Which of the following is a direct step to take when interference or jamming is suspected?

• A. Check radio settings
• B. Replace the antenna
• C. Increase power
• D. Switch to 2m band

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that problems that mimic interference often come from how your own radio is configured. Checking radio settings is the direct, first-step action because a mis-tuned frequency, the wrong mode, improper filter selection, or an inappropriate squelch level can create symptoms that look like interference or jamming. By verifying that you’re on the intended frequency and using the correct mode, with appropriate squelch, power, and any tone or filter settings, you can rule out a configuration issue and identify whether the disruption is truly external.

Replacing the antenna, increasing power, or switching to a different band address different aspects of the system or the environment, but they don’t diagnose or confirm the cause. They can mask or worsen the problem and may violate operating rules or degrade performance, whereas confirming settings directly targets the most common, controllable source of false interference.