Amateur radio frequency allocations
Encyclopedia
Amateur radio frequency allocation
is done by national telecommunications authorities. Globally, the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU) oversees how much radio spectrum
is set aside for amateur radio
transmissions. Individual amateur stations are free to use any frequency within authorized frequency ranges; authorized bands may vary by the class of the station license.
Radio amateurs use a variety of transmission modes, including Morse code
, radioteletype
, data, and voice. Specific frequency allocations vary from country to country and between ITU region
s as specified in the current ITU HF frequency allocations for amateur radio. The modes and types of allocations within each range of frequencies is called a bandplan
, and may be set by international agreements, national regulations, or agreements between amateur radio operators.
Local authorities regulate amateur usage of radio bands. Some bands may not be available or may have restrictions on usage in certain countries or regions. International agreements assign amateur radio bands which differ by region.
depending on terrain. With a low power home station and a simple antenna, range would be around 50 km
. With a large antenna system like a long yagi
, and higher power (typically 100 or more watts) contacts of around 1000 km
using the CW (Morse code) and SSB (Single Side Band) modes are common. Ham operators seek to exploit the limits of the frequencies usual characteristics looking to learn, understand and experiment with the limits of these enhanced propagation modes. They also seek to take advantage of "band openings" where due to natural occurrences in the atmosphere and ionosphere radio transmission distances can extend well over their normal range. Many hams listen for hours hoping to take advantage of these occasional extended propagation 'openings'.
Some openings are caused by islands of intense ionization of the upper atmosphere known as the E Layer ionosphere
. These islands of intense ionization are called 'Sporadic E' and result in erratic but often strong propagation characteristics on the 'low band' VHF radio frequencies. The 6 meter amateur band falls into this category, often called 'The Magic Band', 6 meters will often 'open up' from one small area into another small geographic area 1000–1700 km away during the spring and early summer months. This phenomenon occurs during the fall months, although not as often.
Band openings are sometimes caused by a weather
phenomenon known as a tropospheric 'inversion', where a stagnant high pressure area causes alternating stratified layers of warm and cold air generally trapping the colder air beneath. This may make for smoggy/foggy days but it also causes VHF/UHF radio transmissions to travel or duct along the boundaries of these warm/cold atmospheric layers. Radio signals have been known to travel hundreds, even thousands of kilometers due to these unique weather conditions. For example: The longest distance reported contact due to tropospheric refraction on 2 meters is 4754 km between Hawaii
and a ship south of Mexico
. There were reports of the reception of one way signals from Réunion
to Western Australia
, a distance of more than 6000 km.
F2 and TE band openings from other ionospheric reflection/refraction modes, or sky-wave propagation as it is known can also occasionally occur on the low band VHF frequencies of 6, 4 and very rarely on 2 meters (high band VHF) during extreme peaks in the 11 year sunspot cycle. The longest terrestrial contact ever reported on 2 meters (146mhz) was between a station in Italy and a station in South Africa, a distance of 7784 km, using anomalous enhancement (TE) of the ionosphere over the geomagnetic equator. This enhancement is known as TE, or trans-equatorial propagation and (usually) occurs at latitudes 2500–3000 km within either side of the equator.
Other less frequently used modes are tropospheric scatter, moon bounce and Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and satellite.
Using relatively high power, usually over 1000 watts and a high gain antenna, 'Tropo-scatter' (water droplets and dust particles can refract a VHF/UHF signal over the horizon) propagation will give marginal enhanced over-the-horizon VHF and UHF communications of up to 300 miles (450 km). During the 1970s commercial 'scatter site' operators using huge parabolic antennas and high power used this mode successfully for telephone communications services into remote Alaska and Canadian northern communities. Satellite, buried fiber optic and terrestrial microwave access have relegated Tropo-scatter to the history books. Because of high cost and complexity this mode is usually out of reach for the average amateur radio operator.
Moon Bounce: Using moderately high power (more than 500 watts) and a fairly large antenna, amateurs do successfully communicate by bouncing their signals off the surface of the moon. Signals are weak and distorted because the moon's surface is very rocky and irregular. Moon bounce communications use either digital modes, for example JT65
, designed for working with weak signals, or CW Morse code
.
Aurora: An intense solar storm causing aurora borealis (Northern Lights) will also provide occasional HF-low band 6 meter VHF propagation enhancement. Aurora only occasionally affects 2 meters. Signals are often distorted and on the lower frequencies give a curious 'watery sound' to normally propagated HF signals. Peak signals usually come from the north, even though the station you are talking to is east or west of you. Most noticeable in the northern latitudes above 45 degrees.
Satellite: Not really a propagation mode, but an active repeater system. Satellites have been highly successful in providing VHF/UHF/SHF users 'propagation' beyond the horizon. The ISS which has amateur radio repeaters and radio locations services on board is a good example. Amateurs have also sponsored the launch of dozens of communications satellites since the 1970s. These satellites are usually known as OSCAR
s (Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio).
of transmitting broadcast
- compatible video
and audio by amateur radio. It also includes the study and building of such transmitter
s and receivers
and the propagation
between these two.
In NTSC
countries, ATV operation requires the ability to use a 6 MHz wide channel. All bands at VHF or lower are less than 6 MHz wide, so ATV operation is confined to UHF
and up. Bandwidth requirements will vary from this for PAL
and SECAM
transmissions.
ATV operation in the 70 cm band is particularly popular, because the signals can be received on any cable-ready television. Operation in the 33 cm and 23 cm bands is easily augmented by the availability of various varieties of consumer-grade wireless video devices that exist and operate in unlicensed frequencies coincident to these bands.
Repeater ATV operation requires specially-equipped repeaters.
See also slow-scan television
.
, but in recent times, as the historic users of these low frequencies have been vacating the spectrum, limited space has opened up to allow for new amateur radio allocations and special experimental operations. Since the 500 kHz band is no longer used for marine communications, some countries permit experimental amateur radio radiotelegraph operations in that band. The 2200-meter band is available for use in several countries, and the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference
(WRC-07) made it a world wide amateur allocation. Before the introduction of the 2200-meter band in the UK in 1998, operation on the even lower frequency of 73 kHz had been allowed between 1996 and 2003.
's band plan will be more definitive (click on the buttons at the bottom of the page).
...
hams in ITU Region 2 are:
The ARRL has a detailed band plan for US hams showing allocations within each band.
RAC
has a chart showing the frequencies available to amateurs in Canada.
Region 3 Bandplan
The Wireless Institute of Australia has charts for Amateur frequencies for Australia.
