A "capacitance hat" is a device on the end of a mobile antenna which acts to electrically lengthen a physically short antenna. The device, usually made up of a ring, or an arrangement of rods, is used on the top of the antenna. The device increases the capacitance of the antenna, which causes it to act electrically "longer."

SILLY HINT: A "top hat" makes a short person look taller/longer.

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 7 arrl module 28

(D). A "corona ball" on a HF mobile antenna is used to reduce high voltage discharge from the tip of the antenna. The sharp tipped mobile antenna can discharge extra voltage that builds up as an electrical arc or coronal discharge. The corona ball device reduces the chance of forming such arcs.

Study Tip: Corona (virus) is a *transmitting" pandemic. Associate Corona with the word transmitting which appears in the correct answer.

Reduce corona voltage/hysteria by putting a ball/cap on it.

Definitely want to REDUCE covid.

Last edited by hauckrealty. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 7 arrl module 28

The best direct, fused power connection for a 100-watt HF mobile installation is a connection directly to the battery using heavy-gauge wire. This ensures the radio can handle the high current needed without causing voltage drops. Avoid using the auxiliary outlet, as it cannot handle the required power.

For setups with multiple power connections, it’s also a good idea to use a bus bar, preferably a radio/avionics bus bar, to safely distribute power to additional devices. This helps keep wiring organized and prevents overloading the battery terminals.

When connecting directly to the battery, take precautions to avoid corrosion by using a protective sealant on the terminals, and ensure the wiring is safely routed through grommets or protective sheaths to avoid damage. Also, fuses should be installed as close to the battery as possible on both the positive and negative leads.

Last edited by kd7bbc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 5 arrl module 21

(B). It is best NOT to draw the DC power for a 100-watt HF transceiver from an automobile's auxiliary power socket because the socket's wiring may be inadequate for the current being drawn by the transceiver. Instead, the unit should be powered by connecting heavy gauge wire leads to the battery terminals, with fuses on the leads located as close to the battery as possible.

Last edited by N8GCU. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 5 arrl module 21

Keyword: most

Picket fencing relates generally to weak FM signals. While there are FM operations on the 10-meter band, this would not impact any other HF band.

The wire gauge of the transceiver's power line could impact maximum power output, but this is a variable highly in the control of the radio owner.

There isn't a FCC rule limiting mobile output power.

HF antennas are often electrically short, and are highly inefficient. This is an impact on all HF bands.

Last edited by abartlett. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 5 arrl module 21

One disadvantage of using a shortened mobile antenna as opposed to a full size antenna is that operating bandwidth may be very limited. The fractional wave electrically short antennas have low impedances at the feed point and very narrow frequency ranges. Unfortunately, it just is not practical or safe to attach the length of antenna required for efficient transmitting, especially at HF frequencies.

Key: "limited antenna" a.k.a mobile, limited bandwith

Last edited by kpm256. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 7 arrl module 28

All of these choices are correct

Yes, the alternator ( battery charging system) can give off a whine. Yes, the fuel pump ( fuel delivering system) can give off a similar whine. Yes, the control computer can give off stray rf interference. So all of these choices are, indeed correct. All I can say is, modern vehicles were not designed for the average ham.

Last edited by kd2owc. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 5 arrl module 21

Solar cells provide DC power similar to a battery. Each solar cell provides a specific amount of power based on light conditions. Desired output voltage is generated by connecting cells in series (like multiple AAs in a flashlight). Desired current is generated by connecting banks of solar cells in parallel. Thus, Series-parallel is the correct answer.

The distractors shunt and bypass divert power away from components.

The distractor Full-wave bridge is for converting AC to DC, but solar generates DC power.

Last edited by czarnoff. Register to edit

Tags: none

The current standard modern, well-illuminated (full sun exposure) photovoltaic cell has an approximate open-circuit voltage of 0.5 Volts DC. These cells may also be known as solar or photoelectric cells. The maximum current that a photovoltaic cell can provide is dependent on the total surface area of the cell. Individual standard cells may be arranged together to form solar panels for larger power requirements.

For more info see Wikipedia: Solar cell

Last edited by marvsherman419. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 4 arrl module 15

A diode only lets current flow in one direction. The direction you want if you're collecting solar energy is from the solar panel to the battery. The diode will prevent the energy from going in the other direction when the battery has more energy than the solar panel (during the night or other periods of low light).

Silly Hint: A Diode is Directional, preventing a change of direction of current, and therefore preventing Discharge, all words beginning with D-I-.

Note: When a Zener diode is used to control voltage it does so with reverse polarity compared to a diode that would prevent energy from going to the panel. A Zener diode limits the voltage, but not the current nor the power.

Last edited by dogshed. Register to edit

Tags: arrl chapter 4 arrl module 15

SILLY HINT: For those that work out at a gym lifting weights, when "lifting iron" (lithium iron), you need to do so in a very "controlled" (controller) manner. The correct answer is the only one with the word controller in it.

Last edited by jamesarthurreed. Register to edit

Tags: none