SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-ptt-input-function

What does a transceiver's PTT input do when it is grounded?

It switches the radio from receive to transmit.

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  1. Sends a transmit tuning tone
  2. Acts as the input for a CW key
  3. Switches the radio from receive to transmit ✔

Why: PTT means push to talk. Pressing the mic button grounds the PTT line, and the radio switches from listening to transmitting.

Huh, didn't know that: While you hold the PTT button you are transmitting, so you can't hear other stations.

The dad joke
Why did the radio operator get a sore thumb? Too much push to talk, not enough push to listen.
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References

Answer: Switches the radio from receive to transmit. PTT means push to talk. Pressing the mic button grounds the PTT line, and the radio switches from listening to transmitting.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (February 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    B. Switches transceiver from receive to transmit when grounded
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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