twice to be sure that you are in his log
- CSending only the minimum information needed for proper identification and the contest exchange Correct
- DAdding “Please copy” before your exchange
Why: In a contest, send only your call sign and the exchange that's needed.
- T8C05Question 5
What is a grid locator?
- AA letter-number designator assigned to a geographic location Correct
- BA letter-number designator assigned to an azimuth and elevation
- CAn instrument for locating faults in power amplifiers
- DAn instrument for radio direction finding
Why: A grid locator is a letter-number code for a geographic area, like EM40.
- T8C06Question 6
How is over the air access to Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) nodes accomplished?
- ABy obtaining a password that is sent via voice to the node
- BBy using Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signals Correct
- CBy entering the proper internet password
- DBy using Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) tone codes
Why: You access IRLP nodes over the air with DTMF tones.
- T8C07Question 7
What is Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
- AA set of rules specifying how to identify your station when linked over the internet to another station
- BA technique employed to “spot” DX stations via the internet
- CA technique for measuring the modulation quality of a transmitter using remote sites monitored via the internet
- DA method of delivering voice communications over the internet using digital techniques Correct
Why: VoIP delivers voice over the internet using digital techniques.
- T8C08Question 8
What is the Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP)?
- AA technique to connect amateur radio systems, such as repeaters, via the internet Correct
- BA system for providing access to websites via amateur radio
- CA system for informing amateurs in real time of the frequency of active DX stations
- DA technique for measuring signal strength of an amateur transmitter via the internet
Why: IRLP connects repeaters and other amateur systems over the internet.
- T8C09Question 9
Which of the following protocols enables an amateur station to transmit through a repeater without using a radio to initiate the transmission?
- AIRLP
- BD-STAR
- CDMR
- DEchoLink Correct
Why: EchoLink lets you transmit through a linked repeater from a computer or phone, no radio needed.
- T8C10Question 10
What is required before using the EchoLink system?
- AComplete the required EchoLink training
- BPurchase a license to use the EchoLink software
- CRegister your call sign and provide proof of license Correct
- DAt least a General Class license
Why: EchoLink requires registering your call sign and proving you're licensed.
- T8C11Question 11
What is an amateur radio station that connects other amateur stations to the internet?
- AA gateway Correct
- BA repeater
- CA digipeater
- DA beacon
Why: A gateway connects other amateur stations to the internet.