What telemetry information is typically transmitted by satellite beacons?
The correct answer is C: Health and status of the satellite. Satellite beacons typically transmit health and status information about the satellite. This telemetry data includes information about the satellite's systems (battery voltage, solar panel output, temperature, operating mode, etc.) that helps operators understand the satellite's condition and predict its availability. For amateur radio operators, monitoring satellite beacons is essential for knowing when satellites are operational and what their status is. This information helps plan contacts and understand satellite performance.
Exam Tip
Satellite beacons = health and status. Think 'B'eacon = 'B'roadcasts satellite 'B'ody (health/status). Telemetry includes battery, solar, temperature, operating mode - information about the satellite's condition, not ground station measurements.
Memory Aid
"Satellite beacons = health and status. Think 'B'eacon = 'B'roadcasts 'B'ody (health/status) information. Telemetry about satellite systems, not ground station measurements."
Real-World Application
You monitor an amateur satellite's beacon on 145.980 MHz. The beacon transmits telemetry showing battery voltage (13.8V), solar panel current (2.5A), internal temperature (25°C), and operating mode (transponder active). This tells you the satellite is healthy and ready for use. Without this telemetry, you wouldn't know if the satellite is operational.
Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Signal strength of received signals is measured by ground stations, not transmitted by satellite beacons. Beacons transmit satellite status, not ground station measurements.
Option B: Incorrect. While some satellites provide time information, it's not typically accurate to ±1/10 second, and it's not the primary telemetry function. Health and status are the main beacon functions.
Option D: Incorrect. Since A and B are not correct, 'all of the above' cannot be correct. Health and status are the primary telemetry functions.
题目解析
The correct answer is C: Health and status of the satellite. Satellite beacons typically transmit health and status information about the satellite. This telemetry data includes information about the satellite's systems (battery voltage, solar panel output, temperature, operating mode, etc.) that helps operators understand the satellite's condition and predict its availability. For amateur radio operators, monitoring satellite beacons is essential for knowing when satellites are operational and what their status is. This information helps plan contacts and understand satellite performance.
考试技巧
Satellite beacons = health and status. Think 'B'eacon = 'B'roadcasts satellite 'B'ody (health/status). Telemetry includes battery, solar, temperature, operating mode - information about the satellite's condition, not ground station measurements.
记忆口诀
Satellite beacons = health and status. Think 'B'eacon = 'B'roadcasts 'B'ody (health/status) information. Telemetry about satellite systems, not ground station measurements.
实际应用示例
You monitor an amateur satellite's beacon on 145.980 MHz. The beacon transmits telemetry showing battery voltage (13.8V), solar panel current (2.5A), internal temperature (25°C), and operating mode (transponder active). This tells you the satellite is healthy and ready for use. Without this telemetry, you wouldn't know if the satellite is operational.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. Signal strength of received signals is measured by ground stations, not transmitted by satellite beacons. Beacons transmit satellite status, not ground station measurements. Option B: Incorrect. While some satellites provide time information, it's not typically accurate to ±1/10 second, and it's not the primary telemetry function. Health and status are the main beacon functions. Option D: Incorrect. Since A and B are not correct, 'all of the above' cannot be correct. Health and status are the primary telemetry functions.
知识点
Satellite beacons, Telemetry, Satellite status, Amateur satellites
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.