🌐 Summary
14 MHz (range 14–14.35 MHz) is part of 20m Amateur Band within the HF spectrum.
Quick summary: 14 MHz is allocated to 20 Meter Amateur Band. Used for amateur radio communications. Applications include dx, contests, digital modes – premier dx band. Operated by amateur radio enthusiasts. Technology: SSB, CW, FT8, PSK31. Amateur radio license required.
Primary use: Amateur radio communications
Common applications: DX, contests, digital modes – premier DX band
Technology: SSB, CW, FT8, PSK31
Quick Facts The 20-meter amateur band around 14 MHz is considered the premier DX (long distance) band. When conditions are right, hams can work the entire world from a single location.
Source: 47 CFR Part 97
THE premier DX band – worldwide daytime contacts
📶 Band & Identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency (MHz) | 14 |
| Lower Band Edge (MHz) | 14 |
| Upper Band Edge (MHz) | 14.35 |
| Band Name | 20m Amateur Band |
| Spectrum Block | HF |
| Popular Name | 20 Meter Band |
| Allocation Status | Active |
| Exclusive / Shared | Yes |
| Protected Services | Amateur radio (FCC Part 97 protections) |
| Related Frequencies | 9-19 MHz band |
📜 FCC Rules & Licensing
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| FCC Service Type | AMATEUR |
| FCC Secondary Services | See primary allocation |
| FCC Part Number | Part 97 |
| FCC Rule Section | 47 CFR 97.301 |
| License Required | Yes |
| License Type | Amateur radio license |
| License Fee Type | Application fee |
| Annual Regulatory Fee | Varies |
| License Term (Years) | 10 |
| Renewal Expectancy | High |
| Auction History | Not auctioned (comparative licensing) |
| Refarming Status | Stable |
| Geographic Restrictions | Border coordination may apply near Canada/Mexico |
| Quiet Zones | No |
| Coordination Required | Frequency coordination required |
| Warnings / Notices | Unauthorized transmission is illegal and subject to FCC enforcement |
⚙️ RF & Technical
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Technology | SSB, CW, FT8, PSK31 |
| Modulation | SSB (J3E), CW (A1A), digital |
| Typical Bandwidth | 2.8 kHz (SSB) / 6 kHz (AM) |
| Transmitter Type | Amateur HF transceivers |
| Receiver Type | AM receiver |
| Typical Power (W) | 10-1500 |
| Maximum Power Limit | 1500 W PEP |
| ERP Limit | 1500W PEP (transmitter power, not ERP) |
| Antenna Height Limits | Varies |
| Antenna (Quarter-Wave) | 16.71 ft (509.5 cm) |
| Duplex Mode | Simplex |
| Paired Frequency | Not paired (simplex) |
| Channelization | Variable |
| Guard Bands (kHz) | Varies |
| Emission Designator | Varies |
| Emission Mask | FCC standards |
| Part 15 Device Limits | Not applicable (licensed spectrum) |
| Spread Spectrum Allowed | No |
| Frequency Hopping Allowed | No |
| Power Control Required | No |
🌤️ Propagation
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Propagation Mode | Ionospheric skip (daytime) |
| Typical Range (Miles) | 1000-10000+ |
| Day vs Night Differences | Primarily daytime DX |
| Atmospheric Effects | F-layer propagation |
| Interference Concerns | Standard adjacent channel and co-channel interference |
🛡️ Ecosystem
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Amateur radio communications |
| Common Applications | DX, contests, digital modes – premier DX band |
| Can You Listen? | Yes – amateur radio (public communications) |
| Encryption Status | Not encrypted (prohibited by FCC rules for amateur radio) |
| Popular Radio Models | Icom IC-7300 (most popular HF radio), Yaesu FT-991A, Kenwood TS-590SG, Elecraft K3/K4, Xiegu G90, Yaesu FT-450D |
| License Holders | Amateur operators |
| Major Operators | Ham operators worldwide |
| Government Use | No |
| Military Use | No |
| Public Safety | No |
| Critical Infrastructure | No |
| Amateur Radio | Yes |
| ISM Band | No |
| Unlicensed Operation | No |
| Consumer Equipment | Yes |
| Common Devices | Amateur radio transceivers, ham radio equipment |
| Receive Only | No |
| Radio Astronomy | No |
| Satellite Downlink | No |
| Passive Service | No |
| Spectrum Occupancy (Estimated) | 80-95% |
| Urban vs Rural | Varies by location |
| Deployment Density | Very heavy |
🌎 International
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ITU Region 2 Allocation | AMATEUR |
| International Harmonization | Yes (global) |
| Cross-Border Coordination | No |
| Year Allocated | 1927 |
| Legacy Uses | Historical allocations stable |
| Future Plans | Stable |
🧾 Compliance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| FCC Certification Required | No |
| Equipment Authorization Type | Certification (amateur equipment) |
| FCC ID Required | No |
| Compliance Testing | FCC equipment authorization required |