What are the shortwave bands and/or frequencies?

A band is a group of frequencies . Sometimes, bands are grouped according to their wavelengths, in meters. The tuning locations of a station can be expressed as a frequency (kHz or MHz) or a wavelength (meters).  Amateur radio operators generally refer to the frequencies they operate on using the frequency's wavelength. For example, the 19-meter band refers to the range of frequencies with waves about 19 meters long.   You can use the following equations to convert kHz, MHz, and meters.

• To convert MHz to kHz, multiply by 1,000. For example:
  9.62 MHz x 1000 = 9620 kHz

• To convert kHz to MHz, divide by 1,000. For example:
  2780 kHz divided by 1000 = 2.780 MHz

• To convert MHz to meters, divide 300 by the number of MHz. For example:
  300 divided by 7.1 MHz = 42.25 meters

• To convert meters to MHz, divide 300 by the number of meters. For example:
  300 divided by 42.25 meters = 7.1 MHz

Certain bands are set aside for specific purposes; these are called the band allocations and are listed below:

AM Band
FM Band
Aircraft Frequencies
Amateur Radio Frequencies
International Commercial Frequencies
Longwave Band
Ship and Coastal Station Frequencies
Time Standard Frequencies

AM Band

The AM band is between 520 kHz and 1720 kHz and is used for commercial radio broadcasts.

FM Band

The FM band is between 87.5 MHz and 108 MHz and is used for commercial radio broadcasts.

Aircraft Frequencies

Aircraft on international routes sometimes use SW. Most transmissions are in SSB, although you can still hear some MW transmissions. Here are some bands where you might hear aircraft communications.

4,650-4,750 kHz
6,545-6,765 kHz
8,815-9,040 kHz
11,175-11,400 kHz
13,200-13,360 kHz
15,010-15,100 kHz
17,900-18,030 kHz

Amateur Radio Frequencies

Amateur radio operators in the US operate mostly in LSB (Lower Side Band) mode. Morse code operators are generally found in the lower areas of each band. The amateur radio operators with the most advanced classification are found in the upper areas of each band.

Tuning to the amateur radio frequencies can be interesting and helpful, because amateur radio operators often broadcast emergency information when other means of communication break down. Portions of these bands are set aside for continuous wave (CW) Morse code communication or for single sideband (SSB) voice communications, as shown below.

Note: These ranges are not precisely observed everywhere in the world.

International Commercial Frequencies

International commercial broadcasts are found in the following shortwave bands. Programs (often in English) usually contain news, commentaries, music, and special features reflecting the culture of the broadcasting country. Reception for this range is best between 6:00 PM and midnight (your time).

* These bands are reserved for stations in topical areas.
** Interference is heavy in the 41m band (7.100-7.300 MHz) because amateur radio operators and international stations share this range.

Longwave Band

The 150-519 kHz range is known as the longwave band. Most stations in this range serve as beacons for aircraft and marine navigation by continuously transmitting their call letters. Reception for this range is best between 6:00 PM and midnight (your time).

Some ships also use this range, wit 500 kHz set aside as an international distress and emergency station.

Most stations in this range use CW (Morse code), although some use AM voice transmission for weather broadcasts.

Ship and Coastal Station Frequencies

Most transmissions from ships and coastal stations are in SSB and CW. You can hear these transmissions in the following bands:

2,000-2,300 kHz
4,063-4,139 kHz
4,361-4,438 kHz
8,195-8,181 kHz
12,330-12,420 kHz
13,107-13,200 kHz
16,460-16,565 kHz

* The Coast Guard and small boats use this band, with 2,182 kHz set aside as the international distress and emergency channel.

Time Standard Frequencies

The following frequencies announces the exact time of day at specified intervals.

WWV in Fort Collins, Colorado
2,500 kHz
5,000 kHz
10,000 kHz
15,000 kHz
20,000 kHz

CHU in Canada
7,335 kHz

VGN in Australia
4,500 and 12,000 kHz