Reference · ARRL & FCC Part 97
Amateur radio frequencies & band plan
A comprehensive desk-reference of United States amateur radio allocations: operating privileges
by license class, standard repeater offsets, national simplex calling channels, 60-meter channelized
frequencies, and activity centers based on the ARRL U.S. Band Plan,
the ARRL Graphical Allocations,
and FCC Part 97 rules.
Important Scope Note — General U.S. Allocations Only: This guide outlines general nationwide allocations under U.S. FCC Part 97. Every country, ITU region, state, and regional coordination area handles frequencies differently:
- International & Country Differences (ITU Regions): The United States is located in ITU Region 2 (the Americas). Spectrum allocations and license privileges in ITU Region 1 (Europe, Africa, Middle East, Northern Asia) and ITU Region 3 (Asia-Pacific) differ substantially. For example, 2 meters in Europe is limited to 144–146 MHz (compared to 144–148 MHz in the U.S.), 70 cm is restricted to 430–440 MHz (vs. 420–450 MHz), 1.25 meters does not exist outside Region 2, and 60 meters is allocated as a contiguous 15 kHz slice rather than five discrete channels. When operating abroad or near borders, you must follow the host nation's regulatory authority.
- State & Regional Frequency Coordination: Within the U.S., the FCC defines statutory outer limits, but state and regional frequency coordination councils (such as WWARA in Washington, Utah VHF Society, SERA in the Southeast, SCRA in California) establish local band plans. Channel spacing (e.g., 15 kHz vs. 20 kHz), designated repeater input/output pairs, tone requirements, packet/APRS frequencies, and simplex ranges vary from state to state. As noted by both ARRL and Icom, locally coordinated band plans always take precedence over national recommendations.
- Border Coordination (Line A & Line C): In northern states bordering Canada, amateur operation on 420.000–430.000 MHz is restricted or prohibited under § 97.303 to prevent interference with Canadian radiolocation radar installations.
VHF & UHF
Mode Partitioned
6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 33cm, and 23cm are open to all license classes (Technician through Extra).
Bands are segmented strictly by operating mode: CW, weak-signal SSB, digital, FM simplex, repeaters, and satellite.
MF & HF
License Tiered
160m through 10m global propagation. Segmented into CW/Data on lower frequencies and Voice on upper frequencies,
stepped progressively across Technician, General, Advanced, and Amateur Extra classes.
Legal Limits
47 CFR § 97.313
1,500 W PEP is the general ceiling. Key exceptions: 200 W PEP for Novice/Technician operators in their HF
segments and for all classes on 30m; 100 W ERP on the 60m channels and 9.15 W ERP in the 60m segment;
5 W EIRP on 630m; and 1 W EIRP on 2,200m.
VHF / UHF repeater offsets & national calling channels
Standard offsets and national calling channels commonly programmed into handheld and mobile radios.
Local frequency coordination councils establish specific regional band plans.
| VHF / UHF Operating Standards |
| Band | Standard Repeater Offset | Offset Direction & Pairing | National Simplex Calling |
| 6 Meters (50–54 MHz) | 500 kHz (ARRL band plan; regional practice varies) | Inputs 500 kHz below outputs (51.12→51.62, 52.0→52.5, 53.0→53.5 MHz) | 52.525 MHz FM / 50.125 MHz USB |
| 2 Meters (144–148 MHz) | ±600 kHz (0.6 MHz) | 146.61–146.97 is (-); 147.00–147.39 is (+) | 146.520 MHz FM (National Calling) |
| 1.25 Meters (222–225 MHz) | -1.600 MHz | Transmit 1.6 MHz below receive | 223.500 MHz FM (National Calling) |
| 70 Centimeters (420–450 MHz) | ±5.000 MHz | 440–445 outputs use +5 MHz inputs (445–450) | 446.000 MHz FM (National Calling) |
| 33 Centimeters (902–928 MHz) | -12.000 MHz (or -25 MHz) | Transmit 12 MHz below receive | 927.500 MHz FM |
| 23 Centimeters (1240–1300 MHz) | -12.000 MHz (or -20 MHz) | Standard -20 MHz input offset | 1294.500 MHz FM |
VHF / UHF band plans (50 MHz to 1300 MHz)
All amateur license classes share full operating privileges across these bands. Per the ARRL Band Plan and the Icom Band Map, sub-bands are organized by operating mode:
CW SSB & Weak Signal (No FM) Digital / Packet FM Simplex FM Repeater Satellite Fast Scan ATV
6 m
6 Meters
50.000 – 54.000 MHz
The "Magic Band" — capable of sporadic-E tropospheric ducting, meteor scatter, and trans-equatorial DX.
