Technician Class Frequency Privileges in Ham Radio

Ham Radio For Dummies

When you’re getting started, remembering where you’re allowed to operate is important. As a Technician licensee, you have free access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, but what about on the shortwave high-frequency (HF) bands? This chart helps you follow the rules. A band-by-band plan showing where to find different types of activity is available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).

Band	Frequencies (In MHz)	Modes You Can Use
80 meters	3.525 – 3.600	CW
40 meters	7.025 – 7.125	CW
15 meters	21.025 – 21.200	CW
10 meters	28.000 – 28.300 28.300 – 28.500	CW, RTTY/data, 200 watts PEP maximum power CW, phone, 200 watts PEP maximum power
Above 50 MHz	All amateur privileges

CW = Morse code; PEP = peak envelope power; RTTY = radioteletype.

About This Article

About the book author:

H. Ward Silver has the experience of a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000 he turned to teaching and writing as a second career. He is a contributing editor to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and author of the popular “Hands-On Radio” column in QST magazine every month. He is the author of the ARRL’s Amateur Radio license study guides and numerous other articles. He developed the ARRL’s online courses, “Antenna Design and Construction,” “Analog Electronics,” and “Digital Electronics.” Along with his comedic alter-ego, Dr Beldar, Ward is a sought-after speaker and lecturer among “hams.” When not in front of a computer screen, you will find Ward working on his mandolin technique and compositions.