*Question G9B01:
What is a characteristic of a random-wire HF antenna connected directly to the transmitter?*  

*Correct Answer is  B: Station equipment may carry significant RF current*  

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

A random-wire HF antenna is a type of antenna that can be of various lengths and is not specifically designed to match the wavelength of the frequency being used. Let's break down the question and the choices:

### Correct Answer: B - Station equipment may carry significant RF current

- **Explanation**: A random-wire antenna is often not resonant at the frequency of operation, which means it can present a low impedance to the transmitter. This can lead to significant RF currents flowing through the station equipment, including the transmitter and any connected devices. This is a common issue with random-wire antennas, especially if proper grounding and RF isolation techniques are not employed.

### Why the Other Choices are Incorrect:

- **A: It must be longer than 1 wavelength**  
  - **Explanation**: A random-wire antenna does not need to be longer than 1 wavelength. In fact, it can be much shorter or longer than a wavelength. The effectiveness of the antenna depends on its length relative to the frequency, but it does not have to meet this specific criterion.

- **C: It produces only vertically polarized radiation**  
  - **Explanation**: A random-wire antenna can produce both vertically and horizontally polarized radiation, depending on its orientation and the surrounding environment. The polarization is not strictly limited to vertical.

- **D: It is more effective on the lower HF bands than on the higher bands**  
  - **Explanation**: While random-wire antennas can work on lower HF bands, their effectiveness can vary based on the specific design and installation. They can also be effective on higher bands, especially if they are cut to a length that is resonant at those frequencies. Thus, this statement is not universally true.

### Summary

- A random-wire antenna can lead to significant RF currents in station equipment due to its non-resonant nature.
- It does not have to be longer than 1 wavelength, can produce various polarizations, and can be effective across different HF bands.

This understanding will help you answer similar questions on the exam regarding antenna characteristics and their implications for station operation.