Amateur Radio Information

Latest information, regulations, and updates from the amateur radio community

Amateur Radio Band Plans

HF Bands (3-30 MHz)

1.8-2.0 MHz 160 Meters
3.5-4.0 MHz 80 Meters
7.0-7.3 MHz 40 Meters
14.0-14.35 MHz 20 Meters
21.0-21.45 MHz 15 Meters
28.0-29.7 MHz 10 Meters

VHF/UHF Bands

144-148 MHz 2 Meters
222-225 MHz 1.25 Meters
420-450 MHz 70 cm
902-928 MHz 33 cm
1240-1300 MHz 23 cm

Operating Procedures

Voice Operations

  • Use proper phonetics for clarity
  • Identify your station regularly
  • Keep transmissions brief and clear
  • Listen before transmitting
  • Use appropriate power levels

Digital Modes

  • Follow band plan allocations
  • Use proper software settings
  • Monitor before transmitting
  • Include call sign in transmissions
  • Respect other users' frequencies

Satellite Operations

  • Use minimum power necessary
  • Account for Doppler shift
  • Keep contacts brief
  • Share the satellite fairly
  • Use proper uplink/downlink frequencies

Repeater Etiquette

  • Pause between transmissions
  • Use proper repeater offset
  • Identify when required
  • Keep conversations brief
  • Use PL tones when required

Emergency Communications

Emergency Frequencies

146.52 MHz National Simplex Calling Frequency
446.00 MHz National Simplex Calling Frequency
14.300 MHz Maritime Emergency Net
7.265 MHz Region 2 Emergency Frequency

Emergency Procedures

  1. Listen before transmitting
  2. Use "EMERGENCY" or "MAYDAY" for life-threatening situations
  3. Provide clear location information
  4. State the nature of the emergency
  5. Follow instructions from emergency coordinators
  6. Keep transmissions brief and factual
  7. Document all communications

Technical Reference

Common Formulas

Ohm's Law: V = I × R
Power: P = V × I = I²R = V²/R
Frequency: f = c / λ
Antenna Length: L = 468 / f(MHz)
SWR: SWR = (1 + |Γ|) / (1 - |Γ|)

Conversion Tables

Power Conversions

1 Watt30 dBm
10 Watts40 dBm
100 Watts50 dBm
1000 Watts60 dBm

Frequency Conversions

1 MHz1,000,000 Hz
1 GHz1,000 MHz
1 kHz1,000 Hz

Regulations & Guidelines

FCC Part 97 Highlights

  • Station identification requirements
  • Power limitations by license class
  • Bandwidth restrictions
  • Third-party traffic limitations
  • Business communications prohibition
  • International operation guidelines

Good Amateur Practice

  • Use minimum power necessary
  • Avoid causing interference
  • Be courteous to other operators
  • Continuously improve technical knowledge
  • Assist other amateurs
  • Promote the amateur service