Are you a Ham Technician looking to explore the world of amateur radio frequencies?
It can be overwhelming to navigate the different bands and modes available to you. But fear not, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll break down the frequencies that are authorized for your license class and help you understand the different modes you can use.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced operator, this guide will provide valuable insights into the world of amateur radio.
So grab your radio and let’s dive in!
What Frequencies Can A Ham Technician Use?
As a Ham Technician, you have access to a wide range of frequencies above 50 MHz. This includes popular VHF and UHF bands such as the 2-meter band at 144-148 MHz and the 70-centimeter band from 420-450 MHz.
These bands offer direct base and mobile operations in your general vicinity, as well as wider areas through repeaters that “repeat” your signal to other hams. Many hams have dual-band radios that allow operation on both bands.
In addition to these bands, Techs can also operate on the 6-meter band from 50-54 MHz, the 1.25-meter band at 222-225 MHz, and the 23-centimeter 1240-1300 MHz band.
It’s important to note that Novices and Technicians are limited to a maximum of 200 Watts PEP on HF Bands regardless of Mode. This means that while you have free access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, there are restrictions on the amount of power you can transmit on certain bands.
Understanding Ham Technician License Classes
To become a Ham Technician, one must pass the entry-level license exam, which covers basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. Morse code is not required for this license. Once you pass the exam, you will have all ham radio privileges above 30 MHz.
The Technician Class license allows you to operate on VHF and UHF amateur bands, as well as a limited number of HF or “shortwave” bands. These are regulated to the 80, 40, and 15-meter bands for individuals using CW. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice, and several other interesting modes. You can even make international radio contacts via satellites using relatively simple station equipment.
Changes to the Technician Class rules as a result of recent FCC rule changes are provided in the Technician Class rule changes supplement. This means that it’s important to stay up-to-date with any changes or updates to the rules and regulations governing amateur radio operations.
It’s also important to note that while Technicians have access to a wide range of frequencies above 50 MHz, there are restrictions on the amount of power you can transmit on certain bands. Novices and Technicians are limited to a maximum of 200 Watts PEP on HF Bands regardless of Mode.
Frequencies Authorized For Ham Technicians
Ham Technicians are authorized to use a wide range of frequencies above 50 MHz. The following frequencies are authorized for Ham Technicians:
– 2-meter band: 144-148 MHz
– 70-centimeter band: 420-450 MHz
– 6-meter band: 50-54 MHz
– 1.25-meter band: 222-225 MHz
– 23-centimeter band: 1240-1300 MHz
These bands offer direct base and mobile operations in your general vicinity, as well as wider areas through repeaters that “repeat” your signal to other hams. It’s important to note that while Ham Technicians have free access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, there are restrictions on the amount of power you can transmit on certain bands. Novices and Technicians are limited to a maximum of 200 Watts PEP on HF Bands regardless of Mode.
It’s always important to follow the rules and regulations set by the FCC when operating on any frequency. A band-by-band plan showing where to find different types of activity is available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). By staying informed and following guidelines, you can enjoy the full range of frequencies available to you as a Ham Technician.
VHF And UHF Bands
Among the VHF and UHF bands available to Ham Technicians, the 2-meter band and the 70-centimeter band are the most popular. The 2-meter band covers a frequency range of 144-148 MHz, while the 70-centimeter band spans from 420-450 MHz. Both of these bands are great for local communications, making them ideal for base and mobile operations.
In addition to these two bands, Techs also have access to the 6-meter band from 50-54 MHz, the 1.25-meter band at 222-225 MHz, and the 23-centimeter 1240-1300 MHz band. These bands offer a wider range of frequencies for communication, allowing Techs to explore more advanced modes of operation.
It’s worth noting that while these bands offer greater flexibility, there are still limitations on the amount of power that can be transmitted. Novices and Technicians are limited to a maximum of 200 Watts PEP on HF Bands regardless of Mode. This means that while you have access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, you must still adhere to certain restrictions when transmitting on certain bands.
HF Bands
For those interested in worldwide communication, the high-frequency (HF) bands, also known as the shortwave bands, offer a lot of potential. While Techs have limited privileges on these bands, they can still operate on them. HF bands allow for communication across the globe, depending on the current propagation and band conditions.
