ARRL Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Technician License Practice Questions and Study Guide

Receiving a report that your audio signal through the repeater is distorted or unintelligible can indicate several potential issues related to signal transmission.

Over modulation of the signal is a common problem that can lead to distortion. This occurs when the audio input to the transmitter exceeds its maximum level, causing clipping of the audio waveform. As a result, the transmitted audio becomes garbled or difficult to understand. Maintaining audio levels within the prescribed limits is crucial for clear communication.

The state of the transmitter’s battery can also affect audio quality. If the battery is weak, the transmitter may not operate within its optimal range, leading to a degradation in audio quality. Insufficient power supply can result in fluctuations and distortions in the signal being transmitted.

Incorrect frequency setting can create issues as well. If the transmitter is not tuned accurately to the repeater's input frequency, it may not communicate effectively with the repeater. This misalignment can cause the signal to be distorted or unintelligible.

When considering all these factors, it's clear that any one of these issues—weak battery, over modulation, or incorrect frequency setting—can contribute to poor audio quality. This is why the correct answer indicates that all of these choices are valid contributors to the problem being experienced.