Sub-Band Segments:
50.000 – 50.100 MHz
CW CW Only (International DX Window 50.0–50.1) No phone or FM permitted. Protected DX beacon and weak-signal window.
50.100 – 50.600 MHz
SSB / Weak SSB & Weak Signal (NO FM) 50.125 MHz National SSB Calling Frequency.
50.600 – 51.000 MHz
Digital Digital & Experimental Packet, digital audio, and FT8 (50.313 MHz).
51.000 – 51.100 MHz
Radio Control Radio Control (R/C) Model aircraft and telemetry control channels.
51.100 – 51.600 MHz
Repeater Inputs FM Repeater Inputs Pairs with 52.100–52.600 MHz outputs.
51.600 – 52.000 MHz
FM Simplex FM Simplex Simplex channels.
52.000 – 53.000 MHz
FM Outputs / Simplex FM Repeater Outputs & National FM Calling 52.525 MHz National FM Simplex Calling.
53.000 – 54.000 MHz
FM Repeaters / R/C FM Repeaters & Legacy Radio Control Upper repeater channels and secondary R/C.
2 m
2 Meters
144.000 – 148.000 MHz
The workhorse VHF amateur band in North America for local repeaters, emergency communications, and handheld radios.
Sub-Band Segments:
144.000 – 144.100 MHz
CW CW Only (FCC Part 97 Rule) Moonbounce (EME) and weak-signal terrestrial telegraphy.
144.100 – 144.300 MHz
SSB / Weak SSB & Weak Signal (NO FM) 144.200 MHz National SSB Calling. FM voice is strictly prohibited here.
144.300 – 144.500 MHz
Digital / Simplex Digital & FM Simplex 144.390 MHz National APRS position reporting frequency.
144.500 – 144.900 MHz
Repeater Inputs FM Repeater Inputs Pairs with 145.100–145.500 MHz outputs.
144.900 – 145.100 MHz
Digital / Packet Digital / Packet Operations Automated digital gateways and packet radio nodes.
145.100 – 145.500 MHz
Repeater Outputs FM Repeater Outputs Pairs with 144.500–144.900 MHz inputs.
145.500 – 145.800 MHz
FM Simplex FM Simplex & Miscellaneous Simplex channels.
145.800 – 146.000 MHz
Satellite Amateur Satellite & Space Operations Exclusively allocated worldwide to satellite downlinks, uplinks, and ISS voice.
146.010 – 146.370 MHz
Repeater Inputs FM Repeater Inputs (+600 kHz) Input to 146.610–146.970 MHz outputs (+600 kHz offset).
146.400 – 146.580 MHz
FM Simplex FM Simplex Channels 146.520 MHz National FM Simplex Calling (146.40 used as repeater input in some areas).
146.610 – 146.970 MHz
Repeater Outputs FM Repeater Outputs (-600 kHz) Output paired with 146.010–146.370 MHz inputs (-600 kHz offset).
147.000 – 147.390 MHz
Repeater Outputs FM Repeater Outputs (+600 kHz) Output paired with 147.600–147.990 MHz inputs (+600 kHz offset).
147.420 – 147.570 MHz
FM Simplex FM Simplex Channels Local simplex channels.
147.600 – 147.990 MHz
Repeater Inputs FM Repeater Inputs (-600 kHz) Input to 147.000–147.390 MHz outputs (-600 kHz offset).
1.25 m
1.25 Meters
222.000 – 225.000 MHz
Unique ITU Region 2 allocation with low local noise and excellent building penetration.
Sub-Band Segments:
222.000 – 222.100 MHz
CW CW & Weak Signal Propagation beacons and moonbounce.
222.100 – 222.250 MHz
SSB / Weak SSB & Weak Signal (NO FM) 222.100 MHz National SSB Calling.
