Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

What is the purpose of an electronic keyer?

1. Automatic transmit/receive switching

2. Automatic generation of strings of dots and dashes for CW operation

3. VOX operation

4. Computer interface for PSK and RTTY operation

The correct answer is: Automatic generation of strings of dots and dashes for CW operation

The purpose of an electronic keyer is to automatically generate strings of dots and dashes for Continuous Wave (CW) operation. Electronic keyers are commonly used by amateur radio operators who communicate using Morse code. These devices simplify the process of sending Morse code by allowing the operator to manually control a switch while the keyer automatically generates the correct timing for the dots and dashes. This results in more accurate and efficient Morse code transmission, reducing the mental load on the operator and enabling faster and more precise communication. In the context of ham radio, the use of an electronic keyer enhances the operator's ability to send Morse code without the need to learn and accurately time each element of the code themselves. Instead, they can focus on the message being sent while the keyer manages the timing, which is especially beneficial for sustained or high-speed operations.