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The VHF (Very High Frequency, 30–300 MHz) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency, 300 MHz–3 GHz) bands are the starting point for most new amateur radio operators. A handheld radio costing well under $100 can get you on the air through local repeaters, and VHF/UHF operating forms the backbone of everyday amateur communication in communities around the world.
Known as the "Magic Band" because of its unpredictable but sometimes spectacular propagation. Normally a line-of-sight band, 6 metres can suddenly open up for long-distance communication via sporadic-E, tropospheric ducting, or other propagation modes. When the band opens, DX contacts of thousands of kilometres are possible. Activity includes SSB, CW, FT8, and FM.
The most popular amateur VHF band worldwide. The 2-metre band is home to a vast network of repeaters, local simplex activity, SSB/CW weak-signal work, satellite communications, and digital modes. It is the band most commonly found on handheld radios. FM is the dominant mode for local communication, while SSB and CW are used for longer-distance weak-signal work.
Available primarily in ITU Region 2 (the Americas). Less popular than 2 metres or 70 centimetres, but it has a loyal following and some repeater activity in North America. Equipment is less widely available but can be found from several manufacturers.
The most popular UHF amateur band. It shares many of the same uses as 2 metres — repeaters, simplex, digital voice modes (DMR, D-STAR, System Fusion), and weak-signal work. The smaller antenna sizes at 70 cm make it practical for compact and portable installations. Dual-band (2 m / 70 cm) radios are very common.
Increasingly specialized territory. The 23 cm band supports ATV (amateur television), high-speed data links, and moonbounce (EME) experiments. Higher bands (13 cm, 9 cm, 6 cm, 3 cm, and beyond) are used by experimenters for microwave communication, often achieving remarkable distances under the right conditions.
Unlike HF, VHF and UHF signals generally travel in a straight line and are limited by the horizon. This means range is strongly influenced by antenna height, terrain, and obstructions. However, several propagation modes can extend range well beyond normal line-of-sight:
Repeaters — By far the most common way to extend VHF/UHF range. A repeater on a hilltop or tall structure receives signals on one frequency and retransmits them on another, covering a much wider area than direct simplex communication. See Repeaters.
Tropospheric ducting — Under certain atmospheric conditions (temperature inversions), VHF/UHF signals can become trapped in a duct and travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. This is most common over water and during warm, stable weather conditions.
Sporadic-E — Patches of intense ionization in the E layer of the ionosphere can reflect VHF signals (mainly on 6 metres, occasionally on 2 metres) over long distances. Sporadic-E events are unpredictable and exciting when they occur.
Meteor scatter — Ionized trails left by meteors entering the atmosphere can briefly reflect VHF signals. This technique is used for making quick contacts (often using digital modes like MSK144) during meteor showers and even during random meteor activity.
Moonbounce (EME) — Signals are bounced off the surface of the Moon and back to Earth. This requires high power and/or large antennas but can provide worldwide contacts on VHF and UHF. See EME / Moonbounce.
Aircraft scatter and rain scatter — At UHF and microwave frequencies, signals can be reflected off aircraft or rain cells, providing temporary propagation paths.
The most common entry point is a handheld transceiver (HT) covering 2 metres and 70 centimetres. These radios are compact, affordable, and can access local repeaters immediately. For better performance, consider:
For SSB and weak-signal work on VHF/UHF, a multimode transceiver or all-mode radio is needed. Some HF transceivers include 6 metres and/or 2 metres.
Antenna selection makes a big difference on VHF/UHF:
Repeater communication — Joining conversations on local repeaters, participating in nets, and staying in touch with the local amateur community. See Repeaters.
Simplex communication — Direct radio-to-radio contacts without a repeater. The national simplex calling frequencies (e.g., 146.520 MHz in North America, 145.500 MHz in Europe) are the starting point for finding simplex contacts. See Simplex.
Digital voice — DMR, D-STAR, and System Fusion networks use VHF/UHF repeaters linked via the internet to provide wide-area digital voice communication.
Weak-signal work — SSB and CW on VHF/UHF, typically in the lower portions of the 2-metre and 70 cm bands. Operators use horizontal polarization and directional antennas to work stations hundreds of kilometres away.
Satellite — Many amateur satellites use the 2-metre and 70 cm bands. Some contacts can be made with just a handheld radio and a directional antenna.
APRS — The Automatic Packet Reporting System operates primarily on 2 metres (144.390 MHz in North America, 144.800 MHz in Europe) and provides real-time position reporting and messaging.
Contests and awards — VHF/UHF contests encourage operators to make as many contacts as possible, often using SSB and CW on bands from 6 metres through microwave. Grid squares (Maidenhead locator system) are commonly exchanged during VHF contests.
Most local VHF/UHF communication uses FM (frequency modulation). A few practices specific to FM: