T8C05 - What is a grid locator?

Question

What is a grid locator?

Answer Options

  • A) A letter-number designator assigned to a geographic location
  • B) A letter-number designator assigned to an azimuth and elevation
  • C) An instrument for neutralizing a final amplifier
  • D) An instrument for radio direction finding

Correct Answer: A


Explanation

A grid locator (or Maidenhead Locator System) is a simple, standardized way of describing the geographic location of an amateur radio station. It is a letter-number designator assigned to a geographic location, where the letters and numbers correspond to a specific square area on the Earth’s surface.

For example, the grid locator ‘FN31’ defines a large square area, and ‘FN31ax’ defines a much smaller square within that area. Grid locators are critical for many activities, including satellite tracking (T8B10), VHF weak-signal work, and contest scoring.


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