The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) has
charts for Amateur frequencies and repeater lists for New Zealand.
The Japanese have
charts for Amateur frequencies in Japan
and space craft communications; however, the frequencies allowed for such activities are allocated separately from more general use radio amateur bands.
Under the International Telecommunication Union
's rules, all amateur radio operations may only occur within 50 kilometres (31.1 mi) of the Earth's surface. As such, the Amateur Radio Service is not permitted to engage in satellite operations; however, a sister radio service, called the Amateur Satellite Service, exists which allows satellite operations for the same purposes as the Amateur Radio Service. In most countries, an amateur radio license conveys operating privileges in both services, and in practice, the legal distinction between the two services is transparent to the average licensee. The primary reason the two services are separate is to limit the frequencies available for satellite operations. Due to the shared nature of the amateur radio allocations internationally, and the nature of satellites to roam worldwide, the ITU does not consider all amateur radio bands appropriate for satellite operations. Being separate from the Amateur Radio Service, the Amateur Satellite Service receives its own frequency allocations. All the allocations are within amateur radio bands, and with one exception, the allocations are the same in all three ITU region
s. Some of the allocations are limited by the ITU in what direction transmissions may be sent (EG: "Earth-to-space" or up-links only).
All amateur satellite operations occur within the allocations tabled below, except for AO-7, which has an up-link from 432.125 MHz to 432.175 MHz.
Frequency allocation
Use of radio frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum is regulated by governments in most countries, in a Spectrum management process known as frequency allocation or spectrum allocation. Radio propagation does not stop at national boundaries...
is done by national telecommunications authorities. Globally, the International Telecommunication Union
International Telecommunication Union
The International Telecommunication Union is the specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for information and communication technologies...
(ITU) oversees how much radio spectrum
Radio spectrum
Radio spectrum refers to the part of the electromagnetic spectrum corresponding to radio frequencies – that is, frequencies lower than around 300 GHz ....
is set aside for amateur radio
Amateur radio
Amateur radio is the use of designated radio frequency spectrum for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication...
transmissions. Individual amateur stations are free to use any frequency within authorized frequency ranges; authorized bands may vary by the class of the station license.
Radio amateurs use a variety of transmission modes, including Morse code
Morse code
Morse code is a method of transmitting textual information as a series of on-off tones, lights, or clicks that can be directly understood by a skilled listener or observer without special equipment...
, radioteletype
Radioteletype
Radioteletype is a telecommunications system consisting originally of two or more electromechanical teleprinters in different locations, later superseded by personal computers running software to emulate teleprinters, connected by radio rather than a wired link.The term radioteletype is used to...
, data, and voice. Specific frequency allocations vary from country to country and between ITU region
ITU region
The International Telecommunication Union , in its International Radio Regulations, divides the world into three ITU regions for the purposes of managing the global radio spectrum...
s as specified in the current ITU HF frequency allocations for amateur radio. The modes and types of allocations within each range of frequencies is called a bandplan
Bandplan
A bandplan or band plan is a plan for using a particular band of radio frequencies, that are a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum . Each bandplan defines the frequency range to be included, how channels are to be defined, and what will be carried on those channels...
, and may be set by international agreements, national regulations, or agreements between amateur radio operators.
Local authorities regulate amateur usage of radio bands. Some bands may not be available or may have restrictions on usage in certain countries or regions. International agreements assign amateur radio bands which differ by region.
Medium frequency
- 160 meters – 1.8-2 MHz(1800–2000 kHz) – Often taken up as a technical challenge; as long distance (DX) propagation tends to be more difficult due to higher F-layer ionospheric absorption. Long distance propagation tends to occur only at night, and the band can be notoriously noisy particularly in the summer months. 160 meters is also known as the "top band". Allocations in this band vary widely from country to country. This band lies just above the commercial AM broadcast band.
High frequency
- 80 meters – 3.5-4 MHz (3500–4000 kHz) – Best at night, with significant daytime signal absorption. Works best in winter due to atmospheric noise in summer. Only countries in the Americas and few others have access to all of this band, in other parts of the world amateurs are limited to the bottom 300 kHz or less. In the US and Canada the upper end of the sub-band from 3600–4000 kHz, permits use of single-sideband voice as well as amplitude modulation, voice ; often referred to as 75 meters.
- 60 meters – 5 MHz region – A relatively new allocation and only available in a small number of countries such as the United States, United KingdomUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, NorwayNorwayNorway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, DenmarkDenmarkDenmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
, and IcelandIcelandIceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
. In most countries, the allocation is channelized and may require special application, and in the USA it is mandatory to operate in upper sideband mode. - 40 meters – 7.0–7.3 MHz – Considered the most reliable all-season DX band. Popular for DX at night, 40 meters is also reliable for medium distance (1500KM) contacts during the day. Much of this band is shared with broadcasters, and in most countries only the bottom 100 kHz or 200 kHz are available to amateurs. However, due to the high cost of running high power commercial broadcasting facilities; decreased listener-ship and increasing competition from net based international broadcast services, many 'short wave' services are being shut down leaving the 40 meter band free of interference for amateur radio use.
- 30 metersWARC bandsThe WARC bands are three portions of the shortwave radio spectrum used by licensed amateur radio operators. They consist of 30 meters , 17 meters and 12 meters . They were named after the World Administrative Radio Conference, which in 1979 created a worldwide allocation of these bands for...
– 10.1–10.15 MHz – a very narrow band, which is shared with non-amateur services. It is recommended that only Morse CodeMorse codeMorse code is a method of transmitting textual information as a series of on-off tones, lights, or clicks that can be directly understood by a skilled listener or observer without special equipment...
and data transmissions be used here, and in some countries amateur voice transmission is actually prohibited. Not released for amateur use in a small number of countries. Due to its location in the centre of the shortwave spectrum, this band provides significant opportunities for long-distance communication at all points of the solar cycle. 30 meters is a WARC bandWARC bandsThe WARC bands are three portions of the shortwave radio spectrum used by licensed amateur radio operators. They consist of 30 meters , 17 meters and 12 meters . They were named after the World Administrative Radio Conference, which in 1979 created a worldwide allocation of these bands for...
