Frequency plan of VHF bands for amateur radio stations in Russia. VHF and UHF bands

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Allowed VHF frequencies for radio amateurs their purpose

I often get questions from hams about frequency assignments on the VHF band. The fact is that the number of frequencies is limited and some of them are reserved for certain types of connections. Also, part of the frequencies are allocated for the needs of creating repeaters. For this reason, novice radio amateurs are afraid to take a specialized frequency and get hit on the ears. In order not to often answer these questions, I will give a table for the VHF band.

The band 144 to 146 MHz is allocated to the amateur radio service on a primary basis. Radio amateurs of the fourth category have the right to operate at these frequencies with a power of 5 W, the second and third at 10 W, and the first category at 50 W (for EME and MC communications of the first category it is allowed to use up to 500 W).

It turns out that for direct communication in frequency modulation, frequencies from 145.206 MHz to 145.594 MHz are allocated. Grid step 12.5 kHz. This table was compiled in accordance with the decision of the SCRF dated July 22, 2014 No. 10-07-01.

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Frequency plan for HF bands (frequencies below 30 MHz) IARU Region 1, brought into line with Russian legislation in the field of communications

Range 2200 meters:

Range 160 meters:

Range 80 meters:

Range 40 meters:

Range 30 meters:

SSB transmissions are permitted to radio stations directly involved in life-saving traffic.

The radio frequency band 10120 - 10140 kHz can be used for SSB transmissions in Africa south of the equator during daylight hours. The transmission of bulletins by any kind of modulation is prohibited.

Range 20 meters:

Range 17 meters:

Range 15 meters:

Range 12 meters:

Range 10 meters:

Permissible powers

Note:

• on the 2200 m range, all categories, except for the fourth, are allowed an effective isotropically radiated power of 1 W,
• on the 160 m band, all categories, with the exception of the fourth, are allowed an average power of 10 W, and for categories 1 and 2 during the period of participation in official radio sports competitions - 500 W.

+ Symbols

All modes: CW, SSB and modes for which activity centers are indicated, as well as AM. (When using AM, care must be taken not to interfere with stations in the adjacent channel)

Image transmission: Any method of image transmission - analog or digital - in which the signal has the appropriate bandwidth. For example, SSTV or FAX.

Narrowband modes: All modes having a signal bandwidth not exceeding 500 Hz. For example, CW, RTTY, PSK, etc.

Digital modes: Any digital modes that have an appropriate signal bandwidth. For example, RTTY, PSK, MT63, etc.

+ Notes

The frequencies in the plan are understood as signal frequencies and not as suppressed carrier frequencies. The entire signal band must fit within the allocated radio frequency band.

To prevent transmissions outside the allocated bands, the maximum frequency value on the Suppressed Carrier Tuning Indicator for USB (voice) mode should be 3 kHz below the top of the band on the 20 m to 10 m bands.

(*) minimum value frequency on the tuning indicator showing the suppressed carrier frequency for LSB (voice) mode: 1843, 3603 and 7053 kHz

Morse code (CW) QSOs are allowed in all radio frequency bands except for the bands reserved exclusively for radio beacons.(IARU Recommendation DV05_C4_Rec_13)

Amplitude modulation (AM) can be used in telephone sections (LSB, USB) provided it does not interfere with stations on adjacent channels.(NRRL Davos 05).

+ Use of sidebands

H Below 10 MHz, the lower band (LSB) is used; above 10 MHz, the upper band (USB).

+ Competitions

If the competition does not involve DX traffic, competitions must not be held in the bands 3500-3510 kHz and 3775-3800 kHz.

During major international competitions, non-participating radio amateurs are encouraged to use the WARC HF bands (30, 17 and 12m) .(DV05_C4_Rec_07)

Competitions must be limited to the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m ranges. Ranges60, 30, 17 and 12 meters must not be used for competition.(VIE16_C4_Rec_06)

+ Remote control of amateur radio stations - clarified by IARU

National amateur radio organizations are encouraged to make their members aware that CEPT recommendation T/R 61-01 applies to radio operators using their amateur radio call sign with the appropriate host country prefix only when the radio operator is physically located in the country. stay. The above recommendation does not apply to remote control radio station. (Recommendation of the IARU Sun City Conference SC11_C4_REC_07)

Remote control is when a radio operator controls his amateur radio through a terminal that is not physically connected to the radio.

For remote control, the following conditions must be met:

Remote control must be authorized by the Communications Administration of the country in which the radio station is located, or the Communications Administration must not object to the remote control of the radio station*.

