How is a directional antenna pointed when making a “long-path” contact with another station?
The correct answer is C: 180 degrees from the station's short-path heading. When making a 'long-path' contact with another station, a directional antenna should be pointed 180 degrees from the station's short-path heading. Long-path is the longer route around the Earth (opposite direction from short-path). For amateur radio operators, this can provide better propagation in some conditions. Understanding this helps when operating long-path.
Exam Tip
Long-path antenna pointing = 180 degrees from short-path heading. Think 'L'ong-'P'ath = 'L'onger 'P'ath (180° from short). Point antenna 180 degrees from the station's short-path heading. Not toward sun, gray line, or north - 180° from short-path.
Memory Aid
"Long-path antenna pointing = 180 degrees from short-path. Think 'L'ong-'P'ath = 'L'onger 'P'ath (180°). Point antenna 180 degrees from the station's short-path heading. Long-path is the longer route around Earth."
Real-World Application
You want to contact a station in Japan. The short-path heading is 300 degrees (west). For long-path, you point your antenna 180 degrees from that: 120 degrees (east). The long-path goes the long way around the Earth in the opposite direction. This can sometimes provide better propagation than short-path.
Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Pointing toward the rising sun isn't the method - long-path is 180 degrees from short-path, not related to sun position.
Option B: Incorrect. Pointing along the gray line (day/night boundary) isn't the method - long-path is 180 degrees from short-path, not along the gray line.
Option D: Incorrect. Pointing toward the north isn't the method - long-path depends on the station's location, not a fixed direction like north.
题目解析
The correct answer is C: 180 degrees from the station's short-path heading. When making a 'long-path' contact with another station, a directional antenna should be pointed 180 degrees from the station's short-path heading. Long-path is the longer route around the Earth (opposite direction from short-path). For amateur radio operators, this can provide better propagation in some conditions. Understanding this helps when operating long-path.
考试技巧
Long-path antenna pointing = 180 degrees from short-path heading. Think 'L'ong-'P'ath = 'L'onger 'P'ath (180° from short). Point antenna 180 degrees from the station's short-path heading. Not toward sun, gray line, or north - 180° from short-path.
记忆口诀
Long-path antenna pointing = 180 degrees from short-path. Think 'L'ong-'P'ath = 'L'onger 'P'ath (180°). Point antenna 180 degrees from the station's short-path heading. Long-path is the longer route around Earth.
实际应用示例
You want to contact a station in Japan. The short-path heading is 300 degrees (west). For long-path, you point your antenna 180 degrees from that: 120 degrees (east). The long-path goes the long way around the Earth in the opposite direction. This can sometimes provide better propagation than short-path.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. Pointing toward the rising sun isn't the method - long-path is 180 degrees from short-path, not related to sun position. Option B: Incorrect. Pointing along the gray line (day/night boundary) isn't the method - long-path is 180 degrees from short-path, not along the gray line. Option D: Incorrect. Pointing toward the north isn't the method - long-path depends on the station's location, not a fixed direction like north.
知识点
Long-path, Antenna pointing, Propagation paths, Directional antennas
Verified Content
Question from official FCC General Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.