. "WARC" bands are so called due to the special World Administrative Radio ConferenceWorld Administrative Radio ConferenceThe World Administrative Radio Conference was a technical conference of the International Telecommunications Union where delegates from member nations of the ITU met to revise or amend the entire international Radio Regulations pertaining to all telecommunication services throughout the world...
allocation of these newer bands to amateur radio use. Amateur radio contests are not run on the WARC bands. - 20 meters – 14.0–14.35 MHz – Considered the most popular DX band; usually most popular during daytime. QRPQRP operationIn amateur radio, QRP operation means transmitting at reduced power levels while aiming to maximize one's effective range while doing so. The term QRP derives from the standard Q code used in radio communications, where "QRP" and "QRP?" are used to request, "Reduce power," and ask "Should I reduce...
operators recognize 14.060 MHz as their primary calling frequency in that band. Users of the PSK31PSK31PSK31 or "Phase Shift Keying, 31 Baud" is a digital radio modulation mode, used primarily in the amateur radio field to conduct real-time keyboard-to-keyboard informal text chat between amateur radio operators.- History :...
data mode tend to congregate around 14.071 MHz. Analog SSTVSlow-scan televisionSlow-scan television is a picture transmission method used mainly by amateur radio operators, to transmit and receive static pictures via radio in monochrome or color.A technical term for SSTV is narrowband television...
activity is centered around 14.230 MHz. - 17 metersWARC bandsThe WARC bands are three portions of the shortwave radio spectrum used by licensed amateur radio operators. They consist of 30 meters , 17 meters and 12 meters . They were named after the World Administrative Radio Conference, which in 1979 created a worldwide allocation of these bands for...
– 18.068–18.168 MHz – Similar to 20m, but more sensitive to solar propagation minima and maxima. 17 meters is a WARC bandWARC bandsThe WARC bands are three portions of the shortwave radio spectrum used by licensed amateur radio operators. They consist of 30 meters , 17 meters and 12 meters . They were named after the World Administrative Radio Conference, which in 1979 created a worldwide allocation of these bands for...
. - 15 meters – 21–21.45 MHz – Most useful during solar maximum, and generally a daytime band. Daytime sporadic-E propagation (1500 km) occasionally occurs on this band.
- 12 metersWARC bandsThe WARC bands are three portions of the shortwave radio spectrum used by licensed amateur radio operators. They consist of 30 meters , 17 meters and 12 meters . They were named after the World Administrative Radio Conference, which in 1979 created a worldwide allocation of these bands for...
– 24.89–24.99 MHz – Mostly useful during daytime, but opens up for DXDXingDXing is the hobby of tuning in and identifying distant radio or television signals, or making two way radio contact with distant stations in amateur radio, citizens' band radio or other two way radio communications. Many DXers also attempt to receive written verifications of reception from the...
activity at night during solar maximum. 12 meters is one of the new WARC bandsWARC bandsThe WARC bands are three portions of the shortwave radio spectrum used by licensed amateur radio operators. They consist of 30 meters , 17 meters and 12 meters . They were named after the World Administrative Radio Conference, which in 1979 created a worldwide allocation of these bands for...
. - 10 meters – 28–29.7 MHz – Best long distance (e.g., across oceans) activity is during solar maximumSolar maximumSolar maximum or solar max is the period of greatest solar activity in the solar cycle of the sun. During solar maximum, sunspots appear....
; during periods of moderate solar activity the best activity is found at low latitudes. The band offers useful short to medium range groundwave propagation, day or night. During the late spring and most of the summer, regardless of sunspot numbers, afternoon short band openings into small geographic areas of up to 1500 km occur due to Sporadic-E propagationSporadic E propagationSporadic E or Es is an unusual form of radio propagation using characteristics of the Earth's ionosphere. Whereas most forms of skywave propagation use the normal and cyclic ionization properties of the ionosphere's F region to refract radio signals back toward the Earth's surface, sporadic E...
. "Sporadic-E" is caused by areas of intense ionization in the E layer of the ionosphere. The causes of Sporadic-E are not fully understood, but these "clouds" of ionization can provide short term propagation from 17 meters all the way up to occasional 2 meter openings.
Propagation Characteristics above HF
While "line of sight" propagation is a primary factor for range calculation, much of the interest in the bands above HF comes from use of other propagation modes. A VHF signal transmitted from a hand-held portable will typically travel about 5-10 km1 E3 m
To help compare different orders of magnitude this page lists lengths between 1 kilometre and 10 kilometres .Distances shorter than 1 kilometre-Conversions:1 kilometre is equal to:* 1,000 metres...
depending on terrain. With a low power home station and a simple antenna, range would be around 50 km
1 E4 m
To help compare different orders of magnitude this page lists lengths between 10 and 100 kilometres . The myriametre is a deprecated unit name; the prefix myria- is obsolete, not included among the prefixes when the International System of Units was introduced in 1960.Distances shorter than 10...
. With a large antenna system like a long yagi
Yagi antenna
A Yagi-Uda array, commonly known simply as a Yagi antenna, is a directional antenna consisting of a driven element and additional parasitic elements...
, and higher power (typically 100 or more watts) contacts of around 1000 km
1 E5 m
A length of 100 kilometers , as a rough amount, is relatively common in measurements on Earth and for some astronomical objects.It is the altitude at which the FAI defines spaceflight to begin....
using the CW (Morse code) and SSB (Single Side Band) modes are common. Ham operators seek to exploit the limits of the frequencies usual characteristics looking to learn, understand and experiment with the limits of these enhanced propagation modes. They also seek to take advantage of "band openings" where due to natural occurrences in the atmosphere and ionosphere radio transmission distances can extend well over their normal range. Many hams listen for hours hoping to take advantage of these occasional extended propagation 'openings'.
Some openings are caused by islands of intense ionization of the upper atmosphere known as the E Layer ionosphere
Ionosphere
The ionosphere is a part of the upper atmosphere, comprising portions of the mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere, distinguished because it is ionized by solar radiation. It plays an important part in atmospheric electricity and forms the inner edge of the magnetosphere...
. These islands of intense ionization are called 'Sporadic E' and result in erratic but often strong propagation characteristics on the 'low band' VHF radio frequencies. The 6 meter amateur band falls into this category, often called 'The Magic Band', 6 meters will often 'open up' from one small area into another small geographic area 1000–1700 km away during the spring and early summer months. This phenomenon occurs during the fall months, although not as often.
Band openings are sometimes caused by a weather
Weather
Weather is the state of the atmosphere, to the degree that it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy. Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. Weather refers, generally, to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity, whereas climate...
phenomenon known as a tropospheric 'inversion', where a stagnant high pressure area causes alternating stratified layers of warm and cold air generally trapping the colder air beneath. This may make for smoggy/foggy days but it also causes VHF/UHF radio transmissions to travel or duct along the boundaries of these warm/cold atmospheric layers. Radio signals have been known to travel hundreds, even thousands of kilometers due to these unique weather conditions. For example: The longest distance reported contact due to tropospheric refraction on 2 meters is 4754 km between Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
and a ship south of Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. There were reports of the reception of one way signals from Réunion
Réunion
Réunion is a French island with a population of about 800,000 located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, about south west of Mauritius, the nearest island.Administratively, Réunion is one of the overseas departments of France...
to Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
, a distance of more than 6000 km.
