Amateur Radio Bands (UK)

As As this band lies below 3 MHz, it is classified as MF (Medium Frequency) rather than HF (High Frequency). 

Propagation is limited to local contacts during the day, but long distance contacts (DX) are possible at night, especially around sunrise and sunset 

Unlike the higher HF bands, long-distance propagation on 160 metres is often better near solar minimum, when lower solar activity results in reduced ionospheric (D-layer absorption) and lower noise levels. 

In the UK, amateur stations are limited to a maximum power of 32 W on frequencies above 1850 kHz, where the amateur service has secondary-user status. 

As this band lies within the HF (High Frequency) spectrum, it supports both local and long-distance communication.

Propagation is mainly limited to regional contacts during the day, but signals can travel much greater distances after sunset, making long distance contacts possible.

Atmospheric noise levels are generally higher than on the higher HF bands, particularly during the summer months. The best long-distance propagation is often experienced during winter evenings and overnight periods.

The maximum permitted power on 80 m is 400 W, subject to the licence conditions applicable to the operator.

The 60-metre band occupies a unique position between the 80-metre and 40-metre bands and is considered unique for several reasons:

• It fills the gap between 80 m and 40 m:
  During the day, 80 m may support only relatively short-range contacts, while 40 m may skip over nearby stations. The 60 m band often provides reliable communication over intermediate distances (roughly 200–800 km), making it valuable for for regional and inter-UK contacts.

• It is well suited to NVIS operation:
  Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) propagation works particularly well on 60 m during much of the day. Signals radiated at high angles are returned almost vertically by the ionosphere, providing dependable coverage over a few hundred kilometres with few skip-zone problems.

• It was allocated for practical communication rather than tradition:
  Most amateur bands originated from historical allocations. The 60 m band was introduced much later, largely because military and emergency-communications organisations found frequencies around 5 MHz especially useful for reliable medium-range communication under a wide range of ionospheric conditions.

• It is often available when other bands are not:
  During periods of low solar activity, 60 m can remain open for regional communication when higher bands are closed. Conversely, during the day it may provide better coverage than 80 m when lower frequencies are suffering from D-layer absorption.

At night, propagation distances generally increase as ionospheric conditions change, allowing contacts over much of Europe and occasionally beyond. The band is less affected by daytime absorption than 80 metres, while providing more consistent near- to medium-range coverage than 40 metres.

Unlike the higher HF bands, propagation on 60 metres is relatively independent of the sunspot cycle, although solar activity can still influence signal strength and maximum usable frequencies.