6 Meters is a popular amateur radio band. 6 meters is found in the lower part of the VHF band, but still occasionally displays some propagation mechanisms of the lower High Frequency bands. This odd mix of VHF and HF charactaristics led to 6 meters being dubbed by the the "Magic Band." Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is a hobby and public service enjoyed by about 3 million people[1] throughout the world. ... Very high frequency (VHF) is the radio frequency range from 30 MHz (wavelength 10 m) to 300 MHz (wavelength 1 m). ... The word propagation can mean: Multiplication or increase, as by natural reproduction. ... High frequency (HF) radio frequencies are between 3 and 30 MHz. ...

The frequency allocations for 6 meters are not universal worldwide. In the United States, it ranges from 50 to 54 MHz. But, in other countries, it is illegal to use due to local military communications. Further, in some nations, the frequency range occupied by the six-meter amateur radio band is used for television transmissions, although most countries have moved the channels to higher frequencies (see channel 1). MegaHertz (MHz) is the name given to one million (106) Hertz, a measure of frequency. ... Military communications are links between battlefield units, including connections to a higher command or home country. ... In North America, channel 1 is a former broadcast (over-the-air) television channel. ...

Over the past decade or so, the availability of transceivers that include the six-meter band has increased greatly. Most modern HF amateur radios now include the six-meter band, as do some handheld VHF/UHF transceivers. There have existed and do exist a number of stand-alone 6 Meter transcievers, although these have been relatively rare in recent years. Despite this, 6 meters does not share the popularity of amateur radio's 2 meters band. This is due, in large part, to the larger size of 6 meter antennas, power limitations in some countries outside the United States, and 6 meter's greater susceptibility to local electrical interference. A transceiver is a device that has both a transmitter and a receiver which are combined in to one. ... This article is about the radio frequency. ... 2 Meters is a popular amateur radio band. ...

As transceivers have become more available for the Magic Band, 6 meters has been gaining popularity quickly. In many countries, including the United States, access to 6 meters is granted to even entry-level license holders. Those without access to the international "HF" or shortwave frequencies get their first taste of true long-distance communications on the 6 meter band, when conditions are available. Many of these operators develop a real affection for the challenge of the band, and often continue to devote much time to 6 meters, even when they gain access to the HF frequencies upon upgrading licensure.

Although the International Telecommunications Union does not allocate frequencies to amateurs in Europe, due to the decline of VHF television broadcasts and commercial pressure on the lower VHF spectrum, most European countries have a 6 meter amateur allocation. A list showing the status of amateur radio allocation in the countries of ITU Region 1. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is an international organization established to standardize and regulate international radio and telecommunications. ...

In United Kingdom, it is legal to use 6 meters between frequencies 50 to 52 MHz, with some limitations at some frequencies. In UK, 50 to 51 MHz is primary usage and the rest is secondary with power limitations. The detailed band plan for UK can be obtained from RSGB Band plan documentation (PDF). A megahertz (MHz) is one million (106) hertz, a measure of frequency. ...

Many organizations promote regular competitions in this frequency to promote its use and to familiarize operators to its quirks. For example RSGB VHF Contest Committee has la number of contests on 6 meters every year. The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) is the UKs recognised national society for radio amateurs. ...

Because of its peculiarity, there are a number of 6 meters operator groups. These people monitor the status of the band between different paths and promote 6 meter operations.

Organizations

• United Kingdom Six Metre Group
• 6 Meter Group World Wide
• Six Meter International Radio Klub - SMIRK
• SIXITALIA

Band Plans

IARU Region 1 50MHz Band Plan

(with the UKSMG's recommended change to the adoption of the term
"inter-regional" rather than "inter-continental")

50.000 - 50.100	CW only	50.020 - 50.080	Beacons
		50.090	CW calling frequency
50.100 - 50.500	SSB and CW only	50.100 - 50.130	DX window
		50.110	Inter-Region calling frequency
		50.150	SSB centre of activity
		50.185	Cross-band activity centre
		50.200	MS reference frequency (CW and SSB)
50.500 - 51.000	All modes	50.500 - 50.700	Digital communications
		50.510	SSTV
		50.550	Fax
		50.600	RTTY
		50.710 - 50.910	FM repeater outputs (UK)
51.000 - 51.410	All modes	51.210	Emergency communications priority
		51.210 - 51.410	FM repeater inputs (UK)
51.410 - 51.830	All modes	51.430 - 51.590	FM, 20kHz channel spacing
		51.510	FM calling
51.830 - 52.000	All modes	51.940 - 52.000	Emergency communications priority

(Source: VOLUNTARY OPERATING CODE OF PRACTICE for 6m operators UKSMG 16 February 2003)

US/North American 6m Band Plan

(Source: American Modeler Assocation, Western Washington Amateur Radio Assocation, ARRL ARRL Band Plans)

IARU Region 3 Band Plan

The Band Plan for IARU Region 3 may be found in their Band Plan Document

Common uses of 6 meters

• AM Simplex (direct, radio-to-radio communications)
• FM Simplex (direct, radio-to-radio communications)
• FM repeater operation
• EME Moon Bounce
• Es Sporadic E
• Aurora Aurora Borealis Reflection
• WSJT Digital Modes
• Packet radio
• SSB voice operation
• Morse code (CW) operation
• DX
• Radio Control

[[Amplitude modulation]] (AM) is a technique used in electronic communication, most commonly for transmitting information via a carrier wave wirelessly. ... Frequency modulation (FM) is a form of modulation which represents information as variations in the instantaneous frequency of a carrier wave. ... An Icom Radio Repeater. ... Earth-Moon-Earth is a radio communication which relies on the propagation of radio waves from an earth based transmitter directed via reflection from the surface of the moon back to an earth based receiver. ... ES can mean: ES Magazine, a weekly features and arts magazine included in the Evening Standard on Fridays El Salvador (FIPS 10-4 and obsolete NATO country code) Electrical sensitivity EliteSecurity, a web forum Engineering sample Ensemble Studios, a Microsoft-owned computer game making company Elder Scrolls, a CRPG video... Aurora borealis Aurora borealis The aurora is a bright glow observed in the night sky, usually in the polar zone. ... WSJT is located in the Tampa, Florida area and broadcasts at 94. ... A packet is the fundamental unit of information carriage in all modern computer networks that use packet switching. ... Single-sideband modulation (SSB) is a refinement of the technique of amplitude modulation designed to be more efficient in its use of electrical power and bandwidth. ... 1922 Chart of the Morse Code Letters and Numerals Morse code is a method for transmitting information, using standardized sequences of short and long marks or pulses — commonly known as dots and dashes — for the letters, numerals, punctuation and special characters of a message. ... DX communication is communication over great distances using the ionosphere to refract the transmitted radio beam. ... This radio control airplane is carrying a scale model of X-33 and is taking part in NASA research. ... Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is a hobby and public service enjoyed by about 3 million people[1] throughout the world. ... A band is a small section of the spectrum of radio communication frequencies, in which channels are usually used or set aside for the same purpose. ... Very high frequency (VHF) is the radio frequency range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz. ... Ultra high frequency (UHF) designates a range (band) of electromagnetic waves whose frequency is between 300 MHz and 3. ... // Summary 4 metres is an Amateur Radio frequency band in the lower Very High Frequency spectrum. ... 2 Meters is a popular amateur radio band. ... 1. ... 70 Centimeters is a common ham radio band in the UHF spectrum. ... 33 Centimeters is an amateur radio band. ...