Frequencies for Ham Radio Technicians – A Complete Guide

Getting started in ham radio opens up a fascinating world of communicating by airwaves. If you’re studying for your technician license, you’ll need to understand the frequencies and bands allocated to this class of amateur radio. This guide covers everything a tech can operate with their entry-level license privileges.

The technician license offers access to a wide range of frequencies across the HF, VHF, and UHF radio spectrum. This allows communication over both short and long distances using different propagation characteristics. We’ll break down the exact frequency ranges so you’ll know where you can legally operate when you pass your exam.

HF Frequencies for Technician License

While the technician license does not cover all of the shortwave high frequency (HF) bands available to general and extra class hams, techs do have access to some critical HF privileges.

Here are the portions of the HF bands that technicians can use

• 80 Meters (3.525-3.600 MHz) – CW only
• 40 Meters (7.025-7.125 MHz) – CW only
• 15 Meters (21.025-21.200 MHz) – CW only
• 10 Meters (28.300-28.500 MHz) – CW, RTTY, data

Some key tips for utilizing these HF allocations:

• Mode is limited to CW and data on most bands, with phone privileges only on 10 meters.
• Maximum power output is 200 watts PEP on HF for technician class licensees.
• These frequencies are ideal for regional DX using CW and digital modes.

While limited, these HF privileges allow technicians to explore the exciting world of HF radio including long-distance propagation and operating activities like contesting and DXing.

VHF and UHF Frequencies

The real strenght of the technician license lies in the broad VHF and UHF frequency access. Techs can operate on the 6 meter, 2 meter, 1.25 meter, 70 centimeter and 33 centimeter bands using a wide variety of modes with increased power limits compared to HF.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the VHF and UHF allocations for technicians

6 Meters (50-54 MHz)

• 50.1 to 54 MHz
• Up to 1500 watts PEP power output
• SSB, CW, RTTY, FM, AM, TV, digital modes

2 Meters (144-148 MHz)

• 144.1 to 148 MHz
• Up to 1500 watts PEP power output
• SSB, CW, RTTY, FM, AM, TV, digital modes

1.25 Meters (219-225 MHz)

• 219 to 220 MHz
• 222 to 225 MHz
• Up to 1500 watts PEP power output
• SSB, CW, RTTY, FM, AM, TV, digital modes

70 Centimeters (420-450 MHz )

• 420 to 450 MHz
• Up to 1500 watts PEP power output
• SSB, CW, RTTY, FM, AM, TV, digital modes

33 Centimeters (902-928 MHz)

• 902 to 928 MHz
• Up to 1500 watts PEP power output
• SSB, CW, RTTY, FM, AM, TV, digital modes

23 Centimeters (1240-1300 MHz)

• 1240 to 1300 MHz
• Up to 1500 watts PEP power output
• SSB, CW, RTTY, FM, AM, TV, digital modes

The combination of these VHF and UHF frequencies with increased power output opens up a whole new world compared to the HF bands. Hams use these frequencies for local ragchews, repeaters, satellites, moonbounce, ATV, and weak signal modes.

Additional Microwave Frequencies

Beyond the main VHF/UHF allocations, technicians also have access to a number of microwave frequency ranges on SHF, EHF, and THF bands. These require specialized equipment and techniques but allow for exciting experimentation and very localized communication.

Some of the microwave bands available to techs include:

• 3.3 GHz to 3.5 GHz
• 5.650 GHz to 5.925 GHz
• 24 GHz to 24.25 GHz
• 47 GHz to 47.2 GHz
• 76 GHz to 81 GHz
• 122.25 GHz to 123 GHz
• 134 GHz to 141 GHz
• 241 GHz to 250 GHz

These ultra high frequencies move into the millimeter wave realm and require dishes or high gain directional antennas for communication. They allow hams to push the boundaries of radio technology.

Key Benefits of the Technician Frequencies

The frequency privileges granted to ham radio technicians provide access to both short and long range radio communication:

• The HF bands allow regional and DX communication.

• The VHF and UHF bands allow localized communication via repeaters, simplex, satellites, and weak signal modes.

• The microwave frequencies allow experimentation with cutting edge technology and techniques.

With a little experience, hams can make contacts anywhere from across town to around the world using this wide range of frequencies allocated to the amateur radio service.

Getting on the Air as a Technician

As a newly licensed technician, you’ll now be eager to get on the air and start making contacts. Here are some tips:

• Invest in a dual-band VHF/UHF handheld transceiver to hit local repeaters.

• Consider joining a local radio club. They offer mentorship, group activities, and station resources.

• Set up a starter HF station with a tech-friendly radio and wire antenna.

• Study for general class license to access full HF privileges.

• Log all your contacts and engage in activities like contests to enhance your skills.

With your new call sign and understanding of the frequencies available to you, it’s time to dive in and discover the excitement of ham radio as a technician class operator. Get on the air and join the fun!

Quick Frequency Reference Guide

To summarize the key frequencies covered in this guide, here is a quick reference chart:

![Ham Radio Frequencies Cheat Sheet][]

Use this technician frequency cheat sheet as a handy reference while studying for your license exam or when operating your radio.

The technician class license opens up a whole new world of communicating through amateur radio frequencies. While limited on HF, techs still have extensive access to critical VHF, UHF, and microwave bands for local, regional, and DX contacts. With this complete guide, you’ll understand exactly where you can legally operate with your new license privileges.