122, 134 and 248 GHz

The three highest frequency bands in the UK amateur license are 122, 134 and 248GHz.

  • 122 GHz is a  secondary allocation and suffers from high Oxygen attenuation (similar to 60GHz)
  • 134 GHz is a Primary band that is the preferred operating band for new portables
  • 248 GHz can earn large multipliers in IARU contests, but is more difficult to obtain equipment for

 

Chris_G0FDZ_122-134-241GHz

At 134GHz,  harmonised narrowband activity centre is nominally at 134.928GHz, but in practice 134 and 241GHz operation is dependent on convenient multiples from synthesised/multiplier local oscillators which are chosen for best frequency stability and low phase noise etc. The telescopic site in the photo is an essential accessory as narrow beamwidths make alignment/pointing accuracy a challenge.

Higher Frequencies  

In the UK, the standard amateur licence does not permit operation on higher bands. However for Full Licensees, access is permitted to a series of bands within the 275 GHz – 3 THz range if you apply for and hold by an appropiate NoV. More information about this is on our Terahertz page , including a link to an online NoV application.

At even higher frequencies,   Free-space Lightwave activity is permitted as that occurs above the frequency limits in the ITU Radio regulations.