Take for example, if all you are looking for is short range communications of say 10 miles or
less, then the 2 meter (144 to 148 MHz) or the 440 MHz band would be ideal. If your looking
to go further, say up to the 30 or 50 mile range, then you might want to get onto the 6 meter
band (50 to 54 MHz). Longer ranges can be had that let you talk to the other side of the world
on a daily basis.
Most people start out with the "Basic" class ham license. This provides access to all the
frequencies above 50 MHz. The next class license is the "Basic +" license. This gives you
the ability to get onto the HF frequencies. These frequencies range from the 80 meter band
all the way up to the 10 meter band, just above the CB channels .
Most of the communications on the HF frequencies is by using voice and Single Side Band
modulation. However, there are some that like to use the morse code on what is called CW.
I guess you could say there is something for everyone. What ever turns you on .
There are other forms of communications used on the ham bands. You can hear RTTY, slow
scan TV, packet, AMTOR and a couple of other special types of modulation used to communicate.
Not everyone gets on the radio and just chats all day long .