F2 and TE band openings from other ionospheric reflection/refraction modes, or sky-wave propagation as it is known can also occasionally occur on the low band VHF frequencies of 6, 4 and very rarely on 2 meters (high band VHF) during extreme peaks in the 11 year sunspot cycle. The longest terrestrial contact ever reported on 2 meters (146mhz) was between a station in Italy and a station in South Africa, a distance of 7784 km, using anomalous enhancement (TE) of the ionosphere over the geomagnetic equator. This enhancement is known as TE, or trans-equatorial propagation and (usually) occurs at latitudes 2500–3000 km within either side of the equator.
Other less frequently used modes are tropospheric scatter, moon bounce and Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and satellite.
Using relatively high power, usually over 1000 watts and a high gain antenna, 'Tropo-scatter' (water droplets and dust particles can refract a VHF/UHF signal over the horizon) propagation will give marginal enhanced over-the-horizon VHF and UHF communications of up to 300 miles (450 km). During the 1970s commercial 'scatter site' operators using huge parabolic antennas and high power used this mode successfully for telephone communications services into remote Alaska and Canadian northern communities. Satellite, buried fiber optic and terrestrial microwave access have relegated Tropo-scatter to the history books. Because of high cost and complexity this mode is usually out of reach for the average amateur radio operator.
Moon Bounce: Using moderately high power (more than 500 watts) and a fairly large antenna, amateurs do successfully communicate by bouncing their signals off the surface of the moon. Signals are weak and distorted because the moon's surface is very rocky and irregular. Moon bounce communications use either digital modes, for example JT65
WSJT (Amateur radio software)
WSJT is a computer program used for weak-signal radio communication between amateur radio operators. The program was initially written by Joe Taylor, K1JT, but is now open source and is developed by a small team...
, designed for working with weak signals, or CW Morse code
Morse code
Morse code is a method of transmitting textual information as a series of on-off tones, lights, or clicks that can be directly understood by a skilled listener or observer without special equipment...
.
Aurora: An intense solar storm causing aurora borealis (Northern Lights) will also provide occasional HF-low band 6 meter VHF propagation enhancement. Aurora only occasionally affects 2 meters. Signals are often distorted and on the lower frequencies give a curious 'watery sound' to normally propagated HF signals. Peak signals usually come from the north, even though the station you are talking to is east or west of you. Most noticeable in the northern latitudes above 45 degrees.
Satellite: Not really a propagation mode, but an active repeater system. Satellites have been highly successful in providing VHF/UHF/SHF users 'propagation' beyond the horizon. The ISS which has amateur radio repeaters and radio locations services on board is a good example. Amateurs have also sponsored the launch of dozens of communications satellites since the 1970s. These satellites are usually known as OSCAR
OSCAR
OSCAR is an acronym for Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. OSCAR series satellites use amateur radio frequencies to facilitate communication between amateur radio stations. These satellites can be used for free by licensed amateur radio operators for voice and data communications...
s (Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio).
Amateur television
Amateur television (ATV) is the hobbyHobby
A hobby is a regular activity or interest that is undertaken for pleasure, typically done during one's leisure time.- Etymology :A hobby horse is a wooden or wickerwork toy made to be ridden just like a real horse...
of transmitting broadcast
Broadcasting
Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed audience via any audio visual medium. Receiving parties may include the general public or a relatively large subset of thereof...
- compatible video
Video
Video is the technology of electronically capturing, recording, processing, storing, transmitting, and reconstructing a sequence of still images representing scenes in motion.- History :...
and audio by amateur radio. It also includes the study and building of such transmitter
Transmitter
In electronics and telecommunications a transmitter or radio transmitter is an electronic device which, with the aid of an antenna, produces radio waves. The transmitter itself generates a radio frequency alternating current, which is applied to the antenna. When excited by this alternating...
s and receivers
Receiver (radio)
A radio receiver converts signals from a radio antenna to a usable form. It uses electronic filters to separate a wanted radio frequency signal from all other signals, the electronic amplifier increases the level suitable for further processing, and finally recovers the desired information through...
and the propagation
Wave propagation
Wave propagation is any of the ways in which waves travel.With respect to the direction of the oscillation relative to the propagation direction, we can distinguish between longitudinal wave and transverse waves....
between these two.
In NTSC
NTSC
NTSC, named for the National Television System Committee, is the analog television system that is used in most of North America, most of South America , Burma, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and some Pacific island nations and territories .Most countries using the NTSC standard, as...
countries, ATV operation requires the ability to use a 6 MHz wide channel. All bands at VHF or lower are less than 6 MHz wide, so ATV operation is confined to UHF
Ultra high frequency
Ultra-High Frequency designates the ITU Radio frequency range of electromagnetic waves between 300 MHz and 3 GHz , also known as the decimetre band or decimetre wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decimetres...
and up. Bandwidth requirements will vary from this for PAL
PAL
PAL, short for Phase Alternating Line, is an analogue television colour encoding system used in broadcast television systems in many countries. Other common analogue television systems are NTSC and SECAM. This page primarily discusses the PAL colour encoding system...
and SECAM
SECAM
SECAM, also written SÉCAM , is an analog color television system first used in France....
transmissions.
ATV operation in the 70 cm band is particularly popular, because the signals can be received on any cable-ready television. Operation in the 33 cm and 23 cm bands is easily augmented by the availability of various varieties of consumer-grade wireless video devices that exist and operate in unlicensed frequencies coincident to these bands.
Repeater ATV operation requires specially-equipped repeaters.
See also slow-scan television
Slow-scan television
Slow-scan television is a picture transmission method used mainly by amateur radio operators, to transmit and receive static pictures via radio in monochrome or color.A technical term for SSTV is narrowband television...
.
Below the MW broadcast band
Historically, amateur stations have rarely been allowed to operate on frequencies lower than the medium-wave broadcast bandAM broadcasting
AM broadcasting is the process of radio broadcasting using amplitude modulation. AM was the first method of impressing sound on a radio signal and is still widely used today. Commercial and public AM broadcasting is carried out in the medium wave band world wide, and on long wave and short wave...
