Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G9C
G9C11G9C

What is a beta or hairpin match?

Deep Dive: G9C11

The correct answer is A: A shorted transmission line stub placed at the feed point of a Yagi antenna to provide impedance matching. What a beta or hairpin match is a shorted transmission line stub placed at the feed point of a Yagi antenna to provide impedance matching. Beta/hairpin matches use a shorted stub to match impedance. For amateur radio operators, this is a common Yagi matching method. Understanding this helps when building Yagi antennas.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B: Incorrect. Beta match isn't a 1/4 wavelength section of 75-ohm coax - it's a shorted stub, not a 75-ohm section. 75-ohm coax isn't beta match. Option C: Incorrect. Beta match isn't a series capacitor - it's a shorted stub, not a capacitor. Capacitor isn't beta match. Option D: Incorrect. Beta match isn't a section of 300-ohm twin-lead - it's a shorted stub, not twin-lead. Twin-lead isn't beta match.

Exam Tip

Beta/hairpin match = shorted transmission line stub at feed point. Think 'B'eta 'M'atch = 'B'ent 'M'atching stub (hairpin shape). Beta/hairpin matches use a shorted stub to match impedance. Not 75-ohm coax, not capacitor, not twin-lead - just shorted stub.

Memory Aid

Beta/hairpin match = shorted transmission line stub at feed point. Think 'B'eta 'M'atch = 'B'ent 'M'atching stub. Beta/hairpin matches use a shorted stub to match impedance. Common Yagi matching method.

Real-World Example

A Yagi antenna: A beta (hairpin) match is a shorted transmission line stub placed at the feed point. The stub is bent in a hairpin shape, providing impedance matching. This is a common Yagi matching method - a shorted stub at the feed point. Beta/hairpin matches are used to match Yagi impedance to feed line.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G9C

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G9 - Antennas and Feed Lines

Key Concepts

Beta match Hairpin match Shorted transmission line stub Impedance matching

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G9C topic.