Deep Dive: T2A01
The correct answer is B: Plus or minus 600 kHz. According to standard 2-meter band plans, the common repeater frequency offset is 600 kHz (0.6 MHz). This means repeaters typically receive on one frequency and transmit on a frequency that's 600 kHz higher or lower. For example, a repeater might receive on 146.160 MHz and transmit on 146.760 MHz (600 kHz higher, or +600 kHz). Or it might receive on 146.760 MHz and transmit on 146.160 MHz (600 kHz lower, or -600 kHz). This 600 kHz offset is standard for 2-meter repeaters in the United States and helps prevent interference between repeater input and output frequencies.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. 5 MHz is too large for 2-meter offsets. The 2-meter band is only 4 MHz wide (144-148 MHz), so a 5 MHz offset wouldn't fit. Option C: Incorrect. 500 kHz is close but not the standard. The standard 2-meter offset is 600 kHz. Option D: Incorrect. 1 MHz is not the standard 2-meter offset. The standard is 600 kHz.
Exam Tip
2-meter offset = 600 kHz. Remember: The standard 2-meter repeater offset is 600 kHz (0.6 MHz). This is a key number to memorize for Technician exam.
Memory Aid
**2**-meter **O**ffset = **6**00 kHz (think '2O = 6' = 2-meter Offset = 600 kHz)
Real-World Example
You're programming your 2-meter radio to use a local repeater. The repeater output is 146.760 MHz, so you set your radio to transmit on 146.160 MHz (600 kHz lower, the input frequency) and receive on 146.760 MHz (the output). This 600 kHz offset is standard for 2-meter repeaters.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T2A
Reference: FCC Part 97.205
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T2A topic.