, but in recent times, as the historic users of these low frequencies have been vacating the spectrum, limited space has opened up to allow for new amateur radio allocations and special experimental operations. Since the 500 kHz band is no longer used for marine communications, some countries permit experimental amateur radio radiotelegraph operations in that band. The 2200-meter band is available for use in several countries, and the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference
World Radiocommunication Conference
World Radiocommunication Conference is organized by ITU to review, and, as necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits. It is held every three to four years...
(WRC-07) made it a world wide amateur allocation. Before the introduction of the 2200-meter band in the UK in 1998, operation on the even lower frequency of 73 kHz had been allowed between 1996 and 2003.
ITU Region 1
ITU Region 1 corresponds to Europe, Russia, Africa and the Middle East. For ITU region 1, Radio Society of Great BritainRadio Society of Great Britain
First founded in 1913 as the London Wireless Club, the Radio Society of Great Britain is the United Kingdom's recognised national society for amateur radio operators. The society's patron is Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and it represents the interests of the UK’s 60,000 licensed radio amateurs...
's band plan will be more definitive (click on the buttons at the bottom of the page).
- Low Frequency (LF) (30 to 300 kHz)
- 2200 meters (135.7 kHz to 137.8 kHz)
...
- Very High Frequency (VHF) (30 to 300 MHz)
- 4 metres4 metresThe 4-metre band is an amateur radio frequency band in the lower Very High Frequency spectrum.Before World War II, British radio amateurs had been allocated a band at 56 MHz. After the war ended, they were allocated the 5-metre band instead...
(70 to 70.5 MHz), UK and some other ITU Region 1 countries
- 4 metres
Table of Amateur MF and HF Bandplans
The following charts show the voluntary bandplans used by amateurs in Region 1. Unlike the USA, slots for the various transmission modes are not set by the amateur's licence but most users do follow these guidelines.160 Metres
| 160 Metres 160 meters Just above the mediumwave broadcast band, 160 meters is the lowest radio frequency band allocation available to amateur radio operators in most countries. Seasoned operators often refer to 160 meters as the Top Band... |
1810 1838 | 1838 1840 | 1840 1843 | 1843 2000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU Region 1 | |||||
| IARU Region 2 | 1800–1840 | ||||
| IARU Region 3 | 1800–1840 | ||||
| Note: Region 2 QRP/DX window is 1830-1850 | |||||
80 Metres
| 80 Metres 80 meters The 80 meter or 3.5 MHz band is a core amateur radio frequency band, allocated frequencies from 3.5 to 4.0 MHz in IARU Region 2, and generally 3.5 to 3.8 or 3.9 MHz in Regions 1 and 3 respectively. The portion of the band used for phone communications is sometimes referred to as 75 meters... |
3500 3580 | 3580 3600 | 3600 3620 | 3620 3800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU Region 1 |
60 Metres
| 60 Metres | 5258.5 | 5278.5 | 5288.5 | 5366.5 | 5371.5 | 5398.5 | 5403.5 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
FA | FB | FC | FK | FL | FE | FM | ||||||
| Note: 60 Meter emissions are limited to UK NoV-endorsed Full licence holders only in 3 kHz channels with the specified lower frequency limits, 200 watts |
|||||||||||||
60 Metres - Norway & Denmark
| 60 Metres | start | 5310.0 | 5335.0 | 5355.0 | 5375.0 | 5403.5 | end | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Norway Denmark |
5260.0 5250.0 | CW calling | QRP | Digimode | Nat. Call USB | Int. Call USB | 5410.0 5450.0 | ||||||
| Note: 60 Meter band in Norway is 5260 – 5410 kHz, in Denmark 5250 – 5450 kHz. Danish stations have to apply for a special research-license and are limited to 1 kW ERP Effective radiated power In radio telecommunications, effective radiated power or equivalent radiated power is a standardized theoretical measurement of radio frequency energy using the SI unit watts, and is determined by subtracting system losses and adding system gains... . Both countries can use VFO/allmode. |
|||||||||||||
40 Metres
| 40 Metres 40 meters The 40-meter or 7-MHz band is an amateur radio frequency band, spanning 7000 to 7300 kilohertz , allocated to radio amateurs in all countries worldwide.40 meters is considered one of the most reliable all-season DX bands.... |
7000 7040 | 7040 7050 | 7050 7060 | 7060 7100 | 7100 7200 | 7200 7300 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU Region 1 | |||||||||||||
| As of March, 2009, 7100-7200 were allocated to Amateur radio on a primary basis by ITU. Yet, there are countries that haven't yet expanded their national Amateur radio service bandplan to cover that portion. In ITU region 2, 7200-7300 is allocated to amateur radio service as secondary. | |||||||||||||
30 Metres
| 30 Metres | 10100 10140 | 10140 10150 |
|---|---|---|
| IARU Region 1 |
20 Metres
| 20 Metres 20 meters The 20-meter or 14-MHz amateur radio band is a portion of the shortwave radio spectrum, comprising frequencies stretching from 14.000 MHz to 14.350 MHz. The 20-meter band was first made available to amateurs in the United States by the Third National Radio Conference on October 10, 1924... |
14000 14070 | 14070 14099 | B | 14101 14350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU Region 1 |
17 Metres
| 17 Metres | 18068 18095 | 18095 18109 | B | 18111 18168 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU Region 1 |
15 Metres
| 15 Metres 15 meters The 15-meter band is an amateur radio frequency band spanning the shortwave spectrum from 21 to 21.45 MHz. Almost all countries permit amateur communications on the entire band.... |
21000 21070 | 21070 21110 | 21110 21120 | 21120 21149 | B | 21151 21450 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU Region 1 |
12 Metres
| 12 Metres | 24890 24915 | 24915 24929 | B | 24931 24990 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU Region 1 |
10 Metres
| 10 Metres 10 meters The 10-metre band is a portion of the shortwave radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use on a primary basis. The band consists of frequencies stretching from 28000 to 29700 kHz.-History:... |
28000 28070 | 28070 28190 | B | 28225 29200 | 29200 29300 | 29300 29510 | 29510 29700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU Region 1 | Satellite D/L |
Key
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... and data (<200 Hz bandwidth) |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , RTTY Radioteletype Radioteletype is a telecommunications system consisting originally of two or more electromechanical teleprinters in different locations, later superseded by personal computers running software to emulate teleprinters, connected by radio rather than a wired link.The term radioteletype is used to... and data (< 500 Hz Bandwidth) |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , RTTY Radioteletype Radioteletype is a telecommunications system consisting originally of two or more electromechanical teleprinters in different locations, later superseded by personal computers running software to emulate teleprinters, connected by radio rather than a wired link.The term radioteletype is used to... , data, NO SSB (<2.7 kHz) |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , phone and image (<3 kHz bandwidth) SECONDARY |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , phone and image (<3 kHz bandwidth) |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , data, packet, FM, phone and image (<20 kHz bandwidth) |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , RTTY Radioteletype Radioteletype is a telecommunications system consisting originally of two or more electromechanical teleprinters in different locations, later superseded by personal computers running software to emulate teleprinters, connected by radio rather than a wired link.The term radioteletype is used to... , data, test, phone and image |
