🌐 Summary
51 MHz (range 50–54 MHz) is part of 6m Amateur Band within the VHF spectrum.
Quick summary: Part of the 6-meter amateur allocation, 51 MHz provides hams with prime VHF spectrum for exploiting sporadic E propagation. This frequency sees regular use for SSB phone contacts and weak-signal work during summer months.
Primary use: Amateur radio VHF
Common applications: FM repeaters, SSB, digital, sporadic E DX
Technology: FM, SSB, CW, digital
Quick Facts The 6-meter amateur band (50-54 MHz). Known for ‘sporadic E’ propagation during summer months when signals can suddenly travel hundreds or thousands of miles. Magic moments for hams.
Source: 47 CFR Part 97
Called “magic band” for unpredictable long-distance openings
📶 Band & Identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency (MHz) | 51 |
| Lower Band Edge (MHz) | 50 |
| Upper Band Edge (MHz) | 54 |
| Band Name | 6m Amateur Band |
| Spectrum Block | VHF |
| Popular Name | 6 Meter Band / Magic Band |
| Allocation Status | Active |
| Exclusive / Shared | Yes (6m amateur band is exclusive) |
| Protected Services | 6-meter amateur radio band (FCC Part 97 protections) |
| Related Frequencies | 46-56 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 Part 97 (Amateur Radio Service) |
| 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 | FM, SSB, CW, digital |
| Modulation | FM, SSB, CW |
| Typical Bandwidth | 12.5-25 kHz (FM) |
| Transmitter Type | Amateur VHF transceivers |
| Receiver Type | AM receiver |
| Typical Power (W) | 10-1500 |
| Maximum Power Limit | 1500W PEP (amateur radio) |
| ERP Limit | 1500W PEP (transmitter power for amateur) |
| Antenna Height Limits | Varies |
| Antenna (Quarter-Wave) | 4.59 ft (139.8 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 | Line of sight, sporadic E, meteor scatter |
| Typical Range (Miles) | 50-1000+ (sporadic E) |
| Day vs Night Differences | Sporadic E openings |
| Atmospheric Effects | Minimal |
| Interference Concerns | Standard adjacent channel and co-channel interference |
🛡️ Ecosystem
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Amateur radio VHF |
| Common Applications | FM repeaters, SSB, digital, sporadic E DX |
| 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, Yaesu FT-991A, Yaesu FT-818, VHF all-mode transceivers, 6m SSB/CW radios |
| License Holders | Amateur radio operators (licensed hams) |
| Major Operators | Ham radio operators |
| 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) | Low-Moderate (10-40%) |
| Urban vs Rural | Varies by location |
| Deployment Density | Low-Medium |
🌎 International
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ITU Region 2 Allocation | Amateur (50-54 MHz) |
| International Harmonization | Globally harmonized (ITU amateur allocation) |
| Cross-Border Coordination | No |
| Year Allocated | 1952 (6m band added to amateur radio) |
| 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 |