1. Regardless of the location of the operator, the call sign of a radio station controlled remotely must be issued by the Communications Administration of the country in whose territory the radio station is located.

2. It should be noted that IARU Sun City Conference Recommendation SC11_C4_07 calls on national amateur radio organizations to inform their members that CEPT T/R 61-01 applies to radio operators using their amateur radio station's callsign with the appropriate country prefix stay, only if the radio operator is physically located in the territory of the host country. The above recommendation does not apply to remote work.

3. Any additional requirements regarding the participation of remotely operated amateur radio stations in competitions and award programs are subject to regulation by the organizers of these competitions and award programs. (Recommendation of the IARU Conference in Varna VA14_C4_REC_04)

* In a number of countries, including Russian Federation(see 126-FZ "On Communications"), there is a permissive principle of access to the radio frequency spectrum. In such countries, the absence of objections from the Communications Administration is not enough; its permission is required to use an amateur radio station in remote control mode. The conditions for using an amateur radio station in remote control mode on the territory of the Russian Federation are defined by par. 2 p. 3.1. Rules for the use of radio frequencies

+ Radio frequencies dedicated to amateur repeaters and radio beacons

Radio frequency bands of amateur repeaters: 29515-29595 kHz (reception), 29615-29700 kHz (transmission) with a frequency separation of reception and transmission of 100 kHz; 145-145.1875 MHz (reception), 145.6-145.7875 MHz (transmission), with a frequency separation of reception and transmission equal to 600 kHz; and on a secondary basis: 433.025-433.375 MHz (receive), 434.625-434.975 MHz (transmit), with a receive and transmit frequency spacing of 1600 kHz, 1291-1291.475 MHz (receive), 1297-1297.475 MHz (transmit) with a frequency spacing of reception and transmission equal to 6000 kHz.

The maximum peak power of the repeater transmitter envelope should not exceed 100 W, emission class - F1D, F3E, D2D, D2W, D1D, D1E, D1W.

Amateur beacon radio frequency bands: 14099-14101 kHz, 21149-21151 kHz, 28199-28201 kHz, 144.4-144.49 MHz and on a secondary basis: 18109-18111 kHz, 24929-24931 kHz, 432.4-432.49 MHz, 1296.8-1296.994 MHz.

The maximum peak power of the beacon transmitter envelope should not exceed 100 W, emission class - A1A, J2A, A1B, J2B, A1D, J2D, D1W, D2W.

The frequencies of amateur repeaters and radio beacons are assigned by the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "GRChTs".

+ How to use the tables Decisions of the SCRF

Introduction

In the Russian Federation, the function of the regulator of distribution and use of the radio frequency spectrum is performed by the State Commission on Radio Frequencies (SCRF). The SCRF is an interdepartmental body, in which representatives of interested ministries and departments, both law enforcement agencies and civilians, take part. The commission is traditionally chaired by the Minister of Telecom and Mass Communications of Russia. The SCRF regulates, among other things, the procedure for using radio frequency bands allocated to amateur and amateur satellite services, defining the boundaries of amateur bands, permitted powers and types of radiation, as well as presenting technical requirements for amateur radio stations.

In accordance with paragraph 4. of Article 22 of the Federal Law of 07.07.2003 No. 126-FZ “On Communications” (hereinafter referred to as the Law on Communications), the use of the radio frequency spectrum in the Russian Federation is carried out in accordance with the principle of a permissive procedure for users to access the radio frequency spectrum. This means that the use of the radio frequency spectrum by amateur radio stations, which is not provided for by regulatory enactments in the field of communications, is prohibited.

Responsibility for violation of the rules for the use of radio frequencies is provided for in Article 13.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and provides for a fine with possible confiscation of radio electronic equipment. In addition to this measure, it is possible to cancel the call sign of the offender's amateur radio station.

Radio frequency regulation

The original international instrument is the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU RR). Article 5 of the Regulations contains a table of radio frequency allocations for radio services for each of the three ITU regions. The frequency bands allocated to the amateur service are also indicated in this table. The Regulations are regularly reviewed at World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs). Conferences are held once every three years, and the next WRC will be held in 2019. The interests of the amateur community during the preparation and conduct of the WRC are represented by international union radio amateurs (IARU), which is an associate member of the ITU. In turn, CPP, being a member of IARU, also participates in the preparation for the WRC. One of milestones preparation for the WRC is the coordination of the positions of the CRR and the Communications Administration of Russia on WRC issues affecting the interests of the amateur service.