Techs can operate in CW (Morse code) mode on the 40-, 15-, and 10-meter bands, as well as RTTY (radio teletype) and data on the 10-meter band. While Techs may be limited to voice communications, they can still operate voice on the 10-meter band in the 28.3-28.5 MHz segment. This bandwidth provides plenty of room for contacts all around the world when 10 meters is open and the band conditions are favorable.
It’s worth noting that Novices and Technicians are limited to a maximum of 200 watts PEP on HF Bands regardless of Mode. This means that while you have access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, there are restrictions on the amount of power you can transmit on certain bands. A band-by-band plan showing where to find different types of activity is available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).
Modes Of Communication
As a Ham Technician, you have a variety of modes of communication available to you. You can operate on all VHF and UHF ham radio frequencies from the 6-meter band up through the millimeter-wave bands. In addition, you can operate on HF (high-frequency) bands, also known as the shortwave bands, which offer worldwide communication depending on the band and current propagation.
Techs can operate in CW (Morse code) mode on HF on the 40-, 15- and 10-meter bands on a narrow swath of frequency segments, as well as RTTY (radio teletype) and data on the 10-meter band. While some may wonder why Techs would be interested in operating HF if they are only interested in voice communications, it’s worth noting that Techs can operate voice on the 10-meter band in the 28.3-28.5 MHz segment. This bandwidth provides plenty of room to round up a bunch of contacts all around the world when 10 meters is open.
It’s important to note that hams have secondary access on USB only to five discrete 2.8-kHz-wide channels, and amateurs cannot cause interference to or accept interference from primary government users. The NTIA states that hams planning to operate on 60 meters “must assure that their signal is transmitted on the channel center frequency.” This means that amateurs should set their carrier frequency 1.5 kHz lower than the channel center.
For Novice, Technician, and Technician Plus classes, CW is permitted between 7.050 and 7.075 MHz. For General class, CW is permitted between 7.025-7.125 MHz, as well as RTTY/Data between 7.025-7.125 MHz and phone, image between 7.175-7.300 MHz. Advanced class operators can use CW between 7.025-7.125 MHz and RTTY/Data between 7.125-7.300 MHz, while Amateur Extra class operators have access to CW and RTTY/Data between 7.000-7.125 MHz and phone, image between 7.125-7.300 MHz.
Amateur satellite work uses standard 2m radios and a directional antenna, allowing any class of ham to make brief voice (and other modes) contacts via repeaters on any of several satellites orbiting the earth on well-established schedules.
Finally, digital modes are also available for Ham Technicians, with any frequency recommended by the FCC for digital operations being permitted for use by anyone with a license. For example, on 40 meters that would be anywhere from 7.000 to 7.125 MHz for Extra class operation and 7.025 to 7.125 MHz for General and Advance operation. Even if you don’t want to use a Morse keyer, you can use your computer to send and receive Morse code using CW in this portion of the band.
Digital Modes
Digital modes are a popular and convenient way for hams to communicate with each other. As a Ham Technician, you may be wondering if you have access to digital modes on HF bands. The good news is that you can use digital modes on HF bands, even as a Technician.
The original digital mode, CW (Morse code), can be used on 40 meters from 7.025 to 7.125 MHz. You can use a Morse keyer or your computer to send and receive Morse code using CW in this portion of the band. It’s interesting to note that some computer programs can decode Morse code, which can be a fun way to communicate with other hams.
If you’re interested in meeting other hams using digital modes, you’ll need to go to a spot in the band where they are expected to hang out. This will vary depending on the mode you want to use. For example, PSK31, RTTY, MFSK, and various JT-modes (JT-65, FT-8, others) are popular narrow bandwidth digital modes used predominantly on the HF bands.
Generals have access to all digital modes on HF bands, including FT8, which has become the most popular mode. However, as a Technician, you are limited to using CW and other digital modes on HF bands up to 200 watts PEP.
In addition to HF bands, all licensed hams can enjoy all digital modes on 10 meters by connecting a computer to an SSB transceiver using an MFJ-1205, RIGblaster, SignaLink or a similar inexpensive homebrew sound card interface.