SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-fm-capture-one-signal

Which is a disadvantage of FM compared with single sideband?

Only one signal can be received at a time.

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  1. Voice quality is poorer
  2. Only one signal can be received at a time ✔
  3. FM signals are harder to tune

Why: An FM receiver locks onto the strongest signal and blocks weaker ones. With SSB you can often hear two stations at once.

Huh, didn't know that: When two people transmit into a repeater at once, you often hear only the stronger one or a squeal.

The dad joke
FM only listens to one person at a time. It's very polite, but terrible at parties.
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References

Answer: Only one signal can be received at a time. An FM receiver locks onto the strongest signal and blocks weaker ones. With SSB you can often hear two stations at once.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (February 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    B. Only one signal can be received at a time
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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