HF bands
The HF bands are by far the most popular bands in the amateur service. Local contacts and world-wide propagation are all possible at almost anytime with careful selection of the right frequency for the time of day, time of year, and current state of the sunspot cycle. For specific characteristics of each band, click on the links below.
The 3.5, 7, 14, 21 and 28MHz bands are the bands where contests can be found. The 10, 18 and 24MHz bands, also known as the WARC bands, are kept free of contest activity by international agreement, which now also includes the 5MHz band.
The DX Code of Conduct
The RSGB strongly supports the DX Code of Conduct, full details here. This voluntary code of conduct, supported by many national societies and DX clubs World Wide, aims to provide guidelines for working and operating DXpedition stations, which often attract large numbers of callers wishing to make a contact. A few simple rules need to be observed to maintain professional standards of operating on our bands.
All members are encouraged to review and follow the code when operating in pile-ups on the bands.