|
| = Reserved for satellite downlink | |
| = Reserved for beacons |
ITU Region 2
ITU region 2 consists of the Americas, including Greenland. The frequency allocations for United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
hams in ITU Region 2 are:
| ITU band | Band name | Frequencies (MHz) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower end | Upper end | ||
| 5 - LF Low frequency Low frequency or low freq or LF refers to radio frequencies in the range of 30 kHz–300 kHz. In Europe, and parts of Northern Africa and of Asia, part of the LF spectrum is used for AM broadcasting as the longwave band. In the western hemisphere, its main use is for aircraft beacon,... |
2200 meters | 135.7 kHz | 137.8 kHz |
| 6 - MF Medium frequency Medium frequency refers to radio frequencies in the range of 300 kHz to 3 MHz. Part of this band is the medium wave AM broadcast band. The MF band is also known as the hectometer band or hectometer wave as the wavelengths range from ten down to one hectometers... |
160 meters 160 meters Just above the mediumwave broadcast band, 160 meters is the lowest radio frequency band allocation available to amateur radio operators in most countries. Seasoned operators often refer to 160 meters as the Top Band... |
1.8 | 2.0 |
| 7 - HF High frequency High frequency radio frequencies are between 3 and 30 MHz. Also known as the decameter band or decameter wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decameters . Frequencies immediately below HF are denoted Medium-frequency , and the next higher frequencies are known as Very high frequency... |
80 meters 80 meters The 80 meter or 3.5 MHz band is a core amateur radio frequency band, allocated frequencies from 3.5 to 4.0 MHz in IARU Region 2, and generally 3.5 to 3.8 or 3.9 MHz in Regions 1 and 3 respectively. The portion of the band used for phone communications is sometimes referred to as 75 meters... |
3.5 | 4.0 |
| 60 meters | Channelized - 5.332, 5.348, 5.368, 5.373, 5.405 (USB Single-sideband modulation Single-sideband modulation or Single-sideband suppressed-carrier is a refinement of amplitude modulation that more efficiently uses electrical power and bandwidth.... only) |
||
| 40 meters 40 meters The 40-meter or 7-MHz band is an amateur radio frequency band, spanning 7000 to 7300 kilohertz , allocated to radio amateurs in all countries worldwide.40 meters is considered one of the most reliable all-season DX bands.... |
7.0 | 7.3 | |
| 30 meters | 10.1 | 10.15 | |
| 20 meters 20 meters The 20-meter or 14-MHz amateur radio band is a portion of the shortwave radio spectrum, comprising frequencies stretching from 14.000 MHz to 14.350 MHz. The 20-meter band was first made available to amateurs in the United States by the Third National Radio Conference on October 10, 1924... |
14 | 14.35 | |
| 17 meters | 18.068 | 18.168 | |
| 15 meters 15 meters The 15-meter band is an amateur radio frequency band spanning the shortwave spectrum from 21 to 21.45 MHz. Almost all countries permit amateur communications on the entire band.... |
21 | 21.45 | |
| 12 meters | 24.89 | 24.99 | |
| 10 meters 10 meters The 10-metre band is a portion of the shortwave radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use on a primary basis. The band consists of frequencies stretching from 28000 to 29700 kHz.-History:... |
28 | 29.7 | |
| 8 - VHF Very high frequency Very high frequency is the radio frequency range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz. Frequencies immediately below VHF are denoted High frequency , and the next higher frequencies are known as Ultra high frequency... |
6 meters 6 meters The 6-meter band is a portion of the VHF radio spectrum allocated to amateur radio use. Although located in the lower portion of the VHF band, it nonetheless occasionally displays propagation mechanisms characteristic of the HF bands. This normally occurs close to sunspot maximum, when solar... |
50 | 54 |
| 2 meters 2 meters The 2-meter amateur radio band is a portion of the VHF radio spectrum, comprising frequencies stretching from 144.000 MHz to 148.000 MHz in International Telecommunication Union region Regions 2 and 3 and from 144.000 MHz to 146.000 MHz in ITU Region 1... |
144 | 148 | |
| 1.25 meters 1.25 meters The 1.25 meter, 220 MHz or 222 MHz band is a portion of the VHF radio spectrum internationally allocated for amateur radio use on a primary basis in ITU Region 2, and it comprises frequencies from 220 MHz to 225 MHz... |
219 | 220 | |
| 222 | 225 | ||
| 9 - UHF Ultra high frequency Ultra-High Frequency designates the ITU Radio frequency range of electromagnetic waves between 300 MHz and 3 GHz , also known as the decimetre band or decimetre wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decimetres... |
70 centimeters 70 centimeters The 70-centimeter amateur radio band is a portion of the UHF radio spectrum. This band is used by amateurs engaged in emergency communications where portable and mobile radios are frequently used. Many such radios have dual-band capabilities, operating on both the 70-centimeter and 2-meter bands.-... |
420 | 450 |
| 33 centimeters 33 centimeters The 33-centimeter or 900 MHz band is a portion of the UHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio on a secondary basis. It ranges from 902 to 928 MHz and is unique to ITU Region 2. It is primarily used for very local communications as opposed to bands lower in frequency... |
902 | 928 | |
| 23 centimeters 23 centimeters The 23 centimeter, 1200 MHz or 1.2 GHz band is a portion of the UHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use on a secondary basis. The amateur radio band is between 1240 MHz and 1300 MHz... |
1240 | 1300 | |
| 13 centimeters 13 centimeters The 13 centimeter or 2.4 GHz band is a portion of the UHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use on a secondary basis. The amateur radio band is between 2300 MHz and 2450 MHz... |
2300 | 2310 | |
| 2390 | 2450 | ||
| 10 - SHF Super high frequency Super high frequency refers to radio frequencies in the range of 3 GHz and 30 GHz. This band of frequencies is also known as the centimetre band or centimetre wave as the wavelengths range from ten to one centimetres.... |
9 centimeters | 3300 | 3500 |
| 5 centimeters 5 centimeters The 5 centimeter or 5 GHz band is a portion of the SHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use on a secondary basis. In ITU regions 1 and 3, the amateur radio band is between 5,650 MHz and 5,850 MHz. In ITU region 2, the amateur radio band is between... |
5650 | 5925 | |
| 3 centimeters | 10000 | 10500 | |
| 1.2 centimeters | 24000 | 24250 | |
| 11 - EHF Extremely high frequency Extremely high frequency is the highest radio frequency band. EHF runs the range of frequencies from 30 to 300 gigahertz, above which electromagnetic radiation is considered to be low infrared light, also referred to as terahertz radiation... |
6 millimeters | 47000 | 47200 |
| 4 millimeters | 75500 | 81000 | |
| 2.5 millimeters | 119980 | 120020 | |
| 2 millimeters | 142000 | 149000 | |
| 1 millimeter | 241000 | 250000 | |
The ARRL has a detailed band plan for US hams showing allocations within each band.
