Question
How do ALE stations establish contact?
Answer Options
- A) ALE constantly scans a list of frequencies, activating the radio when the designated call sign is received
- B) ALE radios monitor an internet site for the frequency they are being paged on
- C) ALE radios send a constant tone code to establish a frequency for future use
- D) ALE radios activate when they hear their signal echoed by back scatter
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) is a protocol designed for professional and governmental HF radio systems, which has been adapted for amateur use (mostly in digital messaging and emergency communication). Its primary purpose is to automatically select the best available frequency and initiate a reliable connection between two stations in dynamic HF conditions.
ALE stations establish contact by constantly scanning a list of frequencies, activating the radio when the designated call sign is received. The stations continuously probe the available band with short, structured ‘soundings’ or test transmissions. When a station hears its target’s call sign in a sounding or a direct call, it stops scanning and attempts to lock onto that frequency to establish a full communication link.
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