The national (domestic) analogue of the ITU RR radio frequency allocation table is the Table of allocation of radio frequency bands between the radio services of the Russian Federation (TRFC), approved by the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation. Any allocation of frequency bands for their use by RES of the amateur service in the Russian Federation is made on the basis of the corresponding entry in this table.

If one or another radio frequency band is allocated to the amateur service, then the procedure for its use is determined by the relevant decision of the SCRF.

It should be noted that neither the ITU RR table of frequency allocations nor the TRFC specifies the conditions for the use of frequency bands in detail. For example, there are no radio frequency bands allocated by types of radiation, frequency bands for intercontinental DX communications, radio expeditions, and also for use for other purposes that are of interest exclusively to radio amateurs. At the international level, all these issues are regulated by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). Each ITU Region has an IARU Regional Organization. In the first Region, which includes the countries of Europe, Africa, the former Soviet Union, there is a regional organization of the first Region (IARU-R1), which publishes a frequency plan - a detailed table of radio frequency allocations. The frequency plan is adjusted once every three years at the IARU-R1 General Conference. The next conference will take place in 2017 in Germany. IARU-R1 recommends that all its members - national amateur radio organizations - when developing national regulations governing the use of radio frequencies allocated to the amateur service, be guided, if possible, by the IARU-R1 frequency plan, and in the part not regulated by national regulations, recommend that radio amateurs use the recommendations IARU-R1.

Why the radio frequency table in the SCRF Decision is not a reference

Since 2015, the radio frequency tables contained in the SCRF Decision contain only information on the basis for the use of a particular radio frequency band (primary or secondary), on the maximum allowable signal bandwidth, as well as on the maximum powers by category. No other requirements for the use of amateur radio stations are made by the SCRF Decision. For most radio frequency bands, the "Modulation Types" column says "All Types".

Is this how it should be understood that it is possible to work with all types of radio communications that do not exceed the required signal bandwidth? Not at all. This only means that government agencies do not care how this radio frequency band will be used by radio amateurs, as long as amateur radio stations using it do not exceed the power and bandwidth of the emitted signal indicated in the table. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a fine. in accordance with Article 13.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO). In more detail about the procedure for using radio frequencies, radio amateurs agree with each other themselves.

In the radio frequency table contained in the SCRF Decision, for example, radio frequency bands for working with DX cannot be indicated. If they were specified, then the supervisory authorities would have to fine radio amateurs for conducting intracontinental radio communications on these frequencies. This is unacceptable for government agencies. Yes, and for radio amateurs - too.

Therefore, the requirements for the use of radio frequency bands by government agencies have the minimum necessary restrictions. All other regulation is carried out at the level of IARU and national amateur radio organizations. Non-compliance with IARU recommendations is subject to public censure.

IARU-R1 frequency plan

The IARU-R1 frequency plan assumes “soft” regulation, which ensures the effective use of the radio frequency bands allocated to the amateur service in different conditions with different “loading” of the bands by stations with one or another type of radiation: when holding mass events (competitions, “days of activity”), changing radio wave propagation conditions, etc.

The IARU-R1 frequency plan assumes a grouping of modulation types according to the maximum bandwidth of the radio signal and the allocation of a specific frequency band for each group. The following values ​​are used as standard values ​​for the bandwidth of the signal spectrum in the HF band: 200 Hz, 500 Hz, 2700 Hz and 6000 Hz. The current radio frequency table in the SCRF Decision fully complies with this principle.

Our website contains tables of radio frequency bands allocated to radio amateurs and recommendations for their use. These recommendations are in line with the current IARU-R1 frequency plan and also take into account the requirements of a number of regulations governing the activities of the amateur service in the Russian Federation.

So, for example, in the radio frequency band 14125 - 14300 kHz, amateur radio stations are allowed to operate on a primary basis by radio communication modes with a frequency band not exceeding 2700 Hz, namely: telegraphy, OBP, AM, image transmission (SSTV). There are no separate frequency bands allocated to AM, but the note to the table states that AM can be used in the bands allocated by the SSB, provided that it does not interfere with users of adjacent radio frequency bands, and the use of amplitude modulation must be limited.

From the table it follows that amateur radio stations of low power should be grouped around the frequency 14285 kHz, and operators of high power stations should be especially careful near this frequency. Amateur radio stations using digital voice (DV) are encouraged to group around 14130 kHz, stations using SSTV around 14230 kHz.

