root@localhost:~# chmod +x hf_bands.sh

root@localhost:~# ./hf_bands.sh

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HF and adjacent MF bands reference

HF is formally 3–30 MHz; the commonly referenced 160 m and 120 m bands below 3 MHz are MF. R1, R2, and R3 below denote the three ITU Regions. Allocations also depend on national rules.

Common amateur and shortwave broadcast bands, in frequency order
Band Frequency range (MHz) Type / allocations Typical uses / notes
160 m 1.8 – 2.0 Amateur (region-dependent) DX at night; NVIS for local comms; narrow bandwidths; noisy but fun.
120 m 2.3 – 2.495 National broadcast (tropical-zone allocation) "Tropical band" broadcasting; technically MF but often listed with shortwave.
90 m 3.2 – 3.4 National broadcast (tropical-zone allocation) Tropical broadcasts; mainly nighttime/early morning.
80 m 3.5 – 4.0 Amateur / shared (region-dependent) Nighttime DX; solid regional propagation; allocation differences by ITU region.
75 m 3.9 – 4.0 National broadcast (Regions 1 and 3) Allocated at 3.95–4.0 MHz in Region 1 and 3.9–4.0 MHz in Region 3; not allocated to broadcasting in Region 2.
60 m (broadcast) 4.75 – 4.995;5.005 – 5.06 National broadcast (tropical-zone allocation) Tropical local broadcasts; the 5.000 MHz standard-frequency allocation separates the two segments.
60 m (amateur) 5.3515 – 5.3665 Amateur, secondary (national rules vary) WRC-15 segment; some countries also authorize discrete channels outside it. Useful "in-between" propagation when 40 m is long and 80 m is short.
49 m 5.9 – 6.2 International broadcast (ITU) Good year-round nighttime band; weak daytime long-distance.
40 m 7.0 – 7.2 (R1/R3);7.0 – 7.3 (R2) Amateur (region-dependent) Classic night DX and NVIS; national allocations may differ.
41 m 7.2 – 7.45 (R1/R3);7.3 – 7.4 (R2) International broadcast (region-dependent) Evening and nighttime broadcasting; overlaps differ by ITU region.
31 m 9.4 – 9.9 International broadcast (ITU) Busy international broadcast band; often strong evenings/nights.
30 m 10.100 – 10.150 Amateur, secondary (national rules vary) Band plans favor CW and narrowband data; voice may be prohibited or limited by national rules. Reliable for regional and long-haul paths.
25 m 11.6 – 12.1 International broadcast (ITU) Often good around sunset and during summer daytime.
22 m 13.57 – 13.87 International broadcast (ITU) Similar feel to 19 m; daytime band with seasonal variation.
20 m 14.000 – 14.350 Amateur; amateur-satellite to 14.25 MHz Primary long-distance DX band; excellent daytime propagation.
19 m 15.1 – 15.8 International broadcast (ITU) Strong daytime performance; includes time/standard-frequency stations nearby.
16 m 17.48 – 17.9 International broadcast (ITU) Daytime band; can open surprisingly far with decent solar conditions.
17 m 18.068 – 18.168 Amateur / amateur-satellite Good daytime DX and sunset paths; quieter than adjacent bands.
15 m 21.000 – 21.450 Amateur / amateur-satellite Daytime DX during moderate/high solar activity; quiet at night.
13 m 21.45 – 21.85 International broadcast (ITU) Mostly daytime; can be erratic; minimal night reception.
12 m 24.890 – 24.990 Amateur / amateur-satellite Daytime DX when solar conditions support the higher HF bands.
11 m 25.67 – 26.1 International broadcast (ITU) Daytime shortwave broadcasting; most useful during strong solar conditions.
10 m 28.000 – 29.700 Amateur / amateur-satellite VHF-like at solar maxima; excellent daytime DX when it opens.
HF overall 3 – 30 ITU High Frequency band Broadcasting, amateur, maritime, aero, and fixed services; ionospheric skywave propagation.

Tip: If you’re tuning around, try USB for aviation/maritime services, AM for broadcasters, and CW / narrow filters for beacons and time stations.

Interesting HF and adjacent MF frequencies to listen for

Availability varies by region and time of day.

VOLMET (aviation weather)

Time / frequency stations

Weatherfax (RADIOFAX)

Maritime HF distress / calling

Bonus