These days many on the air have never used AM (amplitude modulation). Many prefer FM or SSB for chats.
Certainly, I get the impression that our national society, the RSGB, is anti-AM. They have continued not to put 144.55 as the AM frequency of choice in 2m bandplans. They continue to have the fatuous remark about AM users being mindful of bandwidth, when well set-up AM often occupies less bandwidth than FM. I also found out that one RSGB official had no idea there was a preferred slot for AM on 10m! I get the impression that they haven't a clue!
AM has its place on less busy bands. It also lends itself to easy homebrewing. To me, it seems a shame that AM is hidden away. It is not the best mode for many reasons, but well modulated AM on 10m is a real joy to hear.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/2am
I agree. AM would be the best choice for satcom on LEO birds.
ReplyDeleteHere in the U.S, we have no 2M AM allocated on the band plan. Only on 6M for VHF (50.40).
On 10M, you need a higher-Class license to operate on AM frequencies.
Gear is another issue. I think my Yaesu FT-897D only does 25W on AM.
The idea is that we've advanced beyond AM. I think that the real issue is that we've got too many modes and fewer people using them, so (supposedly) AM needs to go.
-KD0TLS
Plymouth, MN usa
So when was you last on AM Roger ?
ReplyDeleteYou know, actually using a rig that
will produce at least 5 or 10w on 2m.
Or is this all fantasy stuff?
And for WWII sets, the only options are AM and CW.
ReplyDelete