Band Guides
Complete reference guides for every HF and VHF band: propagation modes, best times, seasonal patterns.
Day vs. Night HF Propagation: How the Sun Changes Which Bands Work
The sun controls HF propagation through ionospheric layer creation and destruction. Learn which bands work best at day vs. night and why the transition matters.
beginnerIs 10 Meters Open? The Complete 10m Band Guide
10m opens via F2 propagation above SFI 120 during daylight, or via sporadic-E any time May–August. Live conditions, SFI thresholds, and operating tips.
advancedBand Strategy for HF Contests: Which Bands to Work When (With Propagation Forecast)
A data-driven guide to HF contest band strategy: when to run 10m vs 20m vs 40m, how solar conditions change the plan, and how to use DXRadar for contest prep.
beginnerCB Radio Propagation: How 11 Meters Works (and Why It Overlaps with Ham Radio)
CB radio operates on 27 MHz — right below the amateur 10m band. At solar maximum, 11m skip propagation goes global. Here's the science and what CB operators should know.
beginnerWhat Are the Best HF Bands Right Now? (Live Answer)
A live-updated guide to the best HF bands open right now based on current SFI, K-index, time of day, and season. Includes a decision flowchart for any conditions.
beginnerHam Radio Band Plan Explained: Frequencies, Modes, and Etiquette by Band
The ham radio band plan divides HF frequencies into mode sub-bands by international agreement. Complete guide covering all HF bands from 160m to 10m with etiquette.
intermediate6 Meters — The Magic Band: Sporadic-E, Aurora Scatter, and Meteor Scatter Guide
50 MHz offers sporadic-E, F2, TEP, aurora scatter, and meteor scatter. Learn each propagation mode, band plan, and operating strategies for 6m DX.
intermediate80 Meters: Nighttime DX and Daytime Regional — The Complete 80m Guide
80m (3.5–4.0 MHz) excels at nighttime DX and daytime NVIS. Learn D-layer effects, noise management, and storm-resistant propagation with live band data.
intermediate40 Meters: The Day-and-Night Band — NVIS, DX, and Regional Communication
40 meters works around the clock: NVIS for regional EmComm by day, global DX by night. Complete propagation guide with SFI thresholds, mode segments, and operating tips.
beginner20 Meters: The Band That's Always Open — Complete Propagation Guide
20m (14 MHz) is the most consistently open HF DX band, productive from SFI 70 through solar maximum. Complete