Level 1 · Lesson 1.3

Bands and the radio spectrum

Jimmy Bob, a friendly cartoon mountain man in a trucker cap and overalls

“Bands are like the roads in the county. Each one goes somewhere different.”

You'll be able to

name HF, VHF, and UHF, and identify 4 common ham bands.

The spectrum is divided into ranges. runs 3-30 MHz and can travel around the world. runs 30-300 MHz and runs 300-3,000 MHz, and both mostly travel line of sight. Hams name by approximate wavelength: (144-148 MHz) and (420-450 MHz) are the most popular local bands, while 20 meters (14.000-14.350 MHz) and 40 meters (7.000-7.300 MHz) are favorites for long distance.

Tap an underlined word for its meaning.

Try it

Band spectrum chart

HF 3-30 MHzVHF 30-300 MHzUHF 300-3,000 MHz

Tap a band to light it up and hear it.

Quick check

Get 2 of 3 right to complete the lesson.

1. HF covers which range?
2. The 2 meter band runs…
3. VHF and UHF signals mostly travel…

Words from this lesson

Spectrum