Ten metres (28MHz)
The 28MHz (10m) band is
located at the higher end of the HF spectrum and spans from 28-29.7MHz.
Because of this, during the
period of sunspot minimum the band can be very quiet. Generally this is due
to lack of use rather than poor conditions. During sunspot maximum and
periods of high sunspot activity however, the band becomes wide open to
world wide DX.
During the summer months F2
layer propagation and short skip Sporadic-E can bring unexpected contacts
into the USA and Europe even during periods of low sunspot activity. Local
communications of several hundred miles is possible on FM during
tropospheric openings. If you are an early riser these 'tropo' openings are often at their best around sunrise.
FM operation is centred around
29.6MHz which is used as the calling frequency. It is ideal for local
mobile communications with ranges of up to 30 miles possible. Being so close in
proximity to the CB frequencies however, it can on occasion be open to
abuse by non-licensees at the lower end of the allocation, again due to lack
of use. Whilst on the subject of CB, many amateurs have actually converted
CB equipment to ten metre use
Foundation licensees have recently been
allowed access to ten metres under the terms of the new lifetime license.
Hopefully the band will start to become more frequently used for local
communications.
There are numerous 10m FM
repeaters around the world. These use a -100kHz shift and input frequencies
start around 29.5MHz. More information on 28MHz beacons can be found
here
For further information visit the
Ten-Ten International
website...
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