A wide range of communication options

There are many different types of communication in amateur radio, using a wide range of technologies and frequency bands. Here are the main ones:

 

1. speech (voice)

  • FM (Frequency Modulation): Widely used on VHF and UHF bands, especially for local communications and repeater operation.
  • SSB (single sideband): Widely used on HF bands for long distance voice communications.

    AM (Amplitude Modulation): Less commonly used, mainly on the lower HF bands.

 

2. Morse code (CW - Continuous Wave)

  • CW: A simple and efficient method of transmitting Morse code which can be used on all amateur radio bands. Particularly useful on weak signals or for DX (long distance) operation.

 

3. digital voice modes

  • D-STAR: A digital voice mode that can be used worldwide via repeaters and the Internet.
  • DMR (Digital Mobile Radio): A commercial digital radio system also used by amateur radio operators.
  • System Fusion (Yaesu): A digital voice mode from Yaesu, compatible with FM and other digital modes.
  •  P25: A digital radio system used primarily by government agencies, but also by radio amateurs.

 

4. digital data modes

  • PSK31: A narrowband mode for text transmission via keyboard, ideal for weak signals.
  • FT8/FT4: Specially designed for weak signals, with short transmission cycles and high sensitivity.
  • RTTY (Radio TeleTYpe): An older but still popular mode for text transmission.
  • Pactor: Used for robust data transmission, often in maritime and emergency communications.
  • Olivia: A narrowband digital mode designed for communications in difficult conditions.

 

5. automated systems

  • APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System): Automatically transmits location information and other data.
  • Winlink: A global e-mail system using amateur radio links, particularly useful in emergencies.

    
6. satellite communications

  • Amateur Radio Satellites (OSCARs): The use of satellites available to radio amateurs for worldwide communications.

 

7. remote control and EchoLink

  • EchoLink: Connects amateur radio stations via the Internet, enabling radio communication between distant stations.
  • IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project): Similar to EchoLink, links local repeaters via the internet.

 

8. weather balloons and other experimental communications

  • Weather balloons: Often used to send radios high above the atmosphere to study propagation or other phenomena.
  • EME (Earth-Moon-Earth): Reflects signals from the Moon back to Earth, a challenge for radio amateurs.

 

9 Microwave

  • Microwave bands: For experiments and short-range communications at very high frequencies.

 

10 Emergency communications

  • ARES/RACES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service): Organised groups that provide communications in emergency situations.

 

This variety of possibilities offers radio amateurs a wide range of activities, from local communication to global communication and experimentation with new technologies.