What Is a Dual Band Radio?

Amateur radio has been a popular hobby since the early 1900s.

A dual band radio is a communications system that is designed to allow operation on two separate frequency bands. This operation can be one of many types of transmission and reception arrangements depending on the capabilities of the individual radio.

Frequencies

Dual band radios allow for communications on the UHF (ultra high frequency) and VHF (very high frequency) bands in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. In amateur radio jargon, the VHF band is called the "2 meter band" and ranges from 144 MHz to 148 MHz. The UHF band is called the "70 centimeter band" and ranges from 420 to 450 MHz.

Transmission & Reception

Most dual band radios will allow the operator to transmit on one band and receive on the other. Other arrangements include transmitting and receiving within the same band, but on two separate frequencies within that band.

Amateur Radio

A dual band radio is an essential component of amateur radio operations. They allow for long range communications among individuals including engineers, scientists, emergency communications and amateur radio enthusiasts.

References

• DualBandRadio.com Homepage
• What Hams Do
• Ham Universe: About 2 Meters
• 70-centimeter band