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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-receiver-sensitivity

What term describes a receiver's ability to detect the presence of a signal?

Sensitivity is how well a receiver detects a signal.

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  1. Selectivity
  2. RF gain
  3. Sensitivity ✔

Why: A sensitive receiver can hear very weak signals. Selectivity is a different skill: separating signals that are close together.

Huh, didn't know that: Receiver sensitivity is often listed in microvolts. A smaller number means a more sensitive receiver.

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My receiver is so sensitive. One weak signal and it picks up on it right away.
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References

Answer: Sensitivity. A sensitive receiver can hear very weak signals. Selectivity is a different skill: separating signals that are close together.

  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. Sensitivity
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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