ARRL Technician Practice Exam

If your FM handheld or mobile transceiver is over-deviating, what should you do?

1. Reduce your transmission power

2. Talk farther away from the microphone

3. Use a different frequency

4. Switch to a different mode

The correct answer is: Talk farther away from the microphone

When a transmission is over-deviating, it typically means that the modulation level exceeds the limits specified for the frequency or communication mode being used. This can lead to distortion in audio quality or unintended interference with adjacent channels. The most effective way to rectify this issue is to adjust your proximity to the microphone, which can help control how much audio level is being fed into the transmitter. By talking farther away from the microphone, you reduce the audio input level, effectively decreasing the modulation depth. This approach helps ensure that your signal remains within the allowed deviation limits while still being intelligible to listeners. Proper microphone technique is crucial in maintaining clear communication without causing distortion or affecting other users on the frequency. The other options do not directly address the core issue of over-deviation. Reducing transmission power does not necessarily impact modulation levels and could lead to weaker signals. Changing frequency could avoid immediate interference but does not solve the underlying problem of over-modulation. Switching modes may not be feasible or relevant if the underlying issue is how audio is being inputted to the transmitter. Therefore, managing your distance from the microphone is the best solution to resolve over-deviation effectively.