Radio R-800 and the AM/FM switch ... what for?

[Flagrum]

The R-800 operates in the frequency ranges 100-149 MHz and 220-400 MHz. This covers the VHF and a bit of the UHF bands. But also, these frequencies are usually amplitude modulated (AM). Afaik anything lower of about 108 MHz is FM instead.

 

As I understood wikipedia, this is not necessarily a technical restriction but more of a international agreement - which is also reflected by all the other radios we have in DCS.

 

So, the FM mode of the R-800 is more or less useless, right? Except for that small frequency range from 100-108 MHz?

[Dejjvid]

I don't know if eg. tars use the AM/FM switch, anyway the 828 is primarily used as FM radio with 10 presets.

[Flagrum]

I don't know if eg. tars use the AM/FM switch, anyway the 828 is primarily used as FM radio with 10 presets.

The R-828 is only FM, but in the range of 20-60 MHz. But my question was about the R-800. :o) Like, why is it FM capable if nobody uses it? Or are things different in russia in this regard and they use FM even in the higher bands and even with UHF?

Edited November 1, 2013 by Flagrum

[Griffin]

Perhaps homing on to known radio stations. Could be useful in certain situations. And of course listening to the sports news. ;)

Edited November 1, 2013 by Griffin

[Raptor9]

As I understand it, frequency- and amplitude-modulations have different propagation characteristics. It was explained to me that AM has better atmospheric propagation over a distance, whereas FM has better object penetration (like inside a structure) but is more dependent on a direct line-of-sight than AM.

 

So maybe depending on who or where you were trying to reach, you could change the modulation to suit a specific situation. Having said that, I don't know for sure, I'm just speculating. But I've tested it in the past, and you can easily use either mode in TARS in DCS world. Gives a little more flexibility, or if you wanna keep other people from eavesdropping on your flight's conversation, ha ha.