In this case, it is theoretically possible to give a general call to SSTV at a frequency of 14195 kHz, which is traditionally used to work with large DXpeditions. The violator will not have any responsibility to the state authorities, but this will be a manifestation of extreme disrespect for the radio amateur community. The sanction to the violator in this case will be the condemnation of his actions by the amateur radio community.

It is necessary to understand the difference between the center of activity and the calling frequency. If the radio amateur is sure that no radio station works with this type of radiation, then it is recommended to take the frequency indicated in the table as the center of activity for a general call. At the same time, the calling frequency must remain free: after a call and an answer to it, a pair of radio stations must either end radio communication or continue it on another frequency. The use of calling frequencies is regulated by the Order of the Ministry of Communications of July 26, 2012 No. 184.

Let's take another example. Figure 2 is a fragment of the 7 MHz band table.

It follows from the table that in the frequency band 7050-7060 kHz you can use OBP, and even AM. After all, there is an entry “all types”, and we already know what it means. However, the use of the SSB in bands predominantly dedicated to digital communications can be quite limited. Everyone is well aware that many stations using digital modes of communication, allowing you to work at levels below the noise level, cannot be detected by ear. They can only be seen on a computer monitor using a special computer program. Of course, a short telephone radio link with a distant station in this section cannot be considered a violation of the recommendations of IARU-R1, but holding "round tables" and "skeds" in these frequency bands, transferring a general call in the case when the frequencies in the upper part of the range, intended specifically for the OBP, are free, is an absolutely unacceptable practice. There are other frequency bands for this purpose.

Note 2 for the 7 MHz band reminds you that the frequency bands given in the table must contain the entire spectrum of frequencies emitted by the radio station. For single sideband modulation with the lower sideband adopted for operation in the 7 MHz band, the minimum reading of the transceiver scale indicating the frequency of the suppressed carrier should be 7053 kHz. In this case, the lower limit of the frequency spectrum will be exactly 7050 kHz.

The frequency plan was drawn up on the basis of the decision of the State Committee for Radio Frequencies of July 15, 2010 No. 10-07-01 “On the allocation of radio frequency bands for radio-electronic facilities of the amateur and amateur satellite services” as amended by the decision of October 16, 2015 No. 15-35 on amending decision of the SCRF dated July 15, 2010 No. 10-07-01 "On the allocation of radio frequency bands for radio electronic equipment of the amateur and amateur satellite services" (as amended by the decisions of the SCRF dated 10.03.2011 No. 11-11-03, dated 07.22.2014 No. 14-26-04) taking into account the results of the meeting of the SCRF dated July 4, 2017 (

Effective isotropic radiated power of about 100 W, distribution of modulation types in accordance with IARU-R1 recommendations. Work plan:

2. Allocation of RES of the amateur service in the Russian Federation of the radio frequency band5351.5-5366.5 kHz.

Rationale: the agreed position of the national amateur radio organizations - members of the IARU on the need to allocate the frequency band between 3.5 MHz and 7 MHz to the amateur service for the transmission of messages in emergency situations during the years of minimum solar activity, as well as in connection with the changes introduced by WRC-2015 (Geneva) in ITU RR, which entered into force on 01.01.2017.

Planned terms of use: effective isotropic radiated power - no more than 15 W, type of modulation - telegraph only, mass events, with the exception of training amateur radio stations for transmitting messages in conditions close to an emergency, are prohibited. RICH is not required. Work plan:

3. Allocation of the RES of the amateur service in the Russian Federation of the radio frequency band 50000.0-54000.0 kHz (or part thereof) on a secondary basis.

Rationale: Currently, the radio frequency band 50000.0-54000.0 kHz is not allocated to the amateur service in Region 1. Amateur radio stations in Europe use the radio frequency band 50000.0-52000.0 kHz based on a private European table of allocation and use of radio frequencies in the band 8.3 kHz - 3000 GHz (ECA TABLE). It is necessary to initiate amendments to all normative acts regulating the use of radio frequencies - from the ITU RR to the SCRF Decision.

Planned terms of use: effective isotropic radiated power of about 100 W, distribution of modulation types in accordance with IARU-R1 recommendations. Use on a secondary basis, subject to obtaining an expert opinion on electromagnetic compatibility with existing and planned RES, permission to use radio frequencies and radio frequency channels and a certificate of registration of RES.

