Since its invention in the late 19th century, radio has taken many various forms, each of which serves a distinct purpose. Radios are often categorized based on how they are used and how they perform. Today’s most popular radio technologies are AM, FM, Shortwave, Long wave, and Satellite, Ham, DAB, Walkie-Talkies, and HD radio. Each of them makes use of a unique technology or band. Only analogue radio uses radio bands, which control the wavelengths and frequencies.
Note: You can take diff radio from RadioRed.
Types:
Here are a few of the most significant radio subtypes:
- AM Radio:
AM radio is one of the first forms of wireless transmission; AM stands for amplitude modulation.
The intensity of the radio waves is changed by an audio signal in AM radio. The modification of this process is referred to. Then, the AM radio in your car or home decodes this modulation into an audible sound that the human ear can detect.
Transistor technology in AM radios in the 1960s contributed to the widespread usage of AM radios in homes. The sound quality isn’t always fantastic, though, as everyone who listens to AM radio is aware, as it frequently picks up electrical noise.
- FM Radio:
FM radio is widely used by those who listen to the radio in their cars. The FM radio was created in the 1930s and has since gained popularity due to its many improvements.
With FM radios, or frequency modulation radios, the modulation procedure that modifies radio waves is given more attention. AM, in contrast, is dependent on the intensity of the signal.
All of this translates to the fact that, in the majority of cases, FM will provide you with better sound quality and less electrical interference.
- Shortwave radio:
While shortwave radio operates at almost the same frequency as AM radio, which ranges from 1.7 to 30 MHz, AM radio operates between 550 and 1720 kHz.
A unique interaction exists between shortwave radio frequencies and the ionosphere. Shortwave radio transmissions may therefore cover distances of hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. The ability to access a broadcast from any place on Earth exists in some circumstances.
A few uses of shortwave radio include commercial stations and the government. The American government, for instance, operates the Fort Collins, Colorado-based WWV radio station. Operating on frequencies of 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 MHz, it offers listeners time signal transmissions.
- The Satellite Radio:
The most recent radio transmission format is satellite radio. It is built on commerce, needs a membership, and is powered by satellites. This enables satellite radio to reach vast regions without sacrificing audio quality.
Satellite radio is encrypted, making a specialized receiver necessary, unlike AM and FM radio. To listen to it, though, you need the receiver as well. The receiver’s ability to access satellite radio stations is restricted by a computer chip unless you pay for the subscription plan.
Satellite radio offers its listeners excellent audio quality even though you have to pay for it. Additionally, it is exempt from the Federal Communication Commission’s prohibition against obscenity.
- A ham radio
The Federal Communication Commission has designated a certain set of frequencies for use by ham radios, sometimes referred to as amateur radio. You require specialized gear, a license, and training to operate a ham radio.
Ham radio has the same capability as shortwave radio to transmit signals hundreds of kilometers distant. Many individuals find it to be a fascinating activity since it gives them the ability to communicate with users from other nations while also honing their broadcasting abilities.
Ham radio operators frequently step in to assist broadcast crucial information, and even life-saving information, in the event that a natural catastrophe disrupts local communications.
- Walkie-Talkie
Most people have used walkie-talkies for fun at some time in their life, but few are aware that they are also a sort of radio. Walkie-talkies send and receive radio signals much like the other varieties of radios do.
While practical and enjoyable in some circumstances, walkie-talkies often have a short battery life. They are not practicable for long-distance communication due to their range, which is just around a mile.
Infrequent radio signal interference occurs between walkie-talkie transmissions. You may use them without worrying about securing a license because of this, in addition to their constrained range.
Advanced walkie talkies that also communicate through UHF or VHF frequency are used by fire department radios and other emergency service radios.
- Internet Radio:
The primary distinction between internet radio and the most popular radio formats is that the latter is a digital audio service delivered via the internet and is frequently referred to as web, streaming, or e-radio. Similar to previous broadcasting techniques, it transmits tens of thousands of channels and streaming options as an uninterrupted audio stream that is frequently neither stopped nor replay able.
- Digital Radio (DAB & HD):
Broadcasting and digital radio services are made possible by digital radio, which relies on radio waves for digital transmission rather than frequency modulation (FM). In 1995, the NRK launched the first DAB channel. DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. The same year following that, the Swedish radio started broadcasting its first DAB programmes.
The majority of nations use DAB digital radio as their standard for broadcasting. Because it is one of the most dependable radio kinds, broadcasters can combine a number of radio stations with it (multiplexing).
In North America, HD radio is the norm for digital radio transmission. An AM radio station or an FM radio station may employ hybrid digital radio. A second digital channel is made available by HDR for alternative radio programmes, such as weather reports and updates for auto navigation systems. HDR broadcasts an analogue broadcast in digital form.
Due to their rising popularity, most locations now employ digital radios as their primary means of transmitting.
