ANALOG VOICE (PHONE) MODES
SSB (Single-Sideband): Standard for HF voice work; uses Upper Sideband (USB) typically above 10 MHz and Lower Sideband (LSB) below 10 MHz.
FM (Frequency Modulation): Widely used on VHF (e.g., 2m) and UHF (e.g., 70cm) bands, including local repeaters.
AM (Amplitude Modulation / A3E): Traditional voice mode supported on various HF/VHF bands.
PM (Phase Modulation): Permitted, although rarely used standalone outside of specific digital implementations.
MORSE CODE / TELEGRAPHY
CW (Continuous Wave / Morse Code): Pure carrier keying, allowed across nearly all amateur bands; the backbone to wireless communication.
FPARC CW TUTORS: Peter G4NKX & David M7LLH (via The Millhouse Method).
Hellschreiber (Feldhell): A unique, matrix-based teleprinter mode that dates back to the 1930s. It prints text visually onto paper or screen using fuzzy-logic carrier pulses.
DIGITAL MODES
RTTY (Radioteletype): Classic text-based digital transmission using frequency-shift keying.
PSK31 / PSK63: Phase-shift keying keyboard-to-keyboard digital modes.
JS8Call: Weak-signal keyboard-to-keyboard messaging mode derived from FT8.
Olivia MFSK: A highly robust, Multiple Frequency-Shift Keying digital mode that excels in extremely noisy, weak-signal conditions.
DMR (Digital Mobile Radio): Open-standard digital voice used on VHF/UHF repeaters and hotspots.
C4FM / Fusion: Yaesu’s digital voice and data mode.
D-STAR: Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio (Icom/Kenwood digital voice and data architecture).
Winlink / Packet Radio (AX.25): Data transfer, email-over-radio, and APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) for position and telemetry reporting.
VarAC: Real-time, keyboard-to-keyboard digital chatting.
FT8 & FT4: Weak-signal digital modes designed for computer-to-computer propagation-efficient contacts (very popular on HF).
IMAGE AND VIDEO MODES
SSTV (Slow-Scan Television): Transmitting still images/photos over audio frequencies (commonly found on 144.500 MHz and HF).
ATV (Amateur Television / Fast-Scan TV): Transmitting live or recorded video signals on higher microwave/UHF bands.
PERMITTED MODES & WATTAGE BY UK LICENCE TIER
Full Licence: Permitted all amateur modes across the full spectrum of UK allocations with power limits up to 1000 Watts PEP on primary bands (400W on secondary/shared bands).
Intermediate Licence: Permitted all standard modes with a power limit up to 100 Watts PEP and expanded frequency access.
Foundation Licence: Permitted to use essentially all standard amateur modes (CW, SSB, FM, AM, digital modes like FT8/DMR, SSTV), subject to a power limit of 25 Watts PEP and specific band restrictions. (Note: Foundation holders cannot operate an internet voice gateway/EchoLink in Sysop mode).