Work plan:

4. Coordination with the Communications Administration of the removal of restrictions on the operation of radio beacons in time. (2016)

Done: Order of the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications of Russia "On Amendments to the Requirements for the Use of the Radio Frequency Spectrum by the Amateur Service and the Amateur Satellite Service in the Russian Federation, approved by Order of the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation No. 184 dated July 26, 2012" dated November 17, 2016 No. 572

5. Coordination with the Communications Administration of the conditions for recognizing belonging to the amateur service of RES networks and the allocation of radio frequency bands to them.

6. Participation of a representative of the CRR in working group SEPT Spectrum Management

The development of wireless communications in recent decades has led to a significant change in the available ordinary users frequencies. In radio stations that are used for civil communications, frequency division into sub-bands is widely used, which is not included in the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) standards. The most commonly used subbands are CB, LPD, PMR, dPMR, as well as VHF, UHF. According to ITU standards, VHF and UHF refer to the meter and decimeter radio wave bands. A small part of their radio frequency resource is used as dedicated sub-bands of the same name, and also has other names in sections intended for civilians.

Key features of the VHF and UHF bands

The VHF (very high frequency) range includes meter radio waves (from 10 to 1 meter) with frequencies from 30 to 300 MHz; it is used for television and radio broadcasting, radio communications and radar. Radio communication on these waves, as a rule, is possible at a distance of up to several tens of kilometers. At high level solar activity or artificial impact that causes increased ionization, in the short-wave part of this range, radio waves are reflected from the ionosphere or other areas with increased ionization, which makes it possible to carry out long-range communication over a distance of up to two thousand kilometers. For the civilian VHF subband, radio stations with frequencies of 136-174 MHz are produced. Models different manufacturers have their own subband boundaries and adjustable grid spacing of 6.25, 12.5, 20 and 25 kHz. They are well suited for providing communication in the city and in open areas in line-of-sight conditions.

The UHF (ultra high frequency) range includes decimeter waves (0.1-1 meter) with frequencies of 300-3000 MHz. It is used for television, Wi-Fi, mobile, radio relay and tropospheric communications, radar and other purposes. The communication range under normal conditions in line-of-sight conditions between the antennas of radio stations is several kilometers. For the civil UHF sub-band, radio stations are produced with frequencies of 403-520 MHz with adjustable grid spacing of 6.25, 12.5, 20 and 25 kHz. It is well suited for communication short distances in urban environments.

The CB subband (Citizen`s Band) refers to short waves ( HF) and is used for voice radio communication with frequency or amplitude modulation by transmitters up to 10 W for personal and commercial purposes. In this range, communication is possible over distances up to 30-40 km with a direct wave in the city and on rough terrain. The range contains a large amount of interference in urban environments. It has the following features:

• international frequency range from 25.165 to 30.105 MHz, divided into grids of 40 channels with different average channel frequencies, denoted by Latin letters A-L;
• in the Russian Federation, Ukraine and most CIS countries, grids C and D are allowed (in radio stations of different manufacturers, their own letters for grids can be used) with a frequency range of 26.965-27.405 and 27.415-27.855 MHz, respectively;
• channel 9 on grid C at 27.065 MHz is reserved for emergency services;
• channel 19 at 27.185 MHz is the center frequency of the CB band and is used as international channel disasters;
• channel 14 at 27.125 MHz is commonly used on Walkie-Talkies;
• frequency 27.145 MHz (between channels 15 and 16) is often used in radio-controlled computer mice and toys.

The LPD (Low Power Device) sub-band does not require licensing, is intended for short-range voice radio communications (up to several tens of meters) with a transmitter power of up to 0.01 W with a built-in whip antenna. Includes frequencies from 433.075 to 434.75 MHz divided into 69 channels in 25 kHz steps (8 channel models also available). The use of single-channel voice communication with analog frequency modulation is allowed (signal 16K0F3E). Often used by security services for shops, restaurants and other commercial facilities. In addition, the frequencies of this range are used to provide radio remote control and car alarms.

The PMR (Personal/Private mobile radio) sub-band is intended for organizing simplex voice radio communication in line-of-sight conditions without obtaining a license. Includes frequencies from 446.00625 to 446.09375 MHz divided into 8 channels in 12.5 kHz steps. A digital frequency modulated signal (12K5F3E) with time division multiple access (TDMA) is used.

