Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Overmodulation occurs when the input signal amplitude exceeds the maximum level that the transmitter can handle, which leads to unintended distortions of the transmitted signal. The correct understanding of overmodulation indicates that it typically results in excessive distortion of the audio or data signal being transmitted. This distortion can cause the resultant signal to occupy more bandwidth than intended due to the creation of spurious frequencies.

When a signal is overmodulated, it might also appear to take up a wider bandwidth on the frequency spectrum, potentially affecting the ability of nearby channels to operate without interference. This is why excessive bandwidth is a key effect of overmodulation. While it might seem counterintuitive, excessive distortion can reduce signal clarity and does not typically lead to reduced power output—instead, the transmitter still emits the same power level, but the clarity and quality of the signal diminish significantly.