15-meter band

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The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article or discuss the issue on the talk page.

The 15-meter band (also called the 21-MHz band or 15 meters) is an amateur radio frequency band spanning the shortwave spectrum from 21 to 21.45 MHz. Almost all countries permit amateur communications on the entire band.^{[citation needed]}

The 15-meter band is considered a DX band (i.e., used for long-distance communications). Since signals on 15 meters propagate primarily via reflection off of the F-2 layer of the ionosphere, the band is most useful for intercontinental communication during daylight hours, especially in years close to the solar maximum. However, the band also sees long-distance openings during solar minima, and into evening hours, and does not require high-power station equipment to make contacts even at these times.

Because the 15-meter wavelength is harmonically related to that of the 40-meter band, it is often possible to use an antenna designed for 40 meters on the 15-meter band, as well.

Contents 1 History 2 Frequency allocation 2.1 United States 2.1.1 Key 3 See also 4 References

[edit] History

The 15-meter band was opened to amateurs in the United States on May 1, 1952.^[1]

[edit] Frequency allocation

[edit] United States

megahertz	21000–21025	21025–21200	21200–21225	21225–21275	21275–21450
Novice / Technician
General
Advanced
Extra

[edit] Key

	= CW, RTTY and data (US: < 1 kHz bandwidth)
	= CW, phone and image
	= CW only (US Novice/Technician: 200 W PEP maximum TPO)

[edit] See also

Shortwave bands

[edit] References

1. ^ "We Get 21 Mc." QST, June 1952, p. 29.

• "ARRLWeb: US Amateur Bands". http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.html. Retrieved on August 03 2005. 

• "ARRLWeb: ARRL Band Plans". http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bandplan.html. Retrieved on August 03 2005. 

• "RAC Web: Canada HF Band Plan" (PDF). http://www.rac.ca/service/RAC_Draft_HF_Band_PlanR1.pdf. Retrieved on June 27 2007. 

• "UK Amateur Radio Bandplans Band Plans". http://www.rsgb.org/spectrumforum/bandplans/RSGB%20Band%20Plan%20master.htm. Retrieved on August 03 2005.  Click the 15 Meter button at the bottom of the page

• "Ham Radio QRP". http://www.ac6v.com/qrp.htm#CALL. Retrieved on August 03 2005. 

• "IARU Region 1 Bandplan" (PDF). http://www.iaru-r2.org/wp-content/uploads/region-1-hf-bandplan-2006.pdf. Retrieved on January 01 2006. 

• "IARU Region 2 Bandplan" (PDF). http://www.iaru-r2.org/wp-content/uploads/region-2-mf-hf-bandplan-e.pdf. Retrieved on January 01 2008. 

• "IARU Region 3 Bandplan". http://www.jarl.or.jp/iaru-r3/r3bandplan.doc. Retrieved on August 03 2005. 

Medium (MF) and high frequency (HF) amateur radio bands for ITU Region 2
MF	HF
160 m	80 m	60 m	40 m	30 m	20 m	17 m	15 m	12 m	10 m
1.8 MHz	3.5 MHz	5 MHz	7 MHz	10.1 MHz	14 MHz	18.068 MHz	21 MHz	24.89 MHz	28 MHz
2 MHz	4 MHz	region	7.3 MHz	10.15 MHz	14.35 MHz	18.168 MHz	21.45 MHz	24.99 MHz	29.7 MHz