The dPMR (digital private mobile radio) sub-band is intended for private use, does not require licensing, it includes frequencies from 446 to 446.2 MHz in 6.25 kHz steps. Used to transmit data at a speed of 4800 bits per second using noise-immune four-level frequency shift keying FSK for a distance of up to one and a half kilometers. Despite similar operating frequencies, PMR radios and dPMR are not compatible with each other due to differences in the signals used.

Similarities

The considered sections of the radio frequency resource when using low-power radio stations have a short range, as a rule, limited by line of sight. They have several dozen channels (except PMR) and in most cases are used for single-channel simplex voice radio communications.

Differences

Without registration, it is allowed to operate radio stations with integrated antennas with different power: in the CB range - 10 W, in LPD - 0.01 W, and in PMR, dPMR - up to 0.5 W. This significantly affects the range of radio communication and the dimensions of radio stations. Various lengths waves in radio stations cause differences associated with a decrease in the signal level with distance from the transmitter and the ability to go around obstacles. The higher the frequency, the less such a signal is able to go around obstacles and attenuates more with distance from the transmitting antenna. Due to this, there is less interference in such ranges.

The reason for the division of the frequency resource into ranges

The division into different radio frequency bands is used in order to streamline the use of frequencies between different categories of users, as well as to avoid mutual interference.

Procedure for licensing frequencies when using radio transmitting devices

Individuals and legal entities, subject to the established restrictions on power, frequencies and modulation used, are not required to issue permits for the purchase and operation of radio stations when using the CB, LPD, PMR and dPMR bands. For VHF and UHF subbands, buy radio stations by physical and legal entities is possible without permission, but their use requires registration of the radio station with the supervisory authority and obtaining permission to use (lease) the frequency band in the territorial radio frequency center. Restricted amateur sections included in the VHF (144-146 MHz) and UHF (430-440 MHz) subbands are allowed to be used by individuals with an amateur radio license with signals and power corresponding to the class of the registered radio station.

Advantages and disadvantages

The ranges under consideration have their advantages and disadvantages associated with the peculiarities of radio wave propagation, interference conditions and the need to obtain permits. For long-distance radio communication outside the city, it is better to use CB stations. They are more susceptible to radio interference, but outside the city there are much fewer of them. The large wavelength of these stations allows reliable communication on rough terrain with relief bends up to 5 meters, as well as in the forest. In the city and at short distances, it is better to use LPD, PMR and dPMR stations, the bands of which are less loaded with interference. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the short communication range, due to the large attenuation of the signal in these ranges, as well as the inability of these waves to go around obstacles.

In connection with the use in the subranges PMR, dPMR digital signals, they are less susceptible to interference and provide a better signal than AM and FM transmitters. Due to the increased power range compared to LPD, PMR provides longer communication (1-1.5 km) with a limited number of channels (LPD - 69). VHF and UHF radios are universal, small in size, but their use is associated with the execution of many documents and the payment of various permits.

Technological differences of the equipment used for work

Due to the differences in frequencies used in civilian radio stations, the size of their antenna devices varies significantly. For the CB band, where the wavelength is 11 meters, it is necessary to use a standard quarter-wave antenna with a length of 2.7 meters. In the LPD band, the wavelength is 0.69 meters, so a full-length antenna would be 17 cm long. In practice, these antennas are smaller due to the use of various technical tweaks, but the size difference remains the same. Differences in the power of the transmitters used cause a difference in the power sources used.

A 10 milliwatt LPD transmitter does not require bulky batteries, so these walkie-talkies are much smaller. CB radios have high power(10 watts), so they require the use of powerful and bulky batteries. In addition, they have large remote antennas, so they are most often produced in mobile or stationary versions.

And we continue.

Level Four - VHF/UHF Handheld Radios

From this, many propose to lay the foundation of their radio farm, because your initial ham radio license allows you to use these frequencies. This makes sense, right?

No, and no, if you haven't researched the question first. A license one notch above the initial one allows you to operate on the HF band, and this is what you need to focus on from the very beginning of your training.

From the translator:

• In the Russian Federation, work on amateur sections of the UHF / VHF bands is allowed for the fourth amateur radio category, and work in addition to VHF / UHF and on short and medium waves - the third category. An approximate analogue of the Russian fourth category in the United States is Technician, and the third (and second) is General. In each country, the approach to the distribution of categories is different, follow the above advice on checking with local legislation.

As you learn the topic of using HF, you will be popping VHF questions like seeds. Again, this is my opinion. But after many years of using radio communications, I see that this approach is more rational in the long run. Majority portable radios are VHF/UHF stations. In short, this means that they work in the line of sight.

