The 8-meter band: A Comprehensive Overview

The 8-meter band is a fascinating topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years. This band of frequencies, spanning from 7 to 8.5 MHz, has been used for amateur radio operations.

The 8-meter band has a unique propagation characteristic that allows for long-distance communication. This is due to its ability to bounce off the ionosphere, making it ideal for DX communication.

In the past, the 8-meter band was used for various applications, including amateur radio and military communications. The band's frequency range was allocated by regulatory bodies to ensure minimal interference.

The 8-meter band's popularity has led to the development of specialized equipment and antennas designed to optimize its performance.

On a similar theme: S Band

The 8-meter band is available in most countries, with some restrictions in place to prevent interference with other radio services.

In the United States, the 8-meter band is allocated for amateur radio use, with a maximum power output of 1,500 watts.

Regulations vary by country, so it's essential to check with your local authorities before using the 8-meter band for any purpose.

In the US, an experimental station called WL2XUP is operating in Georgia, licensed to Lin Holcomb, NI4Y.

This station is authorized to transmit with up to 400 W effective radiated power (ERP) between 40.660 MHz and 40.700 MHz.

WL2XUP has been intermittently transmitting on 40.662 MHz (1500 Hz) for 2 minutes out of every 10, with an output power of 20 W ERP into an omnidirectional antenna.

The band used by WL2XUP is affected by several propagation modes, including tropospheric ducting, sporadic E, transequatorial propagation (TEP), and F2 propagation.

The 40 MHz band is expected to open a lot earlier than 50 MHz, making it a useful resource for stations monitoring the transatlantic path.

A Petition for Rulemaking (RM-11843) was filed in 2019 to create a new 8-meter amateur radio allocation on a secondary basis, centered on an industrial-scientific-medical (ISM) segment between 40.51 and 40.70 MHz.

The spectrum between 40 and 41 MHz is currently allocated to the federal government and is within the purview of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Here's an interesting read: 5/8 Wave Cb Base Station Antenna

Countries where 8m is allowed are quite diverse. Ierland allows frequencies between 30 – 49 MHz.

In the United Kingdom, OFCOM has allocated temporary Innovation and Research licenses for frequencies between 40 – 42 MHz. Denemarken has one active beacon at 40.071 MHz.

Kroatie and Slovenie both allow frequencies between 40.660 MHz to 40.700 MHz, with a bandwidth of 40 kHz. Litouwen has special permission for frequencies at 40.220 and 40.680 MHz.

Zuid-Afrika allows frequencies between 40.675 MHz – 40.685 MHz, with a bandwidth of 10 kHz. The USA has various special permits for frequencies between 40.66 to 40.7 MHz, with some examples including WL2XUP and WA2XMN.

Canada has special permission for frequencies at 40.6635 MHz, with a bandwidth of 4 kHz. Bonaire has a single entry, PJ4MM. Belgie allows frequencies between 40.680 MHz +/- 10 kHz, with a special permit for ONA4PS.

A fresh viewpoint: 10 Meter Band Frequencies

The FCC is seeking to free up more spectrum for amateur radio use, which could lead to better communication and more opportunities for enthusiasts.

The current allocation of 30 MHz of spectrum is limited and often congested, making it difficult for amateur radio operators to use the frequencies they need.

In the US, amateur radio operators are already licensed to use parts of the 30 MHz and 70 MHz bands, but these allocations are not always sufficient to meet demand.

The FCC is considering allocating a new portion of the 6-meter band to amateur radio use, which could provide much-needed relief to operators.

Amateur radio operators are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this proposal, as it could open up new possibilities for communication and experimentation.

The 8-meter band is a relatively new frontier in amateur radio, with some interesting implications for testing and allocation.

Testing on the 8-meter band can be done using a low wire dipole at 1W, which is perfectly legal under the terms of an 8m T&I permit.

Adding a 20dB attenuator to the output of the FT817ND reduces the transmission power to just 10mW ERP, a significant reduction in power.

Using a 10mW ERP WSPR transmission, fewer local stations were able to spot the signal, but 2 stations at about 17km and one closer were able to decode it.

Proper 8m antennas could lead to better results, and good Es propagation could allow Europeans to copy the signal without the need for a license.

The 8m ISM band can be used for beacons perfectly legally in the UK, without the need for a license, making it a more accessible option for amateur radio operators.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Rf Signal Meter