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T4A04

AMATEUR RADIO PRACTICES · Station setup: connecting a microphone, RF power meter, a power source, a computer, digital equipment, an SWR meter; bonding; Mobile radio installation

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How are the audio input and output of a transceiver connected in a station configured to operate using FT8?

  1. ATo a computer running a terminal program and connected to a terminal node controller unit
  2. BTo the audio output and input of a computer running FT8 software
  3. CTo an FT8 conversion unit, a keyboard, and a computer monitor
  4. DTo a computer connected to the FT8converter.com website
Why FT8 is a sound card digital mode: the WSJT-X style software on the computer generates the transmit audio tones and decodes received audio. So the transceiver's audio output (received audio) goes to the computer's audio input, and the computer's audio output feeds the transceiver's mic or line input, usually through a USB interface box or a radio's built-in USB codec. The computer also needs a PTT or CAT control line to key the transmitter, and accurate time sync since FT8 uses 15 second transmit slots.
Watch out The terminal node controller answer describes older packet radio, where a hardware TNC did the modulation and demodulation; with FT8 the computer's sound card does that work, and there is no such thing as a standalone FT8 conversion box or website.
FT8 = sound card mode. Audio in, audio out, computer does the rest. No TNC, no black box.
HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.
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The rest of T4A

  1. T4A01 Which of the following is an appropriate power supply rating for a typical 50-watt output mobile FM transceiv…
  2. T4A02 Which of the following should be considered when selecting an accessory SWR meter?
  3. T4A03 Why are short, heavy-gauge wires used for a transceiver's DC power connection?
  4. T4A04 How are the audio input and output of a transceiver connected in a station configured to operate using FT8?
  5. T4A05 Where should an RF power meter be installed?
  6. T4A06 What signals are used in a computer-radio interface for digital mode operation?
  7. T4A07 Which of the following is one of the connections required between a computer and a transceiver to operate dig…
  8. T4A08 Which of the following conductors is preferred for bonding at RF?
  9. T4A09 How can you determine the length of time that equipment can be powered from a battery?
  10. T4A10 What function does a digital mode hotspot perform for nearby transceivers?
  11. T4A11 Where should the negative power return of a mobile transceiver be connected in a vehicle?
  12. T4A12 What is an electronic keyer?
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