Section 3.3: Understanding Amateur Radio Bands #
Now that we understand what the electromagnetic spectrum is, let’s focus specifically on the portions allocated to amateur radio operators. The frequencies we have been assigned are not arbitrary - they’re carefully allocated to provide a variety of propagation characteristics and capabilities.
The Amateur Radio Band Plan #
Amateur radio frequencies are organized into “bands” based on their wavelengths. For example, the “2-meter band” refers to frequencies around 144-148 MHz, where the wavelength is approximately 2 meters. These band designations provide a quick way to reference different frequency ranges and their general characteristics.
The bands available to radio amateurs are carefully allocated through international agreements to provide a variety of propagation characteristics. This thoughtful allocation gives amateurs access to frequencies that can:
- Travel around the world (HF)
- Provide reliable regional communications (VHF)
- Support higher-bandwidth local operations (UHF/microwave)
HF Bands (3-30 MHz) #
As a Technician, you’ll only have limited access to HF, primarily on the 10-meter band (28 MHz), but understanding how these frequencies behave is still important.
The most distinctive characteristic of HF bands is their ability to provide long-distance communications without infrastructure. This happens because HF waves can be refracted by the ionosphere, allowing them to return to Earth hundreds or thousands of miles away from the transmitter.
Key Information: A beacon is defined as an amateur station transmitting communications for the purposes of observing propagation or related experimental activities.
Beacon stations are particularly important on HF bands where conditions constantly change. These automated stations transmit regularly on known frequencies, allowing amateurs around the world to monitor propagation conditions. By listening for distant beacons, you can determine if a band is “open” for long-distance communications.
VHF Bands (30-300 MHz) #
The VHF spectrum represents a transition zone between the globally-reaching HF bands and the strictly local UHF bands.
VHF bands like 6 meters (50-54 MHz) occasionally experience enhanced propagation that can provide surprising long-distance contacts, while the popular 2-meter band (144-148 MHz) provides reliable regional communications that are less affected by changing ionospheric conditions.
These bands are ideal for consistent regional communications within a range of roughly 50-100 miles depending on terrain and antenna height.
For most new Technician class operators, the 2-meter band will likely become your primary operating band. Its reliable characteristics, abundance of repeaters, and wide availability of affordable equipment make it the perfect entry point for new hams. While we’ll explore the operational aspects of this band in Chapter 7, it’s worth noting now that this band forms the backbone of local amateur radio activity in most areas.
UHF Bands (300-3000 MHz) #
The UHF bands represent a different paradigm in radio communications. While the inability to use ionospheric propagation might seem like a limitation, it actually provides several advantages:
- More predictable coverage areas
- Less interference from distant stations
- More stable day-to-day performance
- Greater bandwidth availability
These characteristics make UHF bands like 70 centimeters (420-450 MHz) excellent for local networks, digital modes, and urban communications where reliability is more important than distance.
Along with the 2-meter band, the 70-centimeter band (420-450 MHz) will be one of your most frequently used bands as a new Technician. Many modern handheld radios cover both bands, and the 70cm band offers additional repeater options in congested areas where 2-meter frequencies might be limited. Together, these two bands (2m and 70cm) will likely form the foundation of your early amateur radio experience.
Band Selection Considerations #
The “best” band depends entirely on what you’re trying to accomplish:
When Distance Matters:
- HF bands can provide global reach when conditions are favorable
- Lower VHF bands (6 meters) occasionally offer surprising long-distance openings
- Upper VHF and UHF bands require infrastructure like repeaters for distance
When Reliability Matters:
- UHF and VHF provide more consistent day-to-day performance
- Less affected by solar conditions and time of day
- More predictable coverage areas
When Equipment Size Matters:
- Higher frequencies allow for smaller antennas
- UHF mobile and handheld antennas can be very compact
- HF operation typically requires larger antenna systems
As a new Technician, the vast majority of your initial operations will be on VHF and UHF bands, particularly 2 meters and 70 centimeters. These bands offer accessible equipment, abundant repeaters, and active local communities. Even as operators advance to higher license classes, many continue to use VHF and UHF frequencies for their day-to-day communications. We’ll discuss the practical aspects of operating on these different bands in detail in Chapter 7.
Remember that amateur radio offers a tremendous range of frequencies to explore. While some bands might be better suited for certain applications, each offers unique opportunities and challenges that make our hobby so diverse and engaging.
In the next section, we’ll examine exactly how radio signals travel through these different bands, exploring the fascinating propagation phenomena that make amateur radio communications possible over various distances and conditions.