222.250 – 223.380 MHz
Repeater Inputs FM Repeater Inputs (-1.6 MHz) Inputs offset -1.6 MHz to 223.850–224.980 MHz outputs.
223.400 – 223.520 MHz
FM Simplex FM Simplex Channels 223.500 MHz National FM Simplex Calling.
223.520 – 223.640 MHz
Digital Digital Operations Packet, telemetry, and gateways.
223.640 – 223.710 MHz
Links / Control Links & Control Repeater control links.
223.710 – 225.000 MHz
Repeater Outputs FM Repeater Outputs Standard outputs for coordinated repeaters.
70 cm
70 Centimeters
420.000 – 450.000 MHz
The workhorse UHF band for repeaters, DMR, Yaesu Fusion, D-STAR, satellites, and amateur television.
Sub-Band Segments:
420.000 – 426.000 MHz
ATV / Links Fast-Scan ATV, Links, Repeaters Not available along Canadian corridor (Line A / Line C) to protect radar.
426.000 – 432.000 MHz
ATV Channel Fast-Scan Amateur TV (ATV) Standard analog and digital video broadcast channels.
432.000 – 432.100 MHz
CW CW & Moonbounce (EME) Weak-signal moonbounce and terrestrial telegraphy.
432.100 – 433.000 MHz
SSB / Weak SSB & Weak Signal (NO FM) 432.100 MHz National SSB Calling.
433.000 – 435.000 MHz
Repeater Inputs Repeater Inputs & Auxiliary Links Regional repeater pairings.
435.000 – 438.000 MHz
Satellite Amateur Satellite Service Internationally protected satellite uplinks and downlinks.
438.000 – 440.000 MHz
Digital / Links Digital Links & Repeaters High-speed digital links.
440.000 – 445.000 MHz
Repeater Outputs FM / Digital Repeater Outputs Repeater outputs pairing with 445–450 MHz (+5.0 MHz offset).
445.000 – 447.000 MHz
FM Simplex FM Simplex Channels 446.000 MHz National FM Simplex Calling Frequency.
447.000 – 450.000 MHz
Repeater Inputs FM / Digital Repeater Inputs +5.0 MHz inputs pairing with 440–445 MHz outputs.
33 cm
33 Centimeters
902.000 – 928.000 MHz
UHF band shared with industrial ISM devices. Heavily utilized for quiet commercial repeaters and broadband digital links.
Sub-Band Segments:
902.000 – 903.000 MHz
SSB / Weak Weak Signal & SSB Calling 902.100 MHz National SSB Calling.
903.000 – 904.000 MHz
Digital Digital / Beacons Propagation beacons.
904.000 – 909.000 MHz
Repeater Inputs FM Repeater Inputs (-12 MHz / -25 MHz) Inputs pairing with 921–928 MHz.
909.000 – 921.000 MHz
Broadband / ATV Broadband Multimedia / ATV High-speed mesh data and digital video.
921.000 – 927.000 MHz
Repeater Outputs FM Repeater Outputs Paired outputs.
927.000 – 928.000 MHz
FM Simplex / Outputs FM Simplex & Repeater Outputs 927.500 MHz National FM Simplex Calling.
23 cm
23 Centimeters
1240.000 – 1300.000 MHz
Gateway to microwave amateur radio. Used for fast-scan ATV, satellite downlinks, digital voice links, and moonbounce.
Sub-Band Segments:
1240.000 – 1260.000 MHz
ATV Channels Fast-Scan ATV Channel #1 & #2 Analog and digital amateur television.
1260.000 – 1270.000 MHz
Satellite Uplinks Satellite Uplinks & Experimental Space communications.
1270.000 – 1276.000 MHz
Repeater Inputs FM Repeater Inputs (-12 MHz) Paired with 1282–1288 MHz outputs.
1276.000 – 1282.000 MHz
ATV Channel Fast-Scan ATV Channel #3 Video broadcast.
1282.000 – 1288.000 MHz
Repeater Outputs FM Repeater Outputs Paired with 1270–1276 MHz inputs.
1288.000 – 1294.000 MHz
Broadband / ATV Broadband Experimental & Simplex ATV Experimental modes.
1294.000 – 1295.000 MHz
FM Simplex FM Simplex 1294.500 MHz National FM Simplex Calling.
