SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-satellite-uv-mode

What does it mean if a satellite is operating in U/V mode?

Uplink on 70 centimeters, downlink on 2 meters.

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  1. Uplink on 15 meters, downlink on 10 meters
  2. It uses ultraviolet frequencies
  3. Uplink on 70 cm, downlink on 2 meters ✔

Why: The first letter is the uplink band and the second is the downlink. U means UHF (70 centimeters) and V means VHF (2 meters).

Huh, didn't know that: The reverse, V/U mode, uplinks on 2 meters and downlinks on 70 centimeters.

The dad joke
U/V mode has nothing to do with sunscreen, but you might still get a little burned out tracking passes.
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References

Answer: Uplink on 70 cm, downlink on 2 meters. The first letter is the uplink band and the second is the downlink. U means UHF (70 centimeters) and V means VHF (2 meters).

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Feb 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    T8B08 (B) B. The satellite uplink is in the 70-centimeter band and the downlink is in the 2-meter band
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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