Signal guide

Narrow FM voice

Voice sent with frequency modulation in a narrow channel, the standard for local two-way radio.

What does it sound like?

Plate 39Analog voice

Clear, quiet speech that cuts in and out as people press and release the talk button, often with a short burst of noise at the end.

0 Hz1,0002,0003,000 Hz

12.0-second example. Recorded off the air on the developer's own receiver (NOAA Weather Radio, a US government broadcast).

Field marksVoice that starts and stops with the talk buttonA short hiss or tone at the end of each transmissionVHF/UHF: hams, businesses, public services

Who uses it?

Ham repeaters, businesses, public safety agencies, GMRS and FRS family radios, and NOAA Weather Radio.

Where and when can I hear it?

VHF and UHF: for example 144-148 and 420-450 MHz for hams, 462-467 MHz for GMRS/FRS, and 162.400-162.550 MHz for NOAA Weather Radio in the US.

Easily confused with

• AM voice, from the same family
• Single-sideband voice (SSB), from the same family
• FM broadcast, from the same family