1295.000 – 1297.000 MHz
SSB / CW / EME Narrow Band, CW, SSB, EME 1296.100 MHz National SSB Calling; moonbounce.
1297.000 – 1300.000 MHz
Digital Digital Operations High-speed packet and digital networks.
MF & HF band plans & privileges (135.7 kHz to 29.7 MHz)
Long-distance high-frequency spectrum spanning from 160 meters through 10 meters (plus 630m and 2,200m).
Operating privileges differ by license class under 47 CFR § 97.301 and § 97.305,
matching the official ARRL Graphical Allocations and Icom Band Plan:
E · Extra A · Advanced G · General T* · Novice / Technician (200 W)
10 m · HF
10 Meters
28.000 – 29.700 MHz
The only HF band where Technicians have voice privileges (28.300–28.500 MHz SSB). Peak solar cycle conditions provide massive worldwide openings.
License Class Privileges:
Extra Full band (28.000–29.700 MHz) all authorized modes (1,500 W)
Advanced Full band (28.000–29.700 MHz) all authorized modes (1,500 W)
General Full band (28.000–29.700 MHz) all authorized modes (1,500 W)
Tech / Novice 28.000–28.300 MHz CW/Data (200 W) & 28.300–28.500 MHz SSB Voice (200 W)
Sub-Band Segments:
28.000 – 28.300 MHz
CW / Data E A G T* CW, RTTY, Data (Novice/Tech limited to 200 W)
28.300 – 28.500 MHz
Voice / Phone E A G T* Novice/Technician Voice Window (SSB only, 200 W max)
28.500 – 29.300 MHz
Voice / Phone E A G General, Advanced, Extra Voice (SSB, AM)
29.300 – 29.510 MHz
Mixed / Satellite E A G Amateur Satellite Operations
29.520 – 29.700 MHz
Mixed / Satellite E A G FM Simplex (29.600 Calling) & FM Repeaters (100 kHz split)
12 m · HF
12 Meters (WARC)
24.890 – 24.990 MHz
WARC band (no contests permitted). Low atmospheric noise and reliable daytime propagation.
License Class Privileges:
Extra Full band (24.890–24.990 MHz)
Advanced Full band (24.890–24.990 MHz)
General 24.890–24.930 MHz (CW/Data) & 24.930–24.990 MHz (Phone)
Tech / Novice No Privileges
Sub-Band Segments:
24.890 – 24.930 MHz
CW / Data E A G CW, RTTY, Data
24.930 – 24.990 MHz
Voice / Phone E A G Voice (SSB), CW, Image
15 m · HF
15 Meters
21.000 – 21.450 MHz
Excellent daytime worldwide DX band during moderate to high sunspot counts.
License Class Privileges:
Extra Full band: 21.000–21.200 MHz (CW/Data) & 21.200–21.450 MHz (Phone)
Advanced 21.025–21.200 MHz (CW/Data) & 21.225–21.450 MHz (Phone)
General 21.025–21.200 MHz (CW/Data) & 21.275–21.450 MHz (Phone)
Tech / Novice 21.025–21.200 MHz CW Only (200 W)
Sub-Band Segments:
21.000 – 21.025 MHz
CW / Data E Extra Exclusive CW, RTTY, Data
21.025 – 21.200 MHz
CW / Data E A G T* CW/Data (Novice/Tech limited to CW only, 200 W)
21.200 – 21.225 MHz
Voice / Phone E Extra Exclusive Voice (SSB)
21.225 – 21.275 MHz
Voice / Phone E A Advanced & Extra Voice (SSB)
21.275 – 21.450 MHz
Voice / Phone E A G General, Advanced, Extra Voice (SSTV: 21.340 MHz)
17 m · HF
17 Meters (WARC)
18.068 – 18.168 MHz
WARC band (no contests permitted). Known as a premier ragchewing band with friendly international operators.
License Class Privileges:
Extra Full band (18.068–18.168 MHz)
Advanced Full band (18.068–18.168 MHz)
General 18.068–18.110 MHz (CW/Data) & 18.110–18.168 MHz (Phone)
Tech / Novice No Privileges
Sub-Band Segments:
18.068 – 18.110 MHz
CW / Data E A G CW, RTTY, Data
18.110 – 18.168 MHz
Voice / Phone E A G Voice (SSB), CW, Image
20 m · HF
20 Meters
14.000 – 14.350 MHz
The undisputed premier DX band of amateur radio. Reliable daytime and twilight propagation year-round.
