🔍 Key Concepts

• 2182 kHz is the international radiotelephone distress and calling frequency • Normal propagation characteristics of MF (medium frequency) radio, especially day vs. night range and noise • Difference between propagation issues (range/noise) and actual equipment malfunction (transmitter/antenna problems)

💭 Think About

• For each option, ask yourself: could this be caused by normal changes in radio propagation/atmospheric conditions, or does it point specifically to a fault in the equipment? • Think about what would most directly show that the transmitter and antenna system are not working properly, independent of atmospheric conditions or other stations’ activity. • Consider which choice involves an onboard test condition (not relying on other ships or on distant stations) that isolates your own equipment’s performance.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which options could occur even if your equipment is fine due to normal radio propagation or low traffic. • Check which option describes a problem observed while using test equipment or artificial load, not over-the-air communications. • Confirm which indication points directly to unstable output power or antenna system performance, rather than external factors.