Why SSB is the Best Mode

Why SSB is the best mode:

FM (Frequency Modulation) works by varying the frequency of a constant-amplitude carrier wave according to the audio signal. The carrier always transmits at full power, regardless of modulation level, but FM is more power-efficient than AM because all the power is concentrated in the modulated signal rather than being wasted on a separate carrier. This also allows for high-fidelity audio since FM signals are less affected by noise and can have a wider bandwidth.

AM (Amplitude Modulation), on the other hand, varies the amplitude of the carrier wave based on the audio signal. It transmits a steady carrier along with two sidebands, which carry the actual audio information. The issue is that the carrier itself carries no useful information and still consumes most of the power. However, AM is efficient in the sense that it only reaches full power when fully modulated.

SSB (Single Sideband) improves on both by eliminating the carrier and one of the sidebands, transmitting only the necessary information. This makes it much more power-efficient like FM while maintaining high audio fidelity. Since SSB only transmits power when there is modulation, it combines the efficiency of AM’s power-saving nature with FM’s clarity and range.