🔍 Key Concepts

• Auto-alarm function on a ship’s radio transmitter • Purpose of a keying circuit in radiotelegraphy/radiotelephony • How automatic distress/watchkeeping equipment is kept from accidentally transmitting

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: When the auto-alarm is in use, should the main transmitter be able to send normal keyed transmissions, or should it be prevented from doing so? Why? • Think about the role of the auto-alarm antenna position: is it primarily for listening for distress signals or for sending them? • Consider if it would be safe or standard practice to let the operator disconnect the keying circuit manually at any time, or if this is tied to a specific switch position.

✅ Before You Answer

• Review what happens to the transmitter when the system is set to receive and monitor for an auto-alarm/distress signal. • Confirm whether the auto-alarm ‘operating’ position is meant for automatic watchkeeping (receive-only) or for routine transmitting. • Make sure you understand that the keying circuit controls the ability to actually transmit, not just to receive.