🔍 Key Concepts
• Programming portable or mobile radios usually means changing channel frequencies, power settings, and features stored in the radio’s memory.
• Think about which device can store and transfer configuration data (frequencies, tones, channel names) into the radio.
• Consider what tools like a dummy load, wattmeter, and signal generator are normally used for when working with radio equipment.
💭 Think About
• Which of these options is commonly used to run special software that communicates with the radio through a cable or interface?
• Which devices in the list are mainly for testing RF power, VSWR, or signal characteristics, rather than changing internal channel programming?
• If you had to load a new channel plan into 50 handheld radios on a vessel, which tool would make that efficient and repeatable?
✅ Before You Answer
• Identify which choice is typically connected to the radio with a programming cable and software.
• Eliminate the tools whose primary purpose is measuring or handling RF signals (power, load, test signal), not storing data or settings.
• Make sure the option you choose can run or host configuration software, not just provide a test signal or absorb RF power.