Exploring the ham radio modes – Ham radio has many modes – Phone, CW, The Digital Modes, The Web-Based Modes. Find your favorite here.
Phone
Voice over radio channels (radiotelephony or just “phone”) is probably the most popular form of Amateur Radio. A number of modulation modes are available to support voice work.
AM (Amplitude Modulation – double sideband, full carrier) is the oldest form of voice modulation. A CW carrier signal is controlled (modulated) by an audio voltage, so that the amplitude of the radio carrier ranges from zero (at negative audio peaks) to 200% (at positive audio peaks). Generation and reception of traditional AM can be done with relatively simple circuits, and it is still in use by a small, but hardy group of amateurs. (See the AM Phone page.) Nevertheless, most ham voice activity on HF has moved to SSB (see below).
FM (Frequency Modulation) is the voice mode of choice for local VHF / UHF operations, fixed or mobile, simplex or repeater based. It offers good performance with simple equipment requirements. The audio signal controls (modulates) the frequency of the transmitter over a small range.
SSB (“sideband”, Single Sideband Suppressed Carrier) is the descendant of traditional AM. Compared to AM, SSB requires less than half the bandwidth and it offers much more “talk power”, since the unnecessary carrier and second sideband are not transmitted. SSB requires more frequency stability and somewhat more complex circuitry than AM, but essentially all mainstream amateur gear for the HF bands now supports SSB voice.
CW
CW stands for continuous wave, the technical method of transmitting Morse code. Now simply called “CW”, radio communication by Morse code was the only way to communicate for the first decade or more of Amateur Radio. Radiotelegraphy, the proper name, descends from landline (wired) telegraphy of the 19th century, and retains some of the old culture, including a rich set of abbreviations and procedures.
Prior to Feb. 14, 1991, Technician Class licensing required a Morse code test. While it’s no longer required, CW is actually growing as a popular radio mode. Many hams tout the extended range of CW, allowing signals to go farther with less power.
The Digital Modes
Interface a computer with a transceiver and you have the basic tools to communicate via digital information. FCC rules state that anyone can create a new digital mode by developing the software, designing the interface, designating the appropriate ham band frequencies, and announce publicly new digital mode and make it available to all licensed amateur radio operators.
There are numerous modes – here are just a few. See the Beacon Links for videos on how to operate in these modes.
FT8 – A popular digital mode capable of operating in low signal-to-noise conditions that transmits on 15-second intervals. It operates through the WSJT-x suite, a free open-source program. Other modes accessible though this suite is FST4, FST4W, FT4, JT4, JT9, JT65, Q65, MSK144, and WSPR. CLICK for more info and to download WSJT-x.
APRS – Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, developed the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), which allows packet radio to track real-time events. It deviates markedly from the usual message – and text-transfer activity. Instead, APRS concentrates on the graphic display of station and object locations and movements.
With a small GPS receiver, a TNC and a hand-held transceiver stuffed in a cigar box, almost any object can be tracked by packet stations running APRS software. You can place these boxes on bicycles for a marathon event, and, of course, in automobiles. This system is an excellent tool for triangulating the location of a hidden transmitter or jammer.
PSK31 – The “PSK” stands for Phase Shift Keying, the modulation method that is used to generate the signal; “31” is the bit rate. Technically speaking, the bit rate is really 31.25, but “PSK31.25” isn’t nearly as catchy. As with Morse code, it is a simple binary code expressed by short signal pulses (dits) and longer signal pulses (dahs). By combining strings of dits and dahs, we can communicate the entire English alphabet along with numbers and punctuation.
RTTY – Here, we’re still dealing with binary data (dits and dahs, if you will), but instead of on/off keying, we send the information by shifting frequencies. This is known as Frequency Shift Keying or FSK.
Web-Based Modes
Interface a computer with a radio AND the internet and you have the basic concept of how the web-based modes work, otherwise known as VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. Proponents taut that these modes combine crystal clear audio with long distance communication. These modes can be accessed with specially designed transceivers connecting over the air to specially equipped repeaters or interfaced directly to the internet through a computer. There are certain phone apps that connect via an internet-connected smart phone. See the Becon Link for a video comparing modes. Watch VIDEO to see the modes compared. A word of advice – before choosing a mode, check your area, club, or friends as to which one to connect to. Ham communication is all about connecting to others.
Fusion/C4FM/WIRES-X – Designed to work with YAESU radios, WIRES-X involves an amateur node station connecting to the Internet is used as the access point and connects the wireless communication to the Internet. Hams link to “rooms,” each providing for 2-way communication. Watch VIDEO.
D-Star – Designed to work with ICOM radios, D-Star works similarly to WIRES-X, but also boasts GPS tracking of stations. Watch VIDEO.
DMR – Stands for Digital Mobile Radio. It was originally designed to provide wider, clearer radio communications with data capabilities in commercial applications. Watch VIDEO.
Echolink – A computer-based Amateur Radio system distributed free of charge that allows radio amateurs to communicate with other amateur radio operators using Voice over IP technology on the Internet for at least part of the path between them. Communication is designed to be used with or without a transceiver OR a repeater. Watch VIDEO.
BEACON LINKS
Video - Understanding Single Sideband (SSB)
Comparisons of AM and SSB and why each is used.
Video - CW-Tips on Learning Morse Code
Benefits of CW and learning tips.
Video - How I Learned Morse Code Fast and Easy
With Eric, KJ4YZI, from Ham Radio Concepts.
Video - WSJT-x Explained in 10 Minutes
A quick overview of FT8 and other modes in WSJT-x.
RTTY and PSK31 Amateur Radio Digital Modes
In-depth set up tips and how-to VIDEO.
The Eastern Missouri Beacon Contact Form
The Eastern Missouri BEACON is a non-profit website that exists solely to serve as a resource for amateur radio enthusiasts. Owned, designed, and maintained by Ray-KE0YXX.
