Question T7B10
From subelement T7 - T7B
What might be a problem if you receive a report that your audio signal through an FM repeater is distorted or unintelligible?
Why is this correct?
All three options can cause distorted or unintelligible audio through FM repeaters. Being slightly off frequency causes FM audio distortion since FM requires precise tuning. Low batteries reduce transmit power, creating weak signals that reach the repeater poorly. Bad locations result in insufficient signal strength to properly access the repeater. Each factor independently degrades audio quality, making 'All these choices are correct' the right answer.
Memory tip
FM troubleshooting follows a systematic approach: check frequency accuracy first, then power/battery status, then location/propagation. Each represents a different failure point in the transmission chain from your radio to the repeater's input.
Learn more
FM repeater audio problems stem from the 'Three Pillars' of reliable repeater operation: accurate frequency (your radio must hit the repeater's exact input frequency), adequate power (weak signals create poor audio at the repeater's receiver), and proper propagation (path losses from poor locations reduce signal quality). Understanding these fundamentals helps diagnose similar issues across all FM operations, whether simplex or repeater-based.
Think about it
Why do you think FM is more sensitive to being off-frequency than other modes like SSB, and how does this relate to the capture effect in FM receivers?