system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: What's the difference between HAM radios and "normal radios"?
gpt
In addition to the other good information here, there is a difference between ham radio and most other radios. On the ham frequencies we are allowed to select our own frequencies on which to operate, as long as it is within a certain range. Our radios usually have a "VFO" or variable-frequency oscillator which will let us tune to any old frequency. Most other radios, including business band, police, CB, marine, FRS, etc., have been restricted to work on certain frequencies, which are designated as "channels". Also, most ham radios are transceivers (2-way, like a walkie talkie or CB), where as most "normal radios" only receive (like am/fm).