You should listen to certain radio frequencies in case of an emergency. Some of the best and most useful frequencies are in the Ham Radio bands.
Ham radio bands cover the whole radio spectrum. Each band will present its own set of challenges and chances for people who want to send or receive important survival information.
Amateur or ham radio operators have access to dozens of frequency bands but only a handful are commonly used for making contacts. These popular ham bands offer the best opportunities to connect with other hams locally and around the world.
HF Bands – Long Distance Communication
The high frequency (HF) bands from 3-30 MHz are the most popular for long distance communication The ionosphere reflects these signals allowing hams to make contacts hundreds or thousands of miles away
20 Meters
The 20 meter band from 14-14.35 MHz is the most popular HF band. Its worldwide reach and reliable daytime propagation make it the “workhorse” band for most hams. This band is open to all license classes.
40 Meters
The 40 meter band from 7-7.3 MHz is also extremely popular, especially at night. Its ability to cover regional distances with relatively low power makes 40 meters ideal for local ragchew nets. Novices have limited privileges.
80 Meters
At 3.5-4 MHz, the 80 meter band is best suited for regional nighttime communication out to about 500 miles. It’s commonly used for local ragchews. Novices have limited privileges on 80 meters.
VHF/UHF Bands – Local Communication
For local communication, VHF (30-300 MHz) and UHF (300-3000 MHz) bands are commonly used. Their propagation is mostly line-of-sight, so contacts are limited to regional distances.
2 Meters
The 2 meter band from 144-148 MHz is the most popular VHF band. With the right equipment, hams can communicate up to about 50 miles away. Repeaters extend the range considerably.
70 Centimeters
At 420-450 MHz, the 70 cm UHF band has rapidly grown in popularity. It offers local simplex and repeater operations like 2 meters. Novices have full privileges.
1.25 Meters
The 1.25 meter band from 222-225 MHz sits between 2 meters and 70 cm. There are fewer repeaters compared to 2 meters/70 cm, but local communication is very doable.
Calling Frequencies
Monitoring national calling frequencies is the best way to find other hams to contact. The two most popular are:
- 2 Meters – 146.52 MHz
- 70 Centimeters – 446.00 MHz
Simply tuning to a calling frequency and announcing your call sign is often all it takes to start a conversation. Calling frequencies are where you’re most likely to get a response from a random station.
Ham Radio Band Plans
To avoid chaos on the bands, most hams voluntarily follow published band plans. These documents recommend frequencies for different modes and uses.
For example, the lower 20 meter CW frequencies are recommended for slow-speed Morse code only. The higher phone frequencies are for single sideband voice contacts.
Following the band plan helps minimize interference and conflicts between hams using different modes. Most operators appreciate when you operate according to the plan.
When to Use Each Band
Choosing the best band depends on the time of day, your location, solar activity, and whether you want local or long distance contacts.
As a general rule of thumb:
- 80/40 meters: Nighttime regional communication
- 20 meters: Worldwide daytime contacts
- 15/10 meters: Long distance when conditions are right
- VHF/UHF: Daytime local communication
With experience, hams learn which bands work best under different conditions. Rarely does every band stay open 24/7. Be flexible and move across the bands as propagation changes.
Getting on the Air
The most popular ham bands have plenty of activity across North America and worldwide. All you need is a Technician class or higher license, HF/VHF/UHF radio, and antenna to join the fun.
Upgrading to General or Amateur Extra class unlocks additional operating privileges on the HF bands. But getting started on the core ham bands is easy with a Tech ticket.
Experience the thrill of making your first contacts on these popular frequencies. The ham radio hobby offers lifetime learning opportunities and friendships. Choose your band and get on the air!
A look at the Amateur Radio (HAM) Bands:
LF isthe International Telecommunication Union (ITU) designation for radio frequenciesthat fall between 30–300 kHz.
When itcomes to Ham Radio, the only official LF band is 2200 meters. Frequency Range: 135. 7-137. 8 kHz: CW, Phone, , RTTY/Data License Class: General, Advanced, Amateur Extra licensees.
MF Bands: Medium Frequency
The 630 Meter frequencies are just below commercial AM broadcastbands. Frequency Range: 472–479 kH: CW, Phone, , RTTY/Data License Class: General, Advanced, Amateur Extra licensees.
The 160Meter Band frequencies are just above commercial AM broadcast bands. Frequency Range: 1. 800-2. 000 MHz: CW, Phone, , RTTY/Data License Class: General, Advanced, Amateur Extra licensees.
Ham Radio’s Best HF Band
FAQ
What is the best band to start with ham radio?
What is the most popular 10 meter frequency?
What is the most commonly used radio frequency?
What band does a ham radio use?
630 Meter ranges from 472 KHz to 479 KHz. 160 Meter ranges from 1.800 MHz to 2.000 MHz.160 was previously the lowest band used in ham radio and is often called the “top band’ by many hams. HF bands are where the majority of long-distance communications happen in amateur radio. 80 Meter ranges from 3.5 MHz to 4.0 MHz.
Which band is best for hams?
The 40 meter band is most popular and reliable band for use during all seasons. 30 Meters is a narrow digital band spanning from 10.1–10.15 MHz and has a maximum power of 200 watts. 20 meters band spans from 14.0–14.35 MHz. It is the most popular band between Hams and is most busy band during the day.
How many MHz is a ham radio?
Amateur radio frequencies are divided into bands, and each band has unique propagation characteristics influenced by its wavelength. Here’s a look at some of the key bands used in ham radio: Popular Bands: 80 meters (3.5-4.0 MHz), 40 meters (7.0-7.3 MHz), 20 meters (14.0-14.35 MHz), 15 meters (21.0-21.45 MHz), and 10 meters (28.0-29.7 MHz).
Which ham band is best for DX?
20 meters is one of the most popular ham bands, especially with DX stations. The band spans from 14.0–14.35 MHz and is most active during the day. Band Notes: Great activity during solar maximum; otherwise not the best band for DX