Ham Radio Extra Class Practice Test 2026 - Free Extra Class License Exam Questions and Study Guide

The type of packet frame used to transmit APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) beacon data is the Unnumbered Information frame. This frame type is designed for transmissions that do not require acknowledgment of receipt from the receiving station, making it ideal for the repetitive sending of location or status updates in APRS.

APRS is primarily utilized for positioning and messaging in the amateur radio community, where frequent updates are common, and the traffic can be quite dynamic. The Unnumbered Information frame allows for these quick and efficient transmissions without the overhead of managing sequence numbers or confirmations, which is especially important in applications like tracking moving vehicles or reporting emergencies.

Other frame types, such as Disconnect, Acknowledgement, and Connect, serve different purposes within packet radio communications, including establishing or terminating connections and confirming receipt of information, which is not suitable for the purpose of sending continuous beacon updates in APRS.