Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2022-2026 Question Pool | Topic: T7B
T7B05T7B

How can fundamental overload of a non-amateur radio or TV receiver by an amateur signal be reduced or eliminated?

Deep Dive: T7B05

The correct answer is A: Block the amateur signal with a filter at the antenna input of the affected receiver. Fundamental overload of a non-amateur radio or TV receiver by an amateur signal can be reduced or eliminated by blocking the amateur signal with a filter at the antenna input of the affected receiver. This is the correct approach because the problem is the receiver's inability to reject strong out-of-band signals. A filter (typically a band-pass filter for the desired service or a notch filter for the interfering frequency) blocks the amateur signal before it enters the receiver. For amateur radio operators, this is the proper solution - the interference is caused by receiver overload, so the filter goes on the affected receiver, not the transmitter.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B: Incorrect. Blocking the signal at the transmitter doesn't help - you need to transmit your signal. The problem is the receiver picking up your legal signal, so the filter belongs on the receiver. Option C: Incorrect. Switching modes doesn't solve fundamental overload - the receiver will still be overloaded by a strong signal regardless of mode. Option D: Incorrect. Narrow-band modes don't prevent fundamental overload - the receiver is still overloaded by the strong signal's presence.

Exam Tip

Fundamental overload = filter on affected receiver. Think 'F'ilter on 'F'aulty receiver. The receiver can't reject strong signals, so add filtering to the receiver's antenna input, not the transmitter.

Memory Aid

Fundamental overload = filter on receiver. Think 'F'undamental overload = 'F'ilter on 'F'aulty receiver. Block the interfering signal at the receiver's antenna input.

Real-World Example

Your neighbor's TV picks up your 2-meter transmission because their TV receiver lacks filtering. The solution is to install a high-pass filter on their TV's antenna input, which blocks your 2-meter signal (144 MHz) while passing TV signals (54-806 MHz). This prevents your signal from overloading their receiver. Your transmitter is operating legally - their receiver needs the filter.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool

Subelement: T7B

Reference: 2022-2026 Question Pool · T7 - Practical circuits

Key Concepts

Fundamental overload Receiver filtering Interference resolution RFI mitigation

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T7B topic.