IARU Region 2 Bandplan

IARU Region 2 — Six Metres
50 MHz Band Plan • 50–54 MHz
North, Central and South America

About the Region 2 Band Plan

The IARU Region 2 band plan provides a common framework for amateur radio operation on six metres throughout Region 2. The 50 MHz band is particularly important for long-distance propagation, including Sporadic-E, F2, meteor scatter, auroral and other forms of propagation.

The IARU band plan is a guide for amateur radio operators. National frequency allocations and licensing conditions always take precedence.

Important
The IARU Region 2 band plan is a voluntary operating guide. Always check the regulations and band plan applicable in your own country before transmitting.

50 MHz Band Plan

Frequency Channel / Bandwidth Mode / Usage Notes
50.000–50.100 MHz 500 Hz CW / Beacons CW and beacon operation. Beacon activity is concentrated within the internationally coordinated beacon segment.
50.100–50.125 MHz 2700 Hz CW / SSB DX window. 50.110 MHz is the Region 2 international DX calling frequency.
50.125–50.400 MHz 2700 Hz CW / SSB / Digital General amateur operation. 50.305 MHz is identified as a PSK centre of activity.
50.400–50.500 MHz 2700 Hz All modes / Beacons All-mode operation including coordinated digital beacon activity.
50.500–50.600 MHz 2700 Hz All modes All-mode operation and coordinated digital systems.
50.600–50.800 MHz 12 kHz All modes Wider-bandwidth operation and coordinated digital systems.
50.800–51.000 MHz 12 kHz All modes Wideband channels and radio remote-control applications where permitted.
51.000–51.110 MHz 2700 Hz CW / SSB DX operation.
51.110–51.480 MHz 12 kHz FM / DV Repeater input section. Channel spacing is 10 kHz.
51.500–51.600 MHz 12 kHz FM / DV Simplex operation.
51.620–51.980 MHz 12 kHz FM / DV Repeater output section. Channel spacing is 10 kHz.
52.000–52.100 MHz 12 kHz FM / DV Internet Voice Gateway (IVG) operation and related FM/DV activity.
52.100–54.000 MHz 12 kHz All modes General amateur operation.

Six-Metre DX Operating

Six metres can behave as a local VHF band one moment and a worldwide DX band the next. Operators should therefore monitor the band carefully and avoid occupying frequencies unnecessarily during periods of propagation.

50.110 MHz
International DX calling frequency. Avoid prolonged QSOs here and move contacts to another suitable frequency.
50.125 MHz
Marks the upper edge of the Region 2 DX window identified in the band plan.
50.305 MHz
PSK centre of activity identified by the Region 2 band plan.

Propagation Modes on Six Metres

Sporadic-E
One of the most common causes of long-distance six-metre openings, particularly during the summer months.
F2 Propagation
During periods of suitable solar activity, six metres can support very-long-distance and intercontinental contacts.
Meteor Scatter
Short-lived ionised meteor trails can provide contacts over several hundred to more than a thousand kilometres.
Aurora
Geomagnetic disturbances can produce unusual propagation and distorted auroral signals on six metres.

Quick Reference

Amateur band 50–54 MHz
DX calling 50.110 MHz
DX window 50.100–50.125 MHz
PSK centre 50.305 MHz
FM/DV repeater inputs 51.110–51.480 MHz
FM/DV simplex 51.500–51.600 MHz
FM/DV repeater outputs 51.620–51.980 MHz
Six Metres Worldwide

Band plans differ between IARU Regions 1, 2 and 3. Frequencies used for calling, digital modes, beacons, repeaters and other specialised activity should therefore be checked against the appropriate regional and national band plan.

Source:
IARU Region 2 — Amateur Radio Band Plans and revised Region 2 band-plan guidance.

The IARU Region 2 band plan is intended as guidance and does not replace national amateur radio regulations.
UK Six Metre Group • IARU Region 2 Six-Metre Band Plan