RAC
Radio Amateurs of Canada
Radio Amateurs of Canada , known in French as Radio Amateurs du Canada, is a member-based, non-profit organization of amateur radio enthusiasts in Canada...
has a chart showing the frequencies available to amateurs in Canada.
Table of Amateur MF and HF Allocations in the United States and Canada
| 160 m 160 meters Just above the mediumwave broadcast band, 160 meters is the lowest radio frequency band allocation available to amateur radio operators in most countries. Seasoned operators often refer to 160 meters as the Top Band... |
1800–2000 |
|---|---|
 Canada |
|
 United States |
1800 2000 |
| General, Advanced, Extra |
| 80 / 75 m 80 meters The 80 meter or 3.5 MHz band is a core amateur radio frequency band, allocated frequencies from 3.5 to 4.0 MHz in IARU Region 2, and generally 3.5 to 3.8 or 3.9 MHz in Regions 1 and 3 respectively. The portion of the band used for phone communications is sometimes referred to as 75 meters... |
3500 - 4000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada |
|||||
| United States |
3500 3525 | 3525 3600 | 3600 3700 | 3700 3800 | 3800 4000 |
| Novice / Technician | |||||
| General | |||||
| Advanced | |||||
| Extra | |||||
| 60 m | 5330 - 5406 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States |
5330.5 | 5346.5 | 5366.5 | 5371.5 | 5403.5 | ||||||||
| General, Advanced, Extra | |||||||||||||
| Note: US licensees operating 60 m are limited to emissions of upper sideband suppressed carrier, 2.8 kHz bandwidth (2K80J3E), 50 watts PEP ERP relative to a 1/2 wave dipole, on the carrier frequencies indicated on this chart | |||||||||||||
| 40 m 40 meters The 40-meter or 7-MHz band is an amateur radio frequency band, spanning 7000 to 7300 kilohertz , allocated to radio amateurs in all countries worldwide.40 meters is considered one of the most reliable all-season DX bands.... |
7000 - 7300 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada |
||||
| United States |
7000 7025 | 7025 7125 | 7125 7175 | 7175 7300 |
| Novice / Technician | ||||
| General | ||||
| Advanced | ||||
| Extra | ||||
| 30 m | 10100 10150 |
|---|---|
| Canada |
|
| United States |
|
| Note: US limited to General, Advanced and Extra licensees; 200 watts PEP |
|
| 20 m 20 meters The 20-meter or 14-MHz amateur radio band is a portion of the shortwave radio spectrum, comprising frequencies stretching from 14.000 MHz to 14.350 MHz. The 20-meter band was first made available to amateurs in the United States by the Third National Radio Conference on October 10, 1924... |
14000 - 14350 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada |
|||||
| United States |
14000 14025 | 14025 14150 | 14150 14175 | 14175 14225 | 14225 14350 |
| General | |||||
| Advanced | |||||
| Extra | |||||
| 17 m | 18068 - 18168 | |
|---|---|---|
| Canada |
||
| United States |
18068 18110 | 18110 18168 |
| General, Advanced, Extra | ||
| 15 m 15 meters The 15-meter band is an amateur radio frequency band spanning the shortwave spectrum from 21 to 21.45 MHz. Almost all countries permit amateur communications on the entire band.... |
21000 - 21450 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada |
|||||
| United States |
21000 21025 | 21025 21200 | 21200 21225 | 21225 21275 | 21275 21450 |
| Novice / Technician | |||||
| General | |||||
| Advanced | |||||
| Extra | |||||
| 12 m | 24890 - 24990 | |
|---|---|---|
| Canada |
||
| United States |
24890 24930 | 24930 24990 |
| General, Advanced, Extra | ||
| 10 m 10 meters The 10-metre band is a portion of the shortwave radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use on a primary basis. The band consists of frequencies stretching from 28000 to 29700 kHz.-History:... |
28000 - 29700 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada |
|||
| United States |
28000 28300 | 28300 28500 | 28500 29700 |
| Novice / Technician | |||
| General, Advanced, Extra | |||
| Note: The 10 meter table is one-third scale, relative to the other tables | |||
Key
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , RTTY Radioteletype Radioteletype is a telecommunications system consisting originally of two or more electromechanical teleprinters in different locations, later superseded by personal computers running software to emulate teleprinters, connected by radio rather than a wired link.The term radioteletype is used to... and data (US: < 1 kHz Bandwidth) |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , RTTY Radioteletype Radioteletype is a telecommunications system consisting originally of two or more electromechanical teleprinters in different locations, later superseded by personal computers running software to emulate teleprinters, connected by radio rather than a wired link.The term radioteletype is used to... , data, MCW Modulated continuous wave Modulated continuous wave is defined by the Federal Communications Commission in 47 CFR §97.3 as "Tone-modulated international Morse code telegraphy emissions having designators with A, C, D, F, G, H or R as the first symbol; 2 as the second symbol; A or B as the third symbol." See Types of radio... , phone (AM and SSB) and image (narrow band sstv modes only) |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , phone and image |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... and SSB Single-sideband modulation Single-sideband modulation or Single-sideband suppressed-carrier is a refinement of amplitude modulation that more efficiently uses electrical power and bandwidth.... phone (US: Novice/Technician 200 watts PEP only) |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... , RTTY Radioteletype Radioteletype is a telecommunications system consisting originally of two or more electromechanical teleprinters in different locations, later superseded by personal computers running software to emulate teleprinters, connected by radio rather than a wired link.The term radioteletype is used to... , data, phone and image |
|
| = CW Continuous wave A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off... (US: Novice/Technician 200 watts PEP only) |
|
| = Upper sideband suppressed carrier phone, 2.8 kHz bandwidth (2K80J3E), 50 watts ERP referenced to dipole |
ITU Region 3
ITU region 3 consists of Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Asia south of Siberia. The IARURegion 3 Bandplan
The Wireless Institute of Australia has charts for Amateur frequencies for Australia.
