ARRL Technician Practice Exam

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Prepare for the ARRL Technician Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Get ready to become a certified amateur radio operator!

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What code is used when sending CW in the amateur bands?

ASCII
International Morse
ANSI
Extended Binary

The correct answer is: International Morse

When sending CW (Continuous Wave) in the amateur bands, the code used is International Morse. Morse code represents letters, numbers, and punctuation marks through combinations of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). It allows for efficient and effective communication over radio waves, particularly in conditions where voice transmissions may be difficult due to interference or distance. International Morse code is standardized and widely recognized, making it the primary form of communication for operators using CW. This method is especially popular among amateur radio operators because it can be sent at various speeds, is compatible with different types of equipment, and can be understood by operators worldwide. The other options, such as ASCII, ANSI, and Extended Binary, are formats primarily used in computer and digital communications rather than in traditional radio operations. ASCII and ANSI are character encoding standards for electronic communication and text representation, while Extended Binary refers to methods for representing binary data. Therefore, they do not apply to CW transmission in the amateur bands.