Question T8B08
From subelement T8 - T8B
What is meant by the statement that a satellite is operating in U/V mode?
Why is this correct?
U/V mode refers to the frequency bands used: 'U' stands for UHF (70 centimeter band) for the uplink, and 'V' stands for VHF (2 meter band) for the downlink. This is a standard satellite operating configuration. Choice A uses HF bands (15/10 meters), not UHF/VHF. Choice C incorrectly suggests ultraviolet light frequencies, which aren't used in amateur radio. Choice D about variable frequencies doesn't relate to the U/V designation.
Memory tip
Remember that satellite mode designations use the first letter of each frequency band: U for UHF uplink, V for VHF downlink. The pattern is always uplink band letter first, then downlink band letter second.
Learn more
U/V mode represents one of several standard amateur satellite frequency plans defined in Part 97. The 70cm uplink allows efficient transmission from Earth-based stations through the atmosphere, while the 2m downlink provides good propagation characteristics for reception. Other common modes include V/U (VHF up, UHF down) and L/S (L-band up, S-band down). These frequency privilege allocations ensure coordinated satellite operations and minimize interference between uplink and downlink signals.
Think about it
Why do you think satellites use different frequency bands for uplink and downlink instead of using the same frequency for both directions?