Amateur Radio Frequency List

Here’s a comprehensive list of amateur radio (ham radio) frequency bands. These bands are internationally recognized and regulated, but specific allocations can vary slightly by country.

The list includes both HF (High Frequency), VHF (Very High Frequency), and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands.

Table of Contents

High Frequency (HF) Bands

  • 160 meters (1.8 – 2.0 MHz): Mostly used for regional communications during nighttime.
  • 80 meters (3.5 – 4.0 MHz): Good for nighttime regional communications.
  • 60 meters (5.3 MHz) (Channelized): Limited to specific channels, mainly for emergency communication.
  • 40 meters (7.0 – 7.3 MHz): Popular for both daytime and nighttime, regional and DX communications.
  • 30 meters (10.1 – 10.15 MHz): Limited mostly to digital modes and CW (Morse code).
  • 20 meters (14.0 – 14.35 MHz): Very popular for worldwide communication.
  • 17 meters (18.068 – 18.168 MHz): Known for good worldwide DX propagation.
  • 15 meters (21.0 – 21.45 MHz): Offers worldwide communications, better during solar maximum.
  • 12 meters (24.89 – 24.99 MHz): Becomes very active during solar maximum periods.
  • 10 meters (28.0 – 29.7 MHz): Can offer worldwide communication; highly dependent on solar activity.

Very High Frequency (VHF) Bands

  • 6 meters (50 – 54 MHz): Known as the “Magic Band,” unpredictable, can open for worldwide propagation under solar influence.
  • 4 meters (70 MHz): Available in some countries, known for sporadic E communications.
  • 2 meters (144 – 148 MHz): Very popular for local and semi-regional communications via repeaters and simplex.
  • 1.25 meters (222 – 225 MHz): Available mainly in North America, used for local communication.

Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Bands

  • 70 centimeters (420 – 450 MHz): Widely used for local communications and linked repeater systems.
  • 33 centimeters (902 – 928 MHz): Popular in North America, used for local communication and experimentation.
  • 23 centimeters (1240 – 1300 MHz): Used for local communication and amateur television.
  • 13 centimeters (2300 – 2450 MHz): Offers a variety of uses including high-speed multimedia.

Microwave Bands

  • 9 centimeters (3300 – 3500 MHz): Used for local and experimental communications.
  • 6 centimeters (5650 – 5925 MHz): Popular for amateur radio satellites and experimental communications.
  • 3 centimeters (10.0 – 10.5 GHz): Used for long-distance terrestrial microwave communications.
  • 1.2 centimeters (24.0 – 24.25 GHz): Utilized for high-resolution, short-range experiments.
  • 6 millimeters (47.0 – 47.2 GHz): Mainly used for experimental purposes.
  • 4 millimeters (76.0 – 81.0 GHz): Experimental band, often used for high-speed data tests.
  • 2.5 millimeters (122.25 – 123.0 GHz): Used for extreme short-range communication experiments.
  • 2 millimeters (134 – 141 GHz): Includes frequencies allocated for experimental and scientific use.
  • 1 millimeter (241 – 250 GHz): Encompasses frequencies typically used for scientific research and communication experiments.

Amateur radio bands are designated for various uses including communication during emergencies, for hobbyists, contesting, and experimental purposes. Operators are generally required to have an amateur radio license issued by their respective national authority, which includes passing an examination that covers regulations, technical topics, and operating practices.

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