Ham Radio General Class Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

An oscilloscope is a type of electronic test equipment that displays voltage signals as waveforms on a screen, allowing for the analysis of various characteristics of those signals. It consists of horizontal and vertical channel amplifiers that process the electrical signals being measured. The vertical amplifier is responsible for scaling the input voltage, allowing the user to adjust the height of the waveform displayed on the screen, while the horizontal amplifier helps determine the time base of the signal, defining how much time is represented across the screen.

This capability is fundamental for observing and measuring the shape, frequency, and amplitude of electrical signals, making oscilloscopes vital tools in both amateur radio and electronic diagnostics. In contrast, devices like an ohmmeter and ammeter are designed for specific measurements (resistance and current, respectively) and do not have the functionality to amplify and display waveforms. A signal generator produces electrical signals but does not include the measurement or display features of an oscilloscope.