Deep Dive: T8B05
The correct answer is D: A transmission from a satellite that contains status information. A satellite beacon is a transmission from a satellite that contains status information (telemetry). Beacons are continuous or periodic transmissions that provide information about the satellite's health, operating mode, and status. For amateur radio operators, beacons are essential for knowing if a satellite is operational, what its status is, and for tracking purposes. Beacons are typically transmitted on a fixed frequency and contain telemetry data that can be decoded to understand the satellite's condition.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. The beacon is a transmission, not the antenna itself. The antenna is a physical component, while the beacon is the signal transmitted. Option B: Incorrect. Beacons don't show where to point your antenna - that's what tracking programs do. Beacons provide status information. Option C: Incorrect. Beacons aren't reflective surfaces - that describes passive reflectors. Beacons are active transmissions.
Exam Tip
Satellite beacon = transmission with status information. Think 'B'eacon = 'B'roadcasts status 'B'ytes. A signal from the satellite containing telemetry about its health and operating condition. Not an antenna, indicator, or reflector.
Memory Aid
Satellite beacon = transmission with status information. Think 'B'eacon = 'B'roadcasts status 'B'ytes. A signal containing telemetry about satellite health and condition.
Real-World Example
You tune to 145.980 MHz and hear a satellite beacon - a continuous transmission with telemetry data. This beacon tells you the satellite is operational and provides information about battery voltage, temperature, and operating mode. Without the beacon, you wouldn't know if the satellite is working or what its status is.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T8B
Reference: 2022-2026 Question Pool · T8 - Signals and emissions
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T8B topic.