The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) has
charts for Amateur frequencies and repeater lists for New Zealand.
The Japanese have
charts for Amateur frequencies in Japan
Space Operations
Radio amateurs may engage in satelliteSatellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
and space craft communications; however, the frequencies allowed for such activities are allocated separately from more general use radio amateur bands.
Under the International Telecommunication Union
International Telecommunication Union
The International Telecommunication Union is the specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for information and communication technologies...
's rules, all amateur radio operations may only occur within 50 kilometres (31.1 mi) of the Earth's surface. As such, the Amateur Radio Service is not permitted to engage in satellite operations; however, a sister radio service, called the Amateur Satellite Service, exists which allows satellite operations for the same purposes as the Amateur Radio Service. In most countries, an amateur radio license conveys operating privileges in both services, and in practice, the legal distinction between the two services is transparent to the average licensee. The primary reason the two services are separate is to limit the frequencies available for satellite operations. Due to the shared nature of the amateur radio allocations internationally, and the nature of satellites to roam worldwide, the ITU does not consider all amateur radio bands appropriate for satellite operations. Being separate from the Amateur Radio Service, the Amateur Satellite Service receives its own frequency allocations. All the allocations are within amateur radio bands, and with one exception, the allocations are the same in all three ITU region
ITU region
The International Telecommunication Union , in its International Radio Regulations, divides the world into three ITU regions for the purposes of managing the global radio spectrum...
s. Some of the allocations are limited by the ITU in what direction transmissions may be sent (EG: "Earth-to-space" or up-links only).
All amateur satellite operations occur within the allocations tabled below, except for AO-7, which has an up-link from 432.125 MHz to 432.175 MHz.
| International amateur satellite frequency allocations | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | Band | Letter1 | Allocation | Preferred sub-bands2 | User status | Notes |
| HF High frequency High frequency radio frequencies are between 3 and 30 MHz. Also known as the decameter band or decameter wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decameters . Frequencies immediately below HF are denoted Medium-frequency , and the next higher frequencies are known as Very high frequency... |
40 m | Primary | ||||
| 20 m | Primary | |||||
| 17 m | Primary | Entire amateur radio band | ||||
| 15 m | H | Primary | Entire amateur radio band | |||
| 12 m | Primary | Entire amateur radio band | ||||
| 10 m | A | Primary | Entire amateur radio band | |||
| VHF Very high frequency Very high frequency is the radio frequency range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz. Frequencies immediately below VHF are denoted High frequency , and the next higher frequencies are known as Ultra high frequency... |
2 m | V | Primary | |||
| UHF Ultra high frequency Ultra-High Frequency designates the ITU Radio frequency range of electromagnetic waves between 300 MHz and 3 GHz , also known as the decimetre band or decimetre wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decimetres... |
70 cm | U | NIB3 | |||
| 23 cm | L | NIB3 | Only uplinks allowed | |||
| 13 cm | S | NIB3 | ||||
| SHF Super high frequency Super high frequency refers to radio frequencies in the range of 3 GHz and 30 GHz. This band of frequencies is also known as the centimetre band or centimetre wave as the wavelengths range from ten to one centimetres.... |
9 cm 9-centimeter band The 9-centimeter band is a portion of the SHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use. The amateur radio band, in ITU regions 1 and 2, is between 3,300 MHz and 3,500 MHz, and it is available only on a secondary basis... |
S2 | NIB3 | Not available in ITU region 1. | ||
| 5 cm | C | NIB3 | Only uplinks allowed | |||
| Secondary | Only downlinks allowed | |||||
| 3 cm 3-centimeter band The 3 centimeter or 10 GHz band is a portion of the SHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use on a secondary basis. The amateur radio band is between 10.00 GHz and 10.50 GHz, and the amateur satellite band is between 10.45 GHz and 10.50 GHz... |
X | Secondary | ||||
| 1.2 cm 1.2-centimeter band The 1.2 centimeter or 24 GHz band is a portion of the SHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use. The amateur radio band is between 24.00 GHz and 24.25 GHz, and the amateur satellite band is between 24.00 GHz and 24.05 GHz... |
K | Primary | ||||
| EHF Extremely high frequency Extremely high frequency is the highest radio frequency band. EHF runs the range of frequencies from 30 to 300 gigahertz, above which electromagnetic radiation is considered to be low infrared light, also referred to as terahertz radiation... 4 |
6 mm 6-millimeter band The 6 millimeter or 47 GHz band is a portion of the EHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use on a primary basis. The amateur radio and amateur satellite band is between 47.0 GHz and 47.2 GHz, and the allocation is the same in all three ITU regions.... |
R | Primary | Entire amateur radio band | ||
| 4 mm 4-millimeter band The 4 millimeter band is a portion of the EHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use. The amateur radio and amateur satellite band is between 76.0 GHz and 81.0 GHz. Amateurs operate on a primary basis between 77.5 GHz and 78.0 GHz and on a secondary... |
Secondary | |||||
| Primary | ||||||
| Secondary | ||||||
| 2 mm 2-millimeter band The 2 millimeter band is a portion of the EHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use. The amateur radio and amateur satellite band is between 134 GHz and 141 GHz. Amateurs operate on a primary basis between 134 GHz and 136 GHz and on a secondary basis... |
Primary | Entire amateur radio band | ||||
| Secondary | ||||||
| 1 mm 1-millimeter band The 1 millimeter band is a portion of the EHF radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use. The amateur radio and amateur satellite band is between 241 GHz and 250 GHz. Amateurs operate on a primary basis between 248 GHz and 250 GHz and on a secondary basis... |
Secondary | Entire amateur radio band | ||||
| Primary | ||||||
1 AMSAT band letters. Not all bands have been assigned a letter by AMSAT. 2 For some allocations, satellite operations are predominately concentrated in a sub-band of the allocation. 3 Footnote allocation. Use is only allowed on a non-interference basis to other users, as per ITU footnote 5.282. 4 No amateur satellite operations have yet occurred at EHF; however, AMSAT's P3E is planned to have an R band down-link. |
||||||