Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E9A
E9A07E9A

What is the effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of a repeater station with 200 watts transmitter power output, 2 dB feed line loss, 2.8 dB duplexer loss, 1.2 dB circulator loss, and 7 dBi antenna gain?

Deep Dive: E9A07

The correct answer is B: 252 watts. To calculate Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP), account for all gains and losses: EIRP = Transmitter Power × (Gain - Losses). Convert dB to ratios. Note: EIRP uses dBi (gain relative to isotropic), while ERP uses dBd (gain relative to dipole). Given: 200W transmitter, 2 dB feedline loss, 2.8 dB duplexer loss, 1.2 dB circulator loss, 7 dBi antenna gain. Total losses = 2 + 2.8 + 1.2 = 6 dB. Net gain = 7 dBi - 6 dB = 1 dB. Converting: 1 dB = 10^(1/10) = 1.259 ratio. EIRP = 200W × 1.259 = 252W. EIRP is similar to ERP but uses dBi (isotropic reference) instead of dBd (dipole reference).

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. 159 watts would result from incorrect calculation of the net gain/loss combination. Option C: Incorrect. 632 watts would result from not properly accounting for losses or using incorrect dB conversions. Option D: Incorrect. 63.2 watts would result from subtracting gains instead of properly calculating net gain minus losses.

Exam Tip

EIRP calculation = Account for all losses and gains in dBi. Remember: EIRP = Power × (Gain in dBi - All Losses). With 200W, 7 dBi gain, and 6 dB losses, net = 1 dB = 1.259×, EIRP = 252W.

Memory Aid

**E**IRP = **2**00W × (**7** dBi - **6** dB) = **2**52W (think 'EIRP = 200×(7-6) = 252W')

Real-World Example

Your station has 200W transmitter, 2 dB feedline loss, 2.8 dB duplexer loss, 1.2 dB circulator loss, and 7 dBi antenna gain. Total losses = 6 dB. Net gain = 7 - 6 = 1 dB = 1.259×. EIRP = 200W × 1.259 = 252W. EIRP uses dBi (isotropic reference), while ERP uses dBd (dipole reference).

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E9A

Reference: FCC Part 97.313

Key Concepts

Effective isotropic radiated power EIRP dBi Gain and losses

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E9A topic.