The Most Popular Ham Radio Band, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the ham radio band you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:39
For ham radio enthusiasts, choosing the right frequency band can significantly enhance their communication experience. Knowing which bands are the most popular among peers can help to better understand where the most active conversations and reliable signals are found. This knowledge supports improved connectivity and engagement within the community.
Here, users have the opportunity to cast their votes for their preferred ham radio bands. The results displayed reflect a community-driven consensus, providing insights into the trends and preferences among amateur radio operators. By participating, users not only contribute to the community’s knowledge but also help guide newcomers in making informed decisions about where to start.
What Is the Most Popular Ham Radio Band?
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166votesThis is the most popular VHF band for ham radio operators, as it offers reliable communication over short to medium distances. It is also popular for satellite and moon bounce communication.The 2m (144-148 MHz) is a popular ham radio band used for communication among amateur radio operators. It is also known as the VHF band as it falls in the Very High Frequency range. The 2m band offers a relatively long-range communication and a wide coverage area, making it suitable for both local and regional communication.
- Frequency Range: 144-148 MHz
- Mode: Analog and digital modes
- Bandwidth: Up to 12.5 kHz (analog) and varying in digital modes
- Typical Use: Local and regional communication
- Propagation Characteristics: Line-of-sight and ground wave propagation
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235votesThis UHF band is also popular for short-range communication and is often used for repeaters and digital modes. It is also used for satellite and moon bounce communication.The 70cm band (420-450 MHz) is a popular frequency range in amateur radio, commonly referred to as the UHF band. It is used for various purposes, including communication over short distances and for satellite communications. The band offers a good balance between range and signal penetration through obstacles.
- Frequency Range: 420-450 MHz
- Bandwidth: 30 MHz
- Propagation Characteristics: Line-of-sight and limited reflection
- Typical Communication Range: Up to several miles, depending on various factors
- Modulation Techniques: FM, SSB, CW, digital modes
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335votesThis high-frequency band is popular for long-distance communication, especially for international contacts. It is also popular for digital modes and contests.The 20m band (14.0-14.350 MHz) is one of the most popular bands in ham radio communication. It is known for its worldwide coverage and reliable long-distance communication capabilities. This band operates in the high frequency (HF) range and is utilized by amateur radio operators for various modes of communication including voice, Morse code (CW), and digital modes.
- Frequency Range: 14.0-14.350 MHz
- Bandwidth: 350 kHz
- Operating Mode: AM, SSB, CW, Digital modes
- Propagation Characteristics: Good for both day and night communication, long-distance coverage
- Power Limit: Varies by region, typically up to 1500 watts
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422votesThis is another high-frequency band popular for long-distance communication, especially at night. It is also popular for digital modes and contests.The 40m band (7.0-7.3 MHz) is one of the most popular shortwave bands used by amateur radio operators. It is known for its suitability for long-distance communications during both day and night time. This band is commonly used for voice, Morse code (CW), and digital communications.
- Frequency Range: 7.0-7.3 MHz
- Mode: AM, USB, LSB, CW, digital modes
- Bandwidth: 3 kHz
- Propagation: NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) for regional coverage, long skip distance for DX (long-distance) contacts
- Power Limit: US: 100 Watts PEP (Voice); 10 Watts PEP (Digital modes)
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514votesThis is a low-frequency band popular for long-range communication, especially at night. It is also popular for contests and digital modes.The 80m (3.5-4.0 MHz) band is a popular frequency range within the amateur radio spectrum. It is often used for long-distance communication and is especially well-suited for night-time propagation due to its ability to reflect off the ionosphere. This band provides excellent coverage for regional and local communication, making it a favorite among amateur radio operators.
- Frequency Range: 3.5-4.0 MHz
- Bandwidth: 500 kHz
- Allocated Modes: CW, SSB, digital modes
- Band Class: Medium Frequency (MF)
- Propagation Characteristics: Night-time propagation, good for regional and local communication
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68votesThis high-frequency band is popular for long-distance communication, especially during sunspot cycles. It is also popular for contests and digital modes.The 10m (28.0-29.7 MHz) band is one of the most popular ham radio bands used for amateur radio communication. It allows for long-distance communication due to favorable propagation characteristics, especially during periods of high solar activity. This band offers a wide range of opportunities for various types of communication modes, including voice, Morse code, digital modes, and weak signal experimentation.
- Frequency Range: 28.0-29.7 MHz
- Bandwidth: 1.7 MHz
- Mode of Communication: Voice, Morse code, digital modes, weak signal experimentation
- Propagation Characteristics: Favorable for long-distance communication during periods of high solar activity
- International Allocation: ITU Region 1, 2, and 3 Amateur Radio Bands
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712votesThis high-frequency band is popular for long-distance communication, especially during sunspot cycles. It is also popular for contests and digital modes.The 15m band refers to the 15-meter amateur radio band, also known as the 21.0-21.45 MHz band. It is a popular frequency band among ham radio operators for long-distance communication.
