Deep Dive: E9C09
The correct answer is A: A wire antenna center-fed through a specific length of open-wire line connected to a balun and coaxial feed line. A G5RV antenna is a wire antenna center-fed through a specific length of open-wire line connected to a balun and coaxial feed line. The G5RV is a popular multi-band wire antenna. The G5RV uses a specific length of open-wire (ladder line) feed line that acts as an impedance transformer and matching section. This open-wire section is then connected to a balun, which converts from balanced (open-wire) to unbalanced (coaxial). The coaxial cable then goes to the transceiver. The specific lengths are designed to provide reasonable impedance matching on multiple bands. The G5RV is a center-fed dipole with this special feed system, making it popular for multi-band HF operation.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option B: Incorrect. A G5RV isn't a trap antenna. It's a wire antenna with a special feed system using open-wire line. Option C: Incorrect. A G5RV isn't a phased array of loops. It's a center-fed wire antenna with open-wire feed line. Option D: Incorrect. A G5RV doesn't use shorted coaxial cable for radiating elements. It uses wire elements with open-wire feed line.
Exam Tip
G5RV = Wire antenna with open-wire feed line + balun. Remember: A G5RV is a wire antenna center-fed through a specific length of open-wire line, connected to a balun and then coaxial feed line.
Memory Aid
**G**5RV = **W**ire + **O**pen-**W**ire **L**ine + **B**alun (think 'G5RV = W+OWL+B')
Real-World Example
You build a G5RV antenna. You have a center-fed wire dipole. At the center, you connect a specific length of open-wire (ladder line) feed line. This open-wire section connects to a balun, which converts to unbalanced. Then you connect coaxial cable from the balun to your transceiver. This feed system provides multi-band operation.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool
Subelement: E9C
Reference: FCC Part 97.3
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E9C topic.