Radio amateur frequencies – How to listen?

Radio amateur frequencies are specific bands in the electromagnetic spectrum, which are internationally assigned to non -commercial use of radio amateurs. These frequencies allow enthusiasts to communicate, to experiment and develop your technical skills in the field of radio communication. Radio amateur activity is regulated by national telecommunications authorities in accordance with the recommendations of the International Telecommunications Union (THAT).

Frequency bands and their use

Presentation at the Radio Amateur Meeting of Banks
Presentation at the Radio Amateur Meeting of Banks

Radio amateurs have assigned frequencies in different parts of the spectrum, from long waves (LF) up to millimeter waves (Ehf). Each band has its own specifics and is suitable for different types of communications:

  • Low -frequency and center -frequency bands (LF a MF) (135 kHz – 1,8 MHz)
    These bands are characterized by a long range, Especially at night. The known bands belong to 160 m (1,8–2,0 MHz), used for night communications and experiments.
  • High -frequency bands (HF, resp.KV) (3 – 30 MHz)
    HF bands are popular for international communication, Because the ionosphere allows a signal reflection over long distances. This includes, for example, bands 80 m (3,5–3,8 MHz), 40 m (7,0–7,2 MHz), 20 m (14,0–14,35 MHz) a 10 m (28,0–29,7 MHz), that offer different spreading conditions.
  • VHF and UHF bands  (VHF) (30 MHz – 3 GHz)
    These bands include 2 m (144–146 MHz) a 70 cm (430–440 MHz), which are popular for local communication and connections through the smugglers. In the zone 1,2 GHZ and above are realized digital transmissions and connections through satellites.
  • Microwave and millimeter zones (3 GHz and above)
    They are used for experimental connections, satellite communication and research of waves.

Use and regulations

Radio amateur frequencies are used for voice communication (SSB, FM), Digital fashion (FT8, RTTY, TU5PCT QSL) a telegraph (CW). Licensed radio amateurs must comply with power restrictions and enabled zones, While frequencies are strictly regulated.

Radio amateur frequencies play an important role in emergency communication, scientific research and technological innovations.

KV radio amateur frequencies

Spectrum of KV signals in SDR#
Spectrum of KV signals in SDR#

Short -winged (KV) Radio amateur frequencies offer the ability to listen to connections from around the world thanks to the signal reflections from the ionosphere. To receive these frequencies you need a short -winged receiver with a range from 1,8 do 30 MHz and a suitable antenna, For example, a wire dipole or active loop antenna.

The best times to listen to the daily cycle - at night are more active lower bands (160 m, 80 m, 40 m), During the day above (20 m, 15 m, 10 m). Digital modes such as FT8 or RTTY are also interesting, that can be decoded using software as WSJT-X.

For better income it is recommended to listen outside urban disturbance and use filter circuits. Frequency and conditions of spreading are changing, Therefore, it is good to track the dissemination messages of the waves.

KV radio amateur frequencies 160m and 80m
KV radio amateur frequencies 160m and 80m
KV radio amateur frequencies 80m, 60m a 40m
KV radio amateur frequencies 80m, 60m a 40m
KV radio amateur frequencies 40m, 30m, 20m a 17m
KV radio amateur frequencies 40m, 30m, 20m a 17m
KV radio amateur frequencies 17m, 15m, a 12m
KV radio amateur frequencies 17m, 15m, a 12m
KV radio amateur frequencies 12m A10M
KV radio amateur frequencies 12m and 10m
KV radio amateur frequencies 10m
KV radio amateur frequencies 10m

VKV radio amateur frequencies

VHF yagi antennas
VHF yagi antennas

High -frequency (VHF) Radio amateur bands offer wide opportunities for both audiences and radio amateurs. The most widely used bands are 2 m (144–146 MHz) a 70 cm (430–440 MHz), which are used for local communication, connections through repeators and satellite operations.

You can use a scanner to receive VKV signals, SDR receiver (Software Defined Radio) or ordinary radio amateur transceiver. The best income will be achieved with an external antenna, For example, vertical or yagi antenna.

For listening it is advisable to know the frequencies of local repeater, that allow better signal even over long distances. Information about active frequencies can be found in radio amateur databases or on the website of local radio amateur clubs.

Tracking VKV bands is a great way, How to get acquainted with radio amateur traffic and learn more about spreading radio waves.

KV radio amateur frequencies 10m
KV radio amateur frequencies 10m
VKV radio amateur frequencies 6m
VKV radio amateur frequencies 6m
VKV radio amateur frequencies 6m and 4m
VKV radio amateur frequencies 6m and 4m
VKV radio amateur frequencies 4m and 2m
VKV radio amateur frequencies 4m and 2m
VKV radio amateur frequencies 2m
VKV radio amateur frequencies 2m
VKV radio amateur frequencies 70cm
VKV radio amateur frequencies 70cm
VKV radio amateur frequencies 70cm
VKV radio amateur frequencies 70cm
VKV radio amateur frequencies 23cm
VKV radio amateur frequencies 23cm
VKV radio amateur frequencies 23cm and 13cm
VKV radio amateur frequencies 23cm and 13cm