- Frequency range: 21.0-21.45 MHz
- Band class: HF (High-Frequency)
- Mode of operation: AM, SSB (Upper Sideband and Lower Sideband), CW (Morse Code), Digital modes
- Bandwidth: 450 kHz
- Power output: Varies by country regulations (typically up to 100 watts)
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810votesThis high-frequency band is popular for long-distance communication, especially during sunspot cycles. It is also popular for contests and digital modes.The 17m band, also known as the 17-meter band, is a frequency range designated for amateur radio use. It spans from 18.068 to 18.168 megahertz (MHz). This band falls within the high-frequency (HF) range, which allows for long-distance communication under the right conditions. The 17m band is popular among ham radio operators due to its unique propagation characteristics and sufficient bandwidth for various modes of communication.
- Frequency Range: 18.068 - 18.168 MHz
- Band Class: High Frequency (HF)
- Allocated by: ITU Radio Regulations
- Communication Modes: SSB, CW, digital modes
- Propagation Characteristics: Ionospheric propagation, suitable for long-distance communication
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93votesThis high-frequency band is popular for long-distance communication, especially during sunspot cycles. It is also popular for contests and digital modes.The 12m (24.89-24.99 MHz) band is one of the most popular ham radio bands that is used for communication among amateur radio operators. It is often referred to as the 12-meter band, and it falls within the high-frequency spectrum range. This band provides reliable long-distance communication and is known for its clear audio quality and low interference.
- Frequency range: 24.89-24.99 MHz
- Bandwidth: 100 kHz
- Primary users: Licensed amateur radio operators
- Mode of operation: Single-sideband (SSB), Morse code, data modes
- Maximum power: Up to 100 watts for most amateur radio license classes
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107votesThis is another VHF band popular for short to medium-range communication, especially during sporadic E propagation. It is also popular for contests and digital modes.The 6m ham radio band, also known as the 50-54 MHz band, is a popular frequency range used by amateur radio operators for long-distance communication. It is characterized by its ability to provide excellent propagation conditions for both local and regional communication, as well as sporadic E (Es) and meteor scatter propagation for longer distance contacts.
- Frequency Range: 50-54 MHz
- Mode: Analog voice, the amplitude modulation (AM) and single sideband (SSB) modes are commonly used. Digital modes like FM, CW, and various data modes are also supported.
- Power Limit: 200 watts maximum power output
- License Requirement: Amateur Extra class or General class license in most countries
- Propagation: Offers reliable groundwave propagation and enhanced sporadic E (Es) propagation conditions for increased signal range
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular ham radio band
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Frequency rangeThe ability of the band to travel long distances and penetrate obstacles is determined by the frequency range. Lower frequencies can travel further and are more reliable than higher frequencies, especially for long-distance communication.
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Propagation characteristicsDifferent bands have different propagation characteristics, meaning they are affected differently by factors like ionospheric conditions, weather, and solar cycles. This affects their ability to reach distant locations and maintain a stable signal.
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Available equipmentThe availability and compatibility of equipment for a specific band is also an essential factor. This includes high-quality receivers, transmitters, and antennas that can be used for the band in question.
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Licensing requirementsHam radio operators must be licensed to use certain bands. The ease of obtaining a license for a specific band and the restrictions placed upon its use can also impact a band's popularity among ham radio enthusiasts.
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BandwidthThe width of a ham radio band determines how many simultaneous communications can be supported. Wider bands can accommodate more users, making them more popular among hobbyists.
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ReliabilityThe consistency and overall performance of a ham radio band are also crucial factors. Bands that provide stable communication with fewer dropouts or interference from other radio sources are more popular.
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VersatilityThe more versatile a band is, the more popular it will be. Versatility refers to the ability to use the band for various purposes such as voice communication, data transmission, emergency communication, and other amateur radio activities.
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Traffic and congestionPopularity can be influenced by the amount of traffic and congestion on a band. If too many users are occupying the band, it can lead to interference and difficulties in establishing clear communication.
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Community and peer preferenceSome ham radio bands are more popular simply because they have been traditionally used by the amateur radio community or have been recommended by peers through word-of-mouth.
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Time of day/nightSome bands perform better during the day, while others work better at night. This can affect their popularity depending on when users typically operate their radios.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular ham radio band. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or band is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 5806 views
- 200 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each band once every 24 hours. The rank of each band is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular ham radio band
Ham radio is a hobby that has been around for over a century, allowing enthusiasts to communicate with each other using radio waves. One of the most important aspects of ham radio is the use of different frequency bands, which determine the range and type of communication possible. The most popular ham radio bands are defined by the frequency range they operate in, with each band offering unique advantages and challenges. From the high-frequency 160-meter band to the ultra-high-frequency 70-centimeter band, ham radio operators have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing the right band for their needs. Understanding the different ham radio bands and their capabilities is essential for any serious ham radio enthusiast, as it allows them to communicate with other operators around the world and explore the fascinating world of amateur radio.
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