Deep Dive: G4E03
The correct answer is A: To the battery using heavy-gauge wire. The best direct, fused power connection for a 100-watt HF mobile installation is to the battery using heavy-gauge wire. The battery provides stable voltage, and heavy-gauge wire handles the current. For amateur radio operators, this ensures reliable power. Understanding this helps when installing mobile equipment.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option B: Incorrect. Connecting to alternator/generator isn't as good - the battery provides more stable voltage. Alternator voltage varies with engine speed. Option C: Incorrect. Balanced transmission line isn't for power - that's for RF feed lines. Power connections use wire, not transmission line. Option D: Incorrect. Alternator/generator with transmission line is wrong - power uses wire, not transmission line, and battery is better than alternator.
Exam Tip
100W HF mobile power = to battery using heavy-gauge wire. Think 'B'attery 'P'ower = 'B'est 'P'ower source with heavy wire. Battery provides stable voltage, heavy-gauge wire handles current. Not alternator, not transmission line - just battery with heavy wire.
Memory Aid
100W HF mobile power = to battery using heavy-gauge wire. Think 'B'attery 'P'ower = 'B'est 'P'ower source. Battery provides stable voltage, heavy-gauge wire handles current. Best practice for mobile installations.
Real-World Example
You install a 100-watt HF mobile transceiver. You connect power directly to the battery using heavy-gauge wire (e.g., 10 AWG) with an appropriate fuse. The battery provides stable voltage regardless of engine speed, and heavy-gauge wire handles the current (about 20 amps at 12V for 100W). This is the best power connection.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool
Subelement: G4E
Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G4 - Amateur Radio Practices
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G4E topic.