License Class Privileges:
Extra Full band: 14.000–14.150 MHz (CW/Data) & 14.150–14.350 MHz (Phone)
Advanced 14.025–14.150 MHz (CW/Data) & 14.175–14.350 MHz (Phone)
General 14.025–14.150 MHz (CW/Data) & 14.225–14.350 MHz (Phone)
Tech / Novice No Privileges
Sub-Band Segments:
14.000 – 14.025 MHz
CW / Data E Extra Exclusive CW, RTTY, Data
14.025 – 14.150 MHz
CW / Data E A G CW, RTTY, Data (PSK31: 14.080 MHz)
14.150 – 14.175 MHz
Voice / Phone E Extra Exclusive Voice (SSB)
14.175 – 14.225 MHz
Voice / Phone E A Advanced & Extra Voice (SSB)
14.225 – 14.350 MHz
Voice / Phone E A G General, Advanced, Extra Voice (SSTV: 14.230, Net: 14.300)
30 m · HF
30 Meters (WARC)
10.100 – 10.150 MHz
WARC band. Secondary allocation; voice is strictly prohibited by FCC rule. Maximum power capped at 200 W PEP. Avoid interference to fixed services outside the U.S.
License Class Privileges:
Extra 10.100–10.150 MHz (CW & Data Only)
Advanced 10.100–10.150 MHz (CW & Data Only)
General 10.100–10.150 MHz (CW & Data Only)
Tech / Novice No Privileges
Sub-Band Segments:
10.100 – 10.150 MHz
CW / Data E A G CW & Data Only (200 W PEP maximum output)
40 m · HF
40 Meters
7.000 – 7.300 MHz
The 24-hour workhorse. NVIS regional coverage during the day, long-haul continental and intercontinental DX at night.
License Class Privileges:
Extra Full band: 7.000–7.125 MHz (CW/Data) & 7.125–7.300 MHz (Phone)
Advanced 7.025–7.125 MHz (CW/Data) & 7.125–7.300 MHz (Phone)
General 7.025–7.125 MHz (CW/Data) & 7.175–7.300 MHz (Phone)
Tech / Novice 7.025–7.125 MHz CW Only (200 W)
Sub-Band Segments:
7.000 – 7.025 MHz
CW / Data E Extra Exclusive CW, RTTY, Data
7.025 – 7.125 MHz
CW / Data E A G T* CW, RTTY, Data (Novice/Tech limited to CW only, 200 W; PSK31: 7.080 MHz)
7.125 – 7.175 MHz
Voice / Phone E A Advanced & Extra Voice (LSB)
7.175 – 7.300 MHz
Voice / Phone E A G General, Advanced, Extra Voice (SSTV: 7.171 MHz)
60 m · HF
60 Meters
5.3515 – 5.3665 MHz segment + 4 channels
Secondary allocation shared with federal and foreign fixed stations (§ 97.303(h)). Since 13 Feb 2026 the 5.3515–5.3665 MHz WRC-15 segment is available; the old 5.3585 MHz channel was eliminated.
License Class Privileges:
Extra Band segment and 4 channels (USB, CW, Data)
Advanced Band segment and 4 channels (USB, CW, Data)
General Band segment and 4 channels (USB, CW, Data)
Tech / Novice No Privileges
Sub-Band Segments:
5.3320 MHz (center)
Channelized E A G Channel centered on 5.332 MHz (100 W ERP; 2.8 kHz)
5.3480 MHz (center)
Channelized E A G Channel centered on 5.348 MHz (100 W ERP; 2.8 kHz)
5.3515 – 5.3665 MHz
Channelized E A G WRC-15 band segment (9.15 W ERP; 2.8 kHz max bandwidth)
5.3730 MHz (center)
Channelized E A G Channel centered on 5.373 MHz (100 W ERP; 2.8 kHz)
5.4050 MHz (center)
Channelized E A G Channel centered on 5.405 MHz (100 W ERP; 2.8 kHz)
80 / 75 m · HF
80 / 75 Meters
3.500 – 4.000 MHz
3.500–3.750 MHz is designated 80m (CW/Data); 3.750–4.000 MHz is designated 75m (Phone). Primary regional emergency net band.
