In this section, the answer to G2A06 was changed slightly as was the wording of question G2A10.
Single sideband is the mode of voice communication most commonly used on the high frequency amateur bands. (G2A05) When using single sideband (SSB) voice mode, only one sideband is transmitted; the other sideband and carrier are suppressed. (G2A07) Because only one sideband is transmitted, less bandwidth used and greater power efficiency is an advantage when using single sideband as compared to other analog voice modes on the HF amateur bands. (G2A06)
Upper sideband is the sideband most commonly used for voice communications on frequencies of 14 MHz or higher. (G2A01) Accordingly, upper sideband is most commonly used for voice communications on the 17 and 12 meter bands (G2A04) and upper sideband is most commonly used for SSB voice communications in the VHF and UHF bands. (G2A03)
Lower sideband is the mode most commonly used for voice communications on the 160, 75, and 40 meter bands. (G2A02)The reason most amateur stations use lower sideband on the 160, 75 and 40 meter bands is that current amateur practice is to use lower sideband on these frequency bands. (G2A09)
To establish a contact on the HF bands, you can call CQ, reply to a CQ, or break into a conversation that’s already in progress. The recommended way to break into a conversation when using phone is to say your call sign during a break between transmissions from the other stations. (G2A08)
Sometimes you’ll hear stations calling “CQ DX” instead of simply CQ. The expression “CQ DX” usually indicates The caller is looking for any station outside their own country. (G2A11)
When operating SSB, many amateurs like to use the VOX, or voice-operated control, instead of push-to-talk, or PTT, operation . Why would amateurs use voice VOX operation versus PTT operation? VOX allows “hands free” operation. (G2A10)