Operating: split frequencies, 5 MHz and 472 kHz, ITU regions and CEPT
Why stations work split, testing for interference, the 5 MHz and 472 kHz band plans, band plans abroad, the three ITU regions, and operating overseas under CEPT and HAREC.
Key points
Summary
| Topic | Remember |
|---|---|
| Split | Keeps the DX frequency clear |
| 5 MHz | 11 channels, USB, Full only, 200 W EIRP max |
| 472 kHz | 5 W EIRP, CW and narrow digital |
| ITU regions | 1 EMEA · 2 Americas · 3 Asia-Pacific |
| CEPT | T/R 61-01 visits with host prefix; T/R 61-02 HAREC |
Quick check
Why does a DX station work split?
- To keep its own frequency clear
- To use less power
- To confuse other stations
- Because the licence requires it
Which licence may use the 5 MHz channels?
- Any UK licence
- Full only
- Intermediate and Full
- Foundation only
What is the power limit on 472 kHz?
- 400 W PEP
- 100 W PEP
- 5 W EIRP
- 1 W ERP
On air
- Listen to a DX pile-up and work out where the station is listening.
- Find the 5 MHz channel list and program it into your rig.
- Check whether a country you'll visit applies CEPT T/R 61-01, and its band plan.
Video transcript
The Full licence opens the whole world. In this lesson: working split, the five megahertz and four hundred and seventy two kilohertz bands, band plans in other regions, and operating abroad under C E P T and Harec.
Rare stations with big pile ups often work split: they transmit on one frequency and listen on another, usually a few kilohertz higher. That keeps their own frequency clear, so everyone can hear them and the pile up doesn't bury them. Listen for their instructions, and set your transmitter on the listening frequency. And, as at every level, carry out tests from time to time to make sure your station isn't causing undue interference.
The five megahertz band isn't one band but eleven channels, from five thousand two hundred and fifty eight point five to five thousand four hundred and six point five kilohertz, for Full licensees only. Upper sideband is used for S S B. Five thousand two hundred and sixty two kilohertz is the C W low power centre of activity. Five thousand three hundred and seventeen kilohertz allows A M up to six kilohertz wide. The four hundred and seventy two kilohertz band runs to four hundred and seventy nine kilohertz, for C W and narrow band digital modes, with C W only in the lowest three kilohertz, at five watts E I R P. Both are secondary, on a non interference basis.
Band plans in other countries and other I A R U regions may not line up with the U K plan, so check before operating abroad or calling across regions. The world is divided into three I T U regions. Region one covers Europe, Africa, the Middle East and northern Asia. Region two is the Americas. Region three covers the rest of Asia and the Pacific, including Australia. The frequency allocations for each are set in the I T U Radio Regulations.
A Full licensee can operate temporarily in countries that apply the C E P T recommendation T R sixty one oh one, without a separate licence. You add the host country's prefix, so M zero A B C in France becomes F stroke M zero A B C, and you follow the host country's rules. This doesn't extend to club or reciprocal licences. The second recommendation, T R sixty one oh two, created the harmonised amateur radio examination certificate, Harec. Many countries will grant a licence to a U K Full licensee holding a Harec, for longer stays, and you then operate under their rules.
This is one of 25 lessons in the Full course
The full course adds drills, flashcards, a revision sheet for every lesson and 5 full mock exams.