License Class Privileges:
Extra Full band: 3.500–3.600 MHz (CW/Data) & 3.600–4.000 MHz (Phone)
Advanced 3.525–3.600 MHz (CW/Data) & 3.700–4.000 MHz (Phone/75m)
General 3.525–3.600 MHz (CW/Data) & 3.800–4.000 MHz (Phone/75m)
Tech / Novice 3.525–3.600 MHz CW Only (200 W)
Sub-Band Segments:
3.500 – 3.525 MHz
CW / Data E Extra Exclusive CW, RTTY, Data
3.525 – 3.600 MHz
CW / Data E A G T* CW/Data (Novice/Tech limited to CW only, 200 W; Auto Digital: 3.585–3.600)
3.600 – 3.700 MHz
Voice / Phone E Extra Exclusive Voice (LSB)
3.700 – 3.775 MHz
Voice / Phone E A Advanced & Extra Voice (LSB)
3.775 – 3.800 MHz
Voice / Phone E A DX Window (Unofficial international DX window)
3.800 – 4.000 MHz
Voice / Phone E A G General, Advanced, Extra Voice (75m Phone; SSTV: 3.845 MHz)
160 m · MF
160 Meters
1.800 – 2.000 MHz
The "Gentleman's Band". Low night-time atmospheric noise in winter creates prime conditions for challenging long-haul contacts.
License Class Privileges:
Extra Full band (1.800–2.000 MHz) all authorized modes
Advanced Full band (1.800–2.000 MHz) all authorized modes
General Full band (1.800–2.000 MHz) all authorized modes
Tech / Novice No Privileges
Sub-Band Segments:
1.800 – 1.830 MHz
Mixed / Satellite E A G CW and digital weak signal
1.830 – 1.850 MHz
Mixed / Satellite E A G Unofficial DX Window
1.850 – 2.000 MHz
Voice / Phone E A G Phone (LSB), CW, Data (Avoid interference to radiolocation 1.900–2.000)
630 m · MF
630 Meters
472.0 – 479.0 kHz
Must register station location with the Utilities Technology Council (UTC) online database prior to transmitting.
License Class Privileges:
Extra 472.0–479.0 kHz (CW, Data, RTTY)
Advanced 472.0–479.0 kHz (CW, Data, RTTY)
General 472.0–479.0 kHz (CW, Data, RTTY)
Tech / Novice No Privileges
Sub-Band Segments:
472.0 – 479.0 kHz
CW / Data E A G CW & Data (5 W EIRP max; UTC registration required)
2,200 m · LF
2,200 Meters
135.7 – 137.8 kHz
The lowest US amateur allocation. Extreme antenna engineering challenge; requires prior notification to the Utilities Technology Council (UTC).
License Class Privileges:
Extra 135.7–137.8 kHz (CW, Data)
Advanced 135.7–137.8 kHz (CW, Data)
General 135.7–137.8 kHz (CW, Data)
Tech / Novice No Privileges
Sub-Band Segments:
135.7 – 137.8 kHz
CW / Data E A G CW & Data (1 W EIRP max; UTC registration required)
60-meter allocations (§ 97.303(h) & § 97.313(i))
Since 13 February 2026, U.S. amateurs (General and above) may operate anywhere in the 5351.5–5366.5 kHz segment
at up to 9.15 W ERP, and on four channels centered on 5332, 5348, 5373, and 5405 kHz at up to 100 W ERP.
The old 5358.5 kHz channel is gone. Operation is secondary to fixed-service stations, and emissions may not occupy more than 2.8 kHz.
For phone, data, and RTTY on a channel, set the USB carrier 1.5 kHz below the center frequency; for CW, set the carrier on the center frequency.
| 5.3 MHz Channels & Band Segment |
| Channel | USB Dial / Range | Channel Center Frequency | Max Bandwidth | Max Power | Authorized Classes |
| Channel 1 | 5.3305 MHz | 5.3320 MHz | 2.8 kHz | 100 W ERP | General, Advanced, Extra |
| Channel 2 | 5.3465 MHz | 5.3480 MHz | 2.8 kHz | 100 W ERP | General, Advanced, Extra |
| Band segment | 5.3515 – 5.3665 MHz | Any, with emissions inside the segment | 2.8 kHz | 9.15 W ERP | General, Advanced, Extra — added 13 Feb 2026 |
| Channel 3 | 5.3715 MHz | 5.3730 MHz | 2.8 kHz | 100 W ERP | General, Advanced, Extra |
| Channel 4 | 5.4035 MHz | 5.4050 MHz | 2.8 kHz | 100 W ERP | General, Advanced, Extra |
Common Q-signals for voice and CW
Standard operating shorthand from Page 2 of the official Icom Band Plan and the ARRL Operating Manual.
