what frequencies can a technician ham use

Exploring All the Frequencies Available to Technician Hams

Earning a technician class amateur radio license opens up exciting possibilities for communicating on the airwaves. But what exactly are the frequency privileges for technician license holders in the United States? Let’s break down the wide range of bands and modes available

HF Frequencies

While general and extra class hams get full access to the entire high frequency (HF) spectrum from 1.8 to 30 MHz, techs do get limited HF privileges on several key bands:

• 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 (28.000-28.500 MHz) – CW, RTTY, data

So techs can explore shortwave frequencies on CW and experiment with propagation. The 10 meter band also allows modes like PSK31 and FT8 digital communications.

VHF/UHF Frequencies

Things open up for technician licensees on VHF and UHF frequencies above 30 MHz where techs have full privileges.

Key VHF bands include:

• 6 Meters (50-54 MHz) – SSB, CW, AM, FM, digital
• 2 Meters (144-148 MHz) – SSB, CW, AM, FM, digital
• 1.25 Meters (222-225 MHz) – SSB, CW, AM, FM, digital

Note that the 6 meter band has some unique propagation characteristics, allowing over-the-horizon communication during sporadic E openings.

On UHF, techs have access to:

• 70 Centimeters (420-450 MHz) – SSB, CW, AM, FM, digital
• 33 Centimeters (902-928 MHz) – SSB, CW, AM, FM, digital
• 23 Centimeters (1240-1300 MHz) – SSB, CW, AM, FM, digital

The 70 centimeter band is ideal for local communications through repeaters. 33 and 23 centimeters offer good spectrum space for digital modes.

Technicians also have limited access to the 5-centimeter band from 5650-5925 MHz under FCC rules.

On all these VHF/UHF frequencies, technician class licensees can operate FM repeaters, digital modes like DMR and D-Star, and various experiments like weak signal CW and SSB contacts. The VHF and UHF bands really open up possibilities for techs to get on the air.

Maximum Power Output

One key limitation for techs is maximum power output:

• On HF bands, technician licensees are limited to 200 watts PEP (peak envelope power) output.

• On VHF/UHF bands, technician class hams can use up to 1500 watts PEP output power.

So while techs can’t use high power on HF, they can really crank up power on VHF and UHF for long distance communication via repeaters, satellites, moonbounce, and weak signal contacts.

License Privileges Beyond Band Allocations

Beyond specific band allocations, the technician class amateur radio license has other privileges:

• Techs can communicate with any other licensed ham on authorized frequencies. There are no restrictions on who techs can contact, domestically or internationally.

• Technician license holders can establish and operate a station anywhere under FCC rules. Stations can be fixed, mobile, or portable.

• Techs can participate in contests and special events on authorized frequencies. This allows fun opportunities to make lots of contacts.

• Technicians can communicate through repeaters and amateur satellites, widening their range.

• Licensees can operate in RACES, ARES, and other emergency/disaster response efforts.

So techs can do quite a lot within their frequency privileges. Many hams enjoy years of fulfilling operation with just the technician class license.

Next Steps for Expanded Frequency Privileges

While the technician class license provides wide operating privileges, you may eventually want to upgrade your license to access more frequencies.

The general class license opens up full HF privileges, along with broadcasting on 60 meters and using RTTY/data on VHF. The amateur extra class license adds operating segments in the 2 meter band along with some additional HF spectrum.

Upgrading is worth considering if you want to enjoy shortwave HF communication, participate in HF digital modes like FT8 or PSK31, or transmit on additional VHF/UHF frequencies.

But the technician license certainly offers a big slice of spectrum and operating possibilities to start out. You can have an amazing time in the hobby on tech frequencies while developing your skills. Then upgrade later when you feel ready for more bands.

The key is getting that first license so you can get on the air! Once you become a technician class ham, a whole world of exciting frequencies become available for you to start making radio contacts.