ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What type of amateur station simultaneously retransmits the signal of another amateur station on different channels?

1. Repeater station

2. Emergency station

3. Simplex station

4. Beacon station

The correct answer is: Repeater station

A repeater station is designed specifically to receive a signal from an amateur station and then retransmit it on a different frequency. This function is crucial for extending the range of communication, especially in areas where direct line-of-sight might be obstructed, or for portable operations where higher elevation can facilitate better communication. Repeaters typically operate on two different frequencies, one for receiving the signal (input frequency) and one for transmitting (output frequency), thus allowing multiple users to communicate by relaying their signals through the repeater. In contrast, an emergency station primarily focuses on providing communication during emergencies and may not involve the simultaneous retransmission of signals. A simplex station refers to operation on a single frequency for both transmitting and receiving, meaning it does not meet the criteria for simultaneous retransmission. A beacon station transmits identification information or data continuously to provide a signal reference point, not to retransmit another station's communication.