Originally created for Morse code, these 3-letter abbreviations are universally used across phone, CW, and digital modes.
QTH
What is your location? / My location is...
"My QTH is Phoenix, Arizona (Grid DM33)."
QRZ
Who is calling me?
"QRZ from KM7HQX?"
QRL
Is this frequency in use? / The frequency is busy
"Always ask 'Is the frequency in use?' or send QRL? before transmitting."
QSO
A two-way radio contact or conversation
"Thanks for the pleasant 20-meter QSO, 73!"
QSY
Change frequency / Shall I change frequency?
"Let's QSY up to 146.550 MHz."
QSL
Acknowledge receipt / Confirm contact (QSL card or log)
"QSL on your 59 report; confirmed on LoTW."
QRM
Man-made interference on the frequency (splatter, nearby stations)
"Having trouble copying through heavy adjacent-channel QRM."
QRN
Natural atmospheric noise, static, or thunderstorm crashes
"Lots of summer lightning QRN on 80 meters tonight."
QRP
Low power transmission (usually ≤ 5 W CW/digital, ≤ 10 W SSB)
"Operating QRP with an Elecraft KX2 from a mountain summit today."
QRO
High power operation (running an amplifier)
"Switching on the linear amplifier to run QRO into Europe."
QRT
Stop sending / Closing station / Powering down
"Shutting down the rig and going QRT for dinner."
QRX
Wait / Stand by for [time]
"QRX 2 minutes while I swap antenna ports."
QSB
Signal fading (ionospheric flutter or propagation fade)
"You have deep QSB on your signal; you faded into the noise floor."
QSK
Full break-in telegraphy (hearing between Morse dots/dashes)
"Running full QSK on CW so you can break in instantly."
QST
General call preceding a message to all radio amateurs
"QST QST QST, ARRL special bulletin follows."
RST signal reporting & Maidenhead grid locators
Standard operating conventions from Page 2 of the official Icom Band Plan Map: the universal RST signal evaluation scale and global grid locators.
RST Signal Report System
Readability · Strength · Tone
A 2-digit report (RS) is used on voice (e.g. “59”); a 3-digit report (RST) is used on CW and telegraphy (e.g. 599, abbreviated 5NN).
Readability (1–5)
- 1: Unreadable
- 2: Barely readable
- 3: Readable with difficulty
- 4: Practically no difficulty
- 5: Perfectly readable
Signal Strength (1–9)
- S1–S3: Faint to weak signals
- S4–S5: Fair to fairly good
- S6–S7: Good to moderately strong
- S8: Strong signal
- S9: Extremely strong (+dB over S9)
Tone (1–9): Evaluates CW audio purity from 1 (harsh AC) to 9 (purest DC crystal note). See Operating Tips for full tables and QSO examples.
Maidenhead Grid Locators
Geographic Coordinate Grid
Divides the world into standardized grid squares for VHF/UHF weak signal, satellite passes, digital modes (FT8), and ARRL VUCC awards.
Structure: Field + Square + Subsquare
DM33vv (Phoenix / Salt River Valley)
Field: 2 letters (20° × 10°) • Square: 2 digits (2° × 1°) • Subsquare: 2 letters (5' × 2.5').
Major U.S. Grid Fields: CN / CM:
Pacific Northwest & California Coast
DM / DL:
Southwest (AZ, NM, UT, NV, SoCal)
DN:
Northern Intermountain & High Plains
EM / EL:
Central/Southern Plains & Gulf Coast
EN:
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
FM / FL:
Mid-Atlantic & Southeast Coast
FN:
Northeast & New England
Authoritative references & publications
Primary regulatory, educational, and coordinating resources for U.S. amateur spectrum: