*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 simple type of antenna that is not cut to a specific length or tuned to a particular frequency. When connected directly to a transmitter, it can have some unique characteristics:

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

   - **Explanation**: A random-wire antenna can present a high impedance mismatch to the transmitter, leading to significant RF currents flowing on the outside of the coaxial cable and other station equipment. This can cause RF feedback, interference, and even potential damage to equipment. Proper grounding and the use of a suitable antenna tuner can help mitigate these issues.

2. **Why the Other Choices are Incorrect**:

   - **A: It must be longer than 1 wavelength**: This is incorrect because a random-wire antenna does not need to be any specific length, including longer than 1 wavelength. It can be any length, though certain lengths may perform better or worse depending on the frequency of operation.

   - **C: It produces only vertically polarized radiation**: This is incorrect because the polarization of a random-wire antenna depends on its orientation. If the wire is sloped or horizontal, it can produce a mix of vertical and horizontal polarization.

   - **D: It is more effective on the lower HF bands than on the higher bands**: This is incorrect because the effectiveness of a random-wire antenna is not inherently tied to the frequency band. Its performance can vary widely depending on its length relative to the wavelength and the surrounding environment.

3. **Useful Considerations**:

   - **Impedance Matching**: A random-wire antenna often requires an antenna tuner to match the impedance to the transmitter for efficient power transfer.
   - **RF Grounding**: Proper RF grounding is crucial to minimize RF currents on station equipment and reduce interference.

Understanding these characteristics helps in safely and effectively using a random-wire antenna in amateur radio operations.