Icom Amateur Radio Band Plan Frequencies and Segment Usage Guide

An Overview of the Icom Amateur Radio Band Plan

Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is a popular hobby that allows operators to communicate with each other using radio signals. Ham radio operators use designated frequency bands allocated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for amateur radio services. Operating frequencies are regulated by national governments through their telecommunications authorities.

Icom is one of the leading manufacturers of amateur radio equipment. Icom transceivers cover all popular amateur radio frequency bands and modes of operation. To get the most out of an Icom radio, operators need to understand the Icom amateur radio band plan.

Icom Band Coverage

Icom produces handheld, mobile, and base station amateur radios that cover various portions of the radio frequency spectrum. While not every Icom radio covers every band, most of their equipment includes the most popular bands utilized by radio amateurs:

• 160 meters - 1.8 MHz
• 80 meters - 3.5 MHz
• 40 meters - 7 MHz
• 30 meters - 10.1 MHz
• 20 meters - 14 MHz
• 17 meters - 18.068 MHz
• 15 meters - 21 MHz
• 12 meters - 24.89 MHz
• 10 meters - 28 MHz
• 6 meters - 50 MHz
• 2 meters - 144 MHz
• 70 centimeters - 420-450 MHz
• 23 centimeters - 1.2 GHz

Icom amateur radios are available with different band combinations to fit individual operator needs and budgets. Handheld models typically cover 2 meters and 70 cm, while mobile units offer more flexibility with optional VHF/UHF band modules. Base and mobile radios designed for HF operations include 160 through 10 meters. Some all-mode Icom transceivers cover 160 meters through 70 cm bands in one radio.

Amateur Radio Band Plans

To coordinate shared usage, amateur radio bands are organized into frequency ranges for different operating modes and activities. Here are some common allocations on the Icom band plan:

• CW (Morse code) - Dedicated CW portions exist on most amateur bands.
• SSB (single sideband voice) - Used for voice contacts on HF and 6 meters.
• AM (amplitude modulation) - AM calling frequencies are designated on 80, 40, 20, and 10 meters.
• Digital modes - Frequencies for RTTY, PSK31 and other digital communications.
• FM repeater inputs/outputs - For communications through local VHF/UHF repeaters.
• Satellite uplinks/downlinks - Portions reserved for communicating through amateur radio satellites.
• Beacons - Automated stations transmitting for signal reports and band condition monitoring.

Following the voluntary band plan helps prevent interference between stations. Depending on the amateur radio band, usage may be further divided into smaller frequency ranges for specific modes and activities.

HF Frequencies

The high frequency (HF) bands between 1.8 MHz and 30 MHz are popular for making long distance contacts. Here are some important frequencies and allocations from the Icom amateur radio band plan:

160 Meters (1.8 MHz)

• CW - 1.800 - 2.000 MHz
• DX window - 1.830 - 1.850 MHz (for intercontinental CW contacts)

80 Meters (3.5 MHz)

• CW - 3.500 - 3.600 MHz
• SSB - 3.800 - 4.000 MHz
• AM calling - 3.880 MHz

40 Meters (7 MHz)

• CW - 7.000 - 7.150 MHz
• SSB - 7.150 - 7.300 MHz
• AM calling - 7.290 MHz

30 Meters (10.1 MHz)

• CW - 10.100 - 10.150 MHz
• Digital modes - 10.130 - 10.140 MHz

20 Meters (14 MHz)

• CW - 14.000 - 14.150 MHz
• SSB - 14.150 - 14.350 MHz
• AM calling - 14.280 MHz

17 Meters (18.068 MHz)

• CW - 18.068 - 18.110 MHz
• SSB - 18.110 - 18.168 MHz

15 Meters (21 MHz)

• CW - 21.000 - 21.200 MHz
• SSB - 21.200 - 21.450 MHz

12 Meters (24.89 MHz)

• CW - 24.895 - 24.915 MHz
• SSB - 24.930 - 24.990 MHz

10 Meters (28 MHz)

• CW - 28.000 - 28.100 MHz
• SSB - 28.300 - 28.500 MHz
• FM/digital - 28.100 - 28.300 MHz

VHF/UHF Frequencies

The very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) bands from 50 MHz to 1.2 GHz allow regional and local communications:

6 Meters (50 MHz)

• CW/SSB - 50.000 - 50.100 MHz
• FM - 50.100 - 54.000 MHz

2 Meters (144 MHz)

• CW/SSB - 144.000 - 144.100 MHz
• FM - 144.100 - 148.000 MHz

1.25 Meters (222 MHz)

• FM - 222.000 - 225.000 MHz

70 Centimeters (420 MHz)

• FM - 420.000 - 450.000 MHz

33 Centimeters (902 MHz)

• FM - 902.000 - 928.000 MHz

Operating Tips

Following some basic operating tips will ensure compliance with the Icom band plan to prevent interference on amateur radio bands:

• Transmit only in the frequency ranges designated for your operating mode.
• Use the minimum amount of power needed to maintain contact.
• Use narrow filters to avoid transmitting on adjacent frequencies.
• Listen before transmitting to make sure a frequency is not already in use.
• Avoid excessive bandwidth on SSB and digital modes.
• Identify your station periodically as required by regulations.

Consult up-to-date band plans for the latest allocations and guidance. With good operating practices, all amateur radio operators can share the spectrum successfully!

FAQs

What are the most popular HF bands covered by Icom radios?

The 160, 80, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meter bands from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz are commonly included in HF-capable Icom amateur radios.

What HF frequencies are most suitable for CW and SSB use?

On most HF bands, the lower frequencies are allocated to CW, with SSB in the higher frequencies. Refer to the band plan for specific CW/SSB portions.

What calling frequencies should I monitor for AM activity?

Designated AM calling frequencies to check are 3.880 MHz on 80 meters, 7.290 MHz on 40 meters, 14.280 MHz on 20 meters, and 28.880 MHz on 10 meters.

What Icom radios cover 2 meters and 70 cm bands?

Handheld and mobile Icom radios designed for local VHF/UHF FM communications typically include both 2 meter and 70 centimeter band coverage.

Where can I find the latest Icom band plan information?

Check the current band plan graphs in your radio's user manual or on the Icom website for the most up-to-date frequency allocation details.