Deep Dive: T2A03
The correct answer is A: Plus or minus 5 MHz. According to standard 70-centimeter band plans, the common repeater frequency offset is 5 MHz. This is much larger than the 2-meter offset because the 70-centimeter band is wider (420-450 MHz, a 30 MHz range). The 5 MHz offset provides good separation between repeater input and output frequencies, preventing interference. For example, a repeater might receive on 442.000 MHz and transmit on 447.000 MHz (5 MHz higher, or +5 MHz). Or it might receive on 447.000 MHz and transmit on 442.000 MHz (5 MHz lower, or -5 MHz). This 5 MHz offset is standard for 70-centimeter repeaters.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option B: Incorrect. 600 kHz is the 2-meter offset, not the 70-centimeter offset. The 70-centimeter offset is much larger. Option C: Incorrect. 500 kHz is too small for 70-centimeter offsets. The standard is 5 MHz. Option D: Incorrect. 1 MHz is not the standard 70-centimeter offset. The standard is 5 MHz.
Exam Tip
70-cm offset = 5 MHz. Remember: The standard 70-centimeter repeater offset is 5 MHz, which is much larger than the 2-meter offset of 600 kHz.
Memory Aid
**7**0-cm **O**ffset = **5** MHz (think '7O = 5' = 70-cm Offset = 5 MHz)
Real-World Example
You're programming your 70-centimeter radio to use a local repeater. The repeater output is 447.000 MHz, so you set your radio to transmit on 442.000 MHz (5 MHz lower, the input frequency) and receive on 447.000 MHz (the output). This 5 MHz offset is standard for 70-centimeter 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.