From the translator:

• UHF / VHF are two bands, they are written together as a designation for dual-band radio stations, or when they mean radio stations of any of the two bands;
• VHF - the service interval of this range extends in the range of 136-174 MHz, the amateur radio section on it is 144-146 MHz, in some countries - 144-148 MHz. A common name is “two meters”, “two meters” (according to the wavelength in the amateur radio section). Some countries have a license-free MURS standard on this band;
• UHF - the service section of the range occupies 400-520 MHz. Amateur radio section - 430-440 MHz. The common name is “70 cm”, “seventy” (according to the wavelength in the amateur radio section). On this band, as a rule, in any country there is at least one unlicensed standard, be it LPD, PMR, FRS, GMRS, PRS, SBRS, KDR, etc. Clarify the nuances of local government regulation in the field of radio communications;
• Often there are questions on which band communication in the forest will be better. This largely depends not on the range, but on the antenna installed on the radio, see the note below about antennas;
• There are portables on LB ("low band", 30-80 MHz) and CB, but they are less convenient in practice due to the much longer wavelength and, accordingly, larger antennas, see the note on antennas below;
• The expression "line-of-sight zone" means that the interlocutor can be seen with binoculars, not necessarily with the naked eye, in order to ensure good communication conditions. In general, the radius of the line-of-sight zone is determined by the curvature of the planet Earth - how much is the distance from your location to the horizon line, at such a distance you can contact another radio station. If it is at ground level. If your interlocutor, just like you, stands on the ground and holds a portable to his head, then he can be contacted at a distance from you to the horizon and from the horizon line to the interlocutor. It is important to remember that this is possible only in ideal conditions - a flat steppe (or Wasteland), or a water surface. If you are on a tower or a balloon, then the range of possible radio communication increases even more, as the horizon line moves away from you.

If you can see the person, you can contact him. In this kind. There are no magic portable radios with a communication radius of 50-100 miles. These radios are often used with a repeater to increase the range.

So what is portable for you?

First of all, these are cheaper radio stations. But you get what you paid for, mind you. Maybe you buy something that will work well and never experience any problems. Perhaps. I consider the purchase of a quality product a manifestation of common sense, if you really have to rely on its work. I hate to recommend the samples below, but if you have a skinny wallet and need to cover some need with a purchase, then there are several popular models.

• BaoFeng UV-82
• BaoFeng UV-5R

What do I think of them? In medical terms, this is like a band-aid on a serious wound. They only give you the illusion that you have a radio. The best thing about them is that you don't mind throwing them away. It's probably not the best advertisement. My group decided that we needed a realistic approach and a single standard for parts, antennas and batteries, rather than a hodgepodge of stations and parts that don't fit together.

We like radio stations Yaesu VX series, and Yesu VX-7 among them the most preferable. "Seven" is a civilian version of the Japanese military portable, and I'm happy with it. It is easy to configure in terms of software and has good warranty support, as well as a wide range of accessories. It is moisture resistant when immersed up to one meter and protected from dust. However, it is no longer in production, so we are moving to other models in the VX series as new radios are purchased.

I can't stress enough how important it is to set the equipment standard in a team. I just don't understand why people buy several cheap radios chasing quantity instead of buying one that will work when the cheap ones break.

I'm not saying that I didn't use radio stations of the lower price level. I have used and have been used by others with whom I communicate regularly. We all came to the same conclusion. If you want, so to speak, to scoop up the sediment from the bottom of the barrel, then save, your right. If you are persistent, you can find products from Yesu or other reputable manufacturers at a price slightly higher than the cheap Chinese ones. If you want something that will work right out of the box and will work now and in the future… then you will understand how and why we came to our decision about the radio stations.

From the translator:

• The station recommended by the author, in addition to high performance, also has extensive functionality, which is completely redundant for most applications. We can recommend another Esu model, namely the FT-60, which runs on two amateur bands and allows you to listen to aviators;
• Single-band radios from well-known manufacturers are cheaper than dual-band radios, but they must be chosen wisely, focusing on future use and compatibility with the equipment of current and prospective interlocutors;
• The Chinese make different radio stations - baofengs and cunning very different from each other. A class higher than baofeng, can be called voxuns, Wouxun- their quality is higher, the range of accessories is wide, there is dust and splash protection. They cost one and a half to three times more expensive than the above.

