SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-enter-frequency

Which of these can you use to enter a transceiver's operating frequency?

The keypad or VFO knob.

Start playing free

  1. The CTCSS or DTMF encoder
  2. The automatic frequency control
  3. The keypad or VFO knob ✔

Why: You set a radio's frequency by typing it on the keypad or turning the VFO tuning knob. CTCSS and DTMF are tone systems, not tuning controls.

Huh, didn't know that: VFO stands for variable frequency oscillator.

The dad joke
I spun my VFO knob so fast the radio got dizzy.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: The keypad or VFO knob. You set a radio's frequency by typing it on the keypad or turning the VFO tuning knob. CTCSS and DTMF are tone systems, not tuning controls.

  1. HamStudy 2026 Technician pool, T4B02 hamstudy.org/browse/E2_2026/T4B
    The keypad or VFO knob
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Ham RadioAn SSB voice answering your CQ sounds too high or too low in pitch. Which control can fix it?Ham RadioWhat does the squelch function on a receiver do?Ham RadioHow should squelch be set so you can hear a weak FM signal?

That's stuff everyone should know.