Ham Radio General Class Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

Frequency Modulation (FM) is primarily used for VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) communications due to its advantages in handling noise and providing better audio quality. FM signals are less susceptible to interference from electrical noise, which is a significant benefit in these frequency ranges where noise can be prominent. This characteristic allows for clearer reception and improved communication reliability, especially in mobile and portable operations that are common in these bands.

Additionally, FM's ability to maintain a consistent signal level, regardless of variations in distance or atmospheric conditions, enhances the effectiveness of VHF and UHF transmissions. This is contrasted with other modulation methods like Amplitude Modulation (AM), which tends to suffer from fluctuations in signal quality and is more prone to interference and fading.

While Single Sideband (SSB) modulation is efficient in terms of bandwidth and power for voice communications, it is primarily used in HF (High Frequency) bands and is not the standard for VHF and UHF applications. Continuous Wave (CW) is commonly used for Morse code operations but is less favored for voice communications in the VHF/UHF spectrum, where FM is the preferred choice for its clear and reliable transmission capabilities.