When you buy radios, you get exactly what you paid for. No matter what radios you buy, you need to change the antennas to more efficient ones than the standard ones. Pay close attention to jack compatibility, which is another consideration in favor of gear standards within the group. A set of compatible antennas, batteries and accessories is better than a bunch of junk.

From the translator:

• The full length of the antennas in this case is discussed as 1/4 wavelength. For the amateur section of the VHF band, this is two meters, which means that a quarter is approximately 50 cm (with nuances that are not discussed here). For amateur UHF, this is 17.5 cm. Conclusions can be drawn about ease of use and the risk of breaking the antenna. Thus, although VHF is more efficient than UHF in forest conditions, it is easier for UHF to use a more efficient antenna - and in practical terms, UHF will be more effective than VHF.
• It is important to remember when choosing equipment that often the standard license-free range prohibits replacing antennas with more efficient ones on walkie-talkies that meet the standard, and the antennas on these walkie-talkies are fixed, without the possibility of twisting and screwing them. From this again follows the recommendation to find out local legislation, find out the permitted standards, and weigh the pros and cons - whether to use unlicensed stations, or decide to obtain an amateur radio license. It may be wise to choose single band radios for your group that can handle the common unlicensed radios in your country.

Level five. Mobile radio stations - in transport and installed permanently

I place this after portables because, although mobiles seem to be in the middle between HF transceivers and VHF portables, you can kind of replace them with a portable with a fancy antenna. Mobile radios transmit at much higher power than portable radios. My handheld puts out 5 watts, my dual-band mobile station puts out 50 watts, and my mobile single-band on VHF puts out 75 watts. Power, however, is not the key point in radio communication, "more" does not always mean "noticeably better".

From the translator:

• The power of the radio station in line-of-sight conditions almost does not matter. If between you and the interlocutor there is a forest, or rough terrain, then the real communication range is significantly reduced. It will be reduced even more if there are buildings, hills in the line of sight, they absorb radio waves. Industrial infrastructure objects, power lines, substations, and even just electrical appliances in residential buildings that create noise on the air, “electronic smog” interfere even more. Power can help overcome these interferences, but not always. In general, it is better to go out on the balcony than to increase the power of the radio station from inside the room;
• There is a common formula that in order to increase the communication distance by 2 times, the power must be increased by 4 times. If the distance is already limiting (see above about the horizon), then this increase will not have an effect, but will only discharge the battery faster.

What I like about mobile stations is that I can take them out of the car and put them at home by connecting to a permanently installed antenna, which is more efficient. Not conducive to stealth, but most people have no idea what they see when looking at any antennas.

Yaesu FT-2900R

The 2900 is my favorite for noisy on-air environments and puts out 75 watts. It's only for the VHF band, but if you're willing to understand how the different bands are used and what its specific capabilities are, it's an amazing radio. It is designed for SUVs, passable vehicles with an open top, as it is airtight. Because of this, it may overheat when long work to the transmission, but, at the same time, if this happened, then you need to work on your broadcasting skills.

Yaesu FT-8800R

The 8800 is more popular than the 8900 because even though the 8900 has 6 and 10 meters, it can't work on SSB, so most people on 6 and 10 won't be able to talk to you. . I use the 8800 in my everyday car and at home as a base node. It can operate in simplex (radio<->radio) and through a repeater. If I were to buy one radio for UHF/VHF, I would choose this one.

From the translator:

• There are also Chinese mobile stations, for example QYT KT8900, the problems with them are the same as with portable ones.

Level six. Other ranges in the level structure

CB radio stations - avoid cheap, FM-only radios. Buy only those capable of working in SSB. Every dunce can own a sibish, but most of them can't work SSB.

From the translator:

• The radio stations sold in the Russian Federation and neighboring countries for the CB range work, as a rule, with AM and FM modulation - SSB in our area is a very rare animal and expensive. To buy a Sib radio with SSB, you need to clearly focus on its use, otherwise it is a waste of money.

Unlicensed radio stations are both common walkie-talkies, sold in pairs in plastic packages, and better ones from well-known companies.

From the translator:

• Unlicensed radio stations that comply with the standard and are completely legal must have a fixed power (LPD - 50 mW, PMR - 500 mW, CBS - 4 W in AM and FM and 12 W in SSB), a fixed emission band for transmission, in some standards and fixed antenna. It often happens that walkie-talkies that are on sale, offered as unlicensed ones, do not meet these requirements, but no one strictly monitors this.

I hope that I was able to give you an initial idea of ​​the place of communication in survival.