Foundation Licence

WIA Amateur Radio
Foundation Level Online Assessment

Check your knowledge - Instant results

This online assessment has been made available for prospective amateurs studying for their Foundation level licence.

For the best outcome we strongly recommend you purchase a copy of "Your Entry Into Amateur Radio" the foundation licence study manual Rev 3, accessible in the Left Hand menu or by clicking this Link.

Each question in this assessment carries equal marks.
Questions must be answered by clicking the button associated with the correct answer for each question.
You have 30 minutes to complete this Amateur Radio Foundation Level online assessment.
The questions are selected at random from a pool of questions.
The order of the answers for each question have been randomised.
Exam questions are © Wireless Institute of Australia (September 2020)
Copyright in this material is owned by the Wireless Institute of Australia (‘WIA’). All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Copyrights Act 1968 you must not reproduce, adapt, publish, distribute or commercialise this material without the express written permission of the WIA. This material must not be transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or translated to any human or computer language without written permission. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be directed to the WIA.

1. Interference to a telephone or audio entertainment system can be cured by:-

a) adding a highpass filter to the audio leads

b) placing a capacitor in series with the audio leads

c) adding an audio stop filter to the affected equipment

d) placing an RF choke in the audio leads

2. The reason mains operated equipment is earthed is to:-

a) reduce the likelihood of electric shock

b) discharge static electricity when the equipment is touched

c) provide for the use of a transformer

d) terminate the third wire in the mains cable

3. The compliance with Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) is a Licence Condition that:-

a) applies to Commercial operators

b) applies to all classes of amateur licence

c) applies to those transmitting in excess of 3200 watts EIRP

d) only applies to Standard and Advanced Licencees

4. If a radio amateur hears a distress call, on a non-amateur frequency, that is not acknowledged, the radio amateur:-

a) should urgently endevour to find anyone who can operate on the frequency of the distress

b) should continue to monitor and call other stations on a different band

c) if there is no response, respond and provide assistance using whatever means available, and using radio if equipment allows

d) may not transmit and contact the appropriate emergency authority

5. The purpose of the amateur radio service is primarily:-

a) for the entertainment of other amateurs

b) for self training in radiocommunications and technical investigation

c) to avoid using the Internet for communication

d) to save on telephone bills

6. Referring to the following diagram (waveforms), the diagram which represents an unmodulated carrier signal is:-

a) diagram 4

b) diagram 1

c) diagram 3

d) diagram 2

7. An amateur must produce their Amateur Licence to:-

a) a WIA assessor

b) a person to whom you are causing interference

c) ACMA inspectors

d) another amateur radio operator

8. The unit of current is the:-

a) volt

b) watt

c) ohm

d) ampere

9. When a fuse blows, it should only be replaced with:-

a) a circuit breaker

b) the next biggest current rating

c) the next smallest current rating

d) the specified type and current rating

10. When a thunder storm is approaching, it is wise to:-

a) disconnect antennas

b) remove all antennas from the tower or mast

c) switch to standby power

d) test lightning protection

11. If harmful interference is being generated by an amateur station:-

a) an Advanced operator, may by written notice, direct you to stop transmitting

b) the WIA may restrict amateur operations

c) the local council may restrict the times you operate your station down

d) the ACMA may direct you to cease all transmissions for a specified time

12. The most important factors governing selection of an antenna for a HF amateur station are:-

a) brand of transmitter and height above ground

b) modulation type and available space

c) frequency, power and proximity to people

d) modulation type and frequency

13. Foundation stations may use:-

a) any non commercial or commercially manufactured transmitting equipment

b) home made equipment transmitting 100 watts output

c) modified amateur transmitting equipment transmitting above 10 watts PEP output

d) new commercial equipment modified by you for the Citizens Band service

14. When a fuse blows, it should be replaced in accordance with:-

a) whatever fuse is available, but not more than twice the original value

b) the equipment manufacturer's specifications

c) the bigger is better rule

d) the power output required

15. A radio amateur can transmit secret coded messages when:-

a) normal language may be upsetting to some listeners

b) when engaging in secret technical experiments

c) participating in emergency services or training exercises related to emergency services.

d) privacy is a high priority

16. EMC problems from an amateur station are dependent on the:-

a) grade of amateur licence held by the operator

b) sun spot cycle, time of day and weather

c) transmitter power, frequency, and distance from affected equipment

d) date, time, and person operating

17. When operating on an amateur band, you must announce your call sign:-

a) at the beginning of the first transmission and when you close down

b) at the end of every transmission

c) at the beginning and end of a series of transmissions and at least every 10 minutes

d) at the beginning and end of a transmission

18. An amateur transceiver that has the transmitter incorrectly tuned may cause :-

a) interference to broadcast radio and television reception

b) interference to small kitchen appliances

c) neighbourhood dogs to bark or become frightened

d) a hum in the receiver speaker

19. Long distance communications is sometimes possible on VHF and UHF due to:-

a) D layer skip

b) unusual atmospheric conditions

c) increased ionisation of the F layer at night

d) sunspots

20. Modern electronic equipment in the home is rated in terms of electromagnetic compatibility, which is the:-

a) compatibility with telephone circuits

b) compatibility with the mains voltage and frequency

c) ability to jam amateur radio transmissions by being more powerful

d) ability of the electronic equipment to operate without causing excessive interference

21. When a voltage is applied to a closed circuit, the current in the circuit is the:-

a) flow of electrons past a point

b) electrical pressure

c) power

d) resistance

22. The ionosphere layers are ionised primarily due to the:-

a) sun's ionising effects on earth's upper atmosphere

b) high pressure zones

c) strength of the transmitted signal

d) rotation of the earth's magnetic poles

23. To improve the effective power radiated from an antenna, an antenna:-

a) of wider beamwidth can be used

b) of higher impedance is best

c) of higher gain can be used

d) of lower impedance is best

24. Referring to the following diagram (waveforms), which diagram represents a normal FM signal:-

a) diagram 3

b) diagram 4

c) diagram 2

d) diagram 1

25. To resolve neighbourhood EMC problems caused by an amateur station requires:-

a) larger fences to keep neighbours out

b) the police to be called

c) a new transmitter

d) diplomacy