what frequencies can a ham technician use

The Complete Guide to Ham Radio Frequencies for Technician License Holders

Earning a Technician class license is the most popular entry point for aspiring ham radio operators This beginner level license grants operating privileges on portions of the very high frequency (VHF) bands and some select high frequency (HF) allocations

For Technician licensees, here is a detailed breakdown of exactly which frequencies you can legally operate on across the HF, VHF, and UHF amateur radio bands.

HF Frequencies for Technician License Holders

While Technicians have limited HF access, these are the HF frequency privileges granted:

• 80 Meters (3.5 – 4.0 MHz) – CW only, maximum 200 watts PEP output.

• 40 Meters (7.0 – 7.3 MHz) – CW only maximum 200 watts PEP output.

• 15 Meters (21.0 – 21.45 MHz) – CW only, maximum 200 watts PEP output.

• 10 Meters (28.0 – 29.7 MHz) – CW, RTTY, data, SSB and FM, maximum 200 watts PEP output.

Some popular dual-band VHF/HF radios cover both 10 meters and the 2 meter VHF band, allowing Technicians to explore shortwave with a single radio.

VHF Frequencies for Technician License Holders

On VHF, Technician licensees enjoy full operating privileges on several bands up to the legal limit of 1500 watts PEP output power:

• 6 Meters (50 – 54 MHz) – SSB, CW, FM, AM, television, and digital modes allowed.

• 2 Meters (144 – 148 MHz) – SSB, CW, FM, AM, television, and digital modes allowed. This is the most popular VHF band for Technician operators, with FM simplex and repeaters widely available.

• 1.25 Meters (222 – 225 MHz) – SSB, CW, FM, AM, television, and digital modes allowed.

UHF Frequencies for Technician License Holders

Technicians also have expansive frequency privileges on UHF up to the 1500 watt PEP legal limit:

• 70 Centimeters (420 – 450 MHz) – SSB, CW, FM, AM, television, and digital modes allowed. Many dual-band radios include this band.

• 33 Centimeters (902 – 928 MHz) – SSB, CW, FM, AM, television, and digital modes allowed.

• 23 Centimeters (1240 – 1300 MHz) – SSB, CW, FM, AM, television, and digital modes allowed.

With both VHF and UHF access, Technicians can easily make contacts around town, across the country, and even around the globe by accessing satellites and moonbounce.

Microwave Frequencies for Technician License Holders

While operating on microwave bands requires specialized equipment, Technicians also have frequency privileges on these bands:

• 3.3 – 3.5 GHz

• 5.65 – 5.925 GHz

• 10 – 10.5 GHz

• 24 – 24.25 GHz

• 47 – 47.2 GHz

• 76 – 81 GHz

• 122.25 – 123 GHz

• 134 – 141 GHz

• 241 – 250 GHz

• Above 275 GHz

This microwave access allows for exciting experiments in weak signal communication modes like Earth-Moon-Earth contacts.

Forbidden Frequencies for Technician License Holders

While Technicians have access to ample amateur radio spectrum, some frequency ranges remain off-limits:

• 160 Meters (1.8 – 2.0 MHz) – No access for Technicians.

• 60 Meters (5 MHz channels) – No access for Technicians.

• 30 Meters (10.1 – 10.15 MHz) – No access for Technicians.

• 17 Meters (18.068 – 18.168 MHz) – No access for Technicians.

• 12 Meters (24.89 – 24.99 MHz) – No access for Technicians.

Upgrading to General or Amateur Extra class is required to gain access to these restricted HF bands. But Technicians still have a wide array of frequencies to explore and make contacts on.

Put Your Privileges to Use Across the Bands

The Technician license provides beginner ham radio operators with access to extensive VHF, UHF, and select HF frequencies. This allows newly licensed Technicians to get on the air and make contacts on popular bands like 2 meters FM, 70 centimeters, 10 meters, and 6 meters.

Refer to this handy reference guide of Technician frequency privileges and limitations when operating or shopping for your first amateur radio transceiver. The possibilities for communication and experimentation are endless across the spectrum you have access to.