General exam question G4E03
Subelement G4, AMATEUR RADIO PRACTICES· Group G4E
Which of the following direct, fused power connections would be the best for a 100-watt HF mobile installation?
- A.To the battery using heavy-gauge wire (correct answer)
- B.To the alternator or generator using heavy-gauge wire
- C.To the battery using insulated heavy duty balanced transmission line
- D.To the alternator or generator using insulated heavy duty balanced transmission line
WhyThe best direct, fused power connection for a 100-watt HF mobile installation runs to the battery using heavy-gauge wire. A 100-watt HF mobile rig's DC power should be run with heavy-gauge wire directly to the vehicle battery, which acts as a large buffer against voltage sag and electrical noise, with an appropriate fuse near the battery end, answer A. Tapping the alternator or generator directly exposes the radio to more electrical noise and voltage variation, and "balanced transmission line" describes RF feed line construction, not the kind of two-conductor DC power cabling a mobile installation actually uses, ruling out B, C, and D.
Published 2026-08-28 · Last updated 2026-08-28 · Question text is verbatim from the 2023-2027 NCVEC Element 3 pool (public domain); the explanation above is original writing, see our methodology.
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