Which type of voice modulation is most often used for long-distance or weak signal contacts on the VHF and UHF bands?

Single Sideband (SSB) modulation is the preferred choice for long-distance or weak signal contacts on the VHF and UHF bands due to several key advantages it offers.

Firstly, SSB is a form of amplitude modulation that significantly reduces the bandwidth required for transmission compared to traditional amplitude modulation (AM). This allows more signals to occupy the same frequency space without interference, which is especially beneficial for long-distance communication where signal clarity and efficiency are crucial.

Additionally, SSB is more power-efficient than other modulation methods. Because it transmits only a single sideband (either the upper or lower sideband) and omits the carrier frequency, it results in a stronger signal being transmitted over the same amount of power. This feature is particularly important for reaching distant stations where signal strength can be weak.

In addition, SSB also improves communication clarity in noisy environments, which is often encountered when attempting to contact stations at long distances. The reduced bandwidth and increased efficiency mean that SSB can maintain intelligibility even when signals are weak, making it the ideal choice for operators looking to make contacts under challenging conditions.

While frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (AM) have their uses, they don’t typically perform as well as SSB for long-distance