Understanding the Band Chart
Using a band chart can help the amateur radio operator understand what authorized frequency ranges they are authorized to transmit on.
While anyone can listen to all frequencies across the radio spectrum, transmitting on a particular frequency is limited to your individual class of station license. In the United States these frequencies are allocated by the FCC for amateur use and regulated by 47 C.F.R. Part 97.
To help make sense of different frequency bands and where an individual can operate, there are numerous published band charts that describe frequencies and transmitting modes for different classes of radio operators. Perhaps the most popular is the band chart published by the the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Another popular HF band plan is published by ICOM (download here).
Every amateur radio station should have one of these (or something similar) close by for reference when they are operating. The FCC considers band plans “good practice” and expects amateurs to follow them voluntarily when possible and practical. Since each amateur station should be operated in accordance with good engineering and good amateur practice, it is important each station licensee and each control operator cooperate in selecting transmitting channels and in making the most effective use of the amateur service frequencies.
Since it is our goal to make contact with other stations, it is helpful to know WHERE on the frequency scale others are most likely to be found.
When you’re getting started as a Technician licensee, you have full access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz. Perhaps the most common band Tech’s use is the 2 Meter band (144 MHz – 148 MHz). The FCC Rules say that any mode (FM, AM, SSB, CW, etc.) can be used on the 2 meter band from 144.100 to 148.000 MHz and the FCC has restricted 144.0 to 144.100 MHz to CW operation only.
Even though no frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station, there are voluntary “gentleman’s agreements” as to the use of the band to minimize confusion and interference between incompatible modes.
For example the National Simplex Calling Frequency is 146.520 MHz and most other simplex operations are between 146.40-146.58 MHz. Frequencies above and below are used for repeater stations and specialized uses like EME, propagation beacons, and packet. Refer to the ARRL Band Plan detail page for specifics.
So, there you have it… if you want to talk to others on 2 meters, you’re most likely to find someone on 146.520 MHz or thereabouts. Some organizations like AmRRon have designated their common frequency to be 146.420 MHz where you’ll find other AmRRon operators.
If you’re interested in seeing a more detailed band plan, you might refer to the U.S. Frequency Allocations chart published by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This chart breaks down the entire radio spectrum to include all those frequencies used by commercial, scientific, and amateur stations. While an interesting perspective of how the radio frequencies are used, it really goes beyond the scope of this article as I’m focusing mostly on amateur radio frequencies.
The General and Extra class operator has many more frequencies to use on the high-frequency (HF) bands. If you’re interested in short-range, regional contacts, maybe 80 or 40 meters would be a good choice. Longer range contacts are easiest on the higher-frequency bands of 30 through 10 meters.
If your goal is to make contact with another operator while minimizing interference with other stations, you’ll want to be careful to to operate within particular frequency ranges dependent on your license class level. You’ll also want to consider the mode of operation you intend to use. Other stations using that mode are much more likely to be operating around that frequency than other frequencies.
For example, in the popular 20 meter band, Extra class operators can utilize the entire band from 14.000 MHz to 14.350 MHz. Within that range, 14.000 MHz through 14.150 MHz is for RTTY and data, while 14.150 through 14.350 MHz is for phone (voice) operation. General class operators are limited to 14.025 MHz through 14.150 MHz for data and 14.225 through 14.350 MHz for phone.
What happens if you operate outside your designated frequency range?
Band plans are voluntary, they are not a regulation… they are guidelines.
See FCC Part 97 frequency and mode restrictions
