ARRL Technician Practice Exam

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What type of modulation is most commonly used for VHF packet radio transmissions?

The correct answer is: FM

The most commonly used type of modulation for VHF packet radio transmissions is frequency modulation (FM). This choice is due to several factors. FM provides a robust signal that can withstand the interference and attenuation that often occurs in the VHF band. It allows for effective utilization of the available bandwidth, making it suitable for digital communication formats like packet radio, which requires reliable transmission of data packets. Signal clarity is also enhanced with FM, as it reduces the impact of noise that can distort the signal. In the context of VHF packet radio, where reliable and clear data communication is crucial, FM modulation ensures that digital packets can be transmitted without significant loss of information. Other types of modulation, while they may have their advantages in different scenarios, are not as widely adopted for VHF packet radio. For instance, amplitude modulation (AM) is more susceptible to noise, and single sideband (SSB) is typically used for voice communications rather than data transmission. Phase modulation (PM) has its applications but is less common for the specific needs of packet radio in the VHF band. Hence, FM is the preferred choice for its efficiency and resilience in data communications.