An Airband Radio Transceiver is a communication device that receives and transmits radio frequency signals over the shortwave bands, as well as the VHF/UHF frequencies used by aircraft. Airband radios can receive both voice and digital transmissions from anywhere between 5 MHz and 1300 MHz, including international aviation communication, NOAA weather broadcasts, and even television stations.
The Most Popular Question: How To Transmit On Single Side Band (SSB)?
Transmitting on an Airband Radio is done very similarly to other modes of transmitting such as CB Radioing or Ham Radioing. However, most airband radios are equipped with several different options for communication methods depending on what type of license one possesses. So if you are not sure about your specific setup, be sure to check your manual.
Since the air band is very similar to CB Radioing, you can expect most of these steps will be replicated here for simplicity. (We’ll also note where it differs)
If you are tuning into frequencies like HAM or CB frequencies, make sure your radio is not set to “Air Band” mode. If you are using a CB microphone with your Air Band Radio, plug it in now. The switch that selects between modes (Aircraft/CB) may be different on some models, but usually, they are marked appropriately. Once you confirm that your device is running in Aircraft mode or Ham mode, connect your antenna and have someone key up the mic so you can hear an audio tone through the speaker system after each time they release the mic.
On some airband radios, there is a small switch on the back of your radio (you may need to remove the cover) that allows you to select between Aircraft and Ham mode. If your device does not have this feature, you can simply tune in to one of these frequencies and listen for which type of signals are prevalent on the frequency. Adjusting your squelch level is also helpful in narrowing down which group is present more than likely on that frequency.
Once you’ve confirmed with someone on frequency what mode they are using, press the PTT button, so it activates while you talk. Speak slowly and clearly–like any CB or Amateur operator would using phonetics when necessary–so others on frequency will understand you. Again, there is no real difference between communicating with someone on an Air Band Radio than if you were to use a CB radio or HAM radio. The only difference here is the spectrum of frequencies and how they are used.
In conclusion, an Airband Radio Transceiver can be used practically in the same way that CB or Amateur Radio operators use their devices. The only differences are the frequencies available to each and how they are selectively used.
