Subj : Todays New Gear Tip
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Oct 06 2017 12:08 am

VHF/UHF Equipment 

The VHF and UHF bands above 30 MHz are available to all classes of ham
licensees and are widely used for local and regional contacts. The
majority of activity uses FM voice on repeaters and simplex channels
at the higher frequency segment of each band.

The lowest frequency segments in each band are set aside for weak-signal
operating where longer range contacts are made using SSB voice and Morse
code. (SSB and Morse offer better performance than FM for contacts made
over long distances without the aid of a repeater to relay weak signals.)
In adjacent segments you'll also find Amateur Radio satellite signals
and data communication using digital modes, among other activities. 

For FM voice in an area with good repeater coverage, a handheld radio
provides the maximum flexibility in operating; from home, a vehicle,
or while on foot. It's more practical, however, to purchase a
higher-powered mobile radio that can be used at home, too.

Most hams have a mobile radio in their vehicle plus a handheld radio
for portable operation. 

If you are going to operate primarily from home, an all-mode radio
designed for fixed - or base station use may be a better choice.
While larger and more expensive than mobile and handheld radios,
they also operate on SSB and CW (Morse code) and offer better
receiver performance, larger displays, and easier access to many
controls and functions.


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