ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What type of control is being used when the control operator is at the control point?

1. Remote control

2. Automatic control

3. Local control

4. Manual control

The correct answer is: Local control

When the control operator is at the control point, it indicates that they have immediate physical presence and control over the station's activities. This situation defines local control, as the operator is directly managing the station's operation without intermediaries, such as remote communication or automation. Local control highlights the operator's active involvement in the functionality of the station, allowing them to respond instantly to any situation, perform adjustments, and make decisions on-the-fly. In contrast, other types of control—such as remote control or automatic control—suggest that the operator may not be physically present at the control point, but rather operating the station from a distance or allowing automated processes to manage it. Thus, when an operator is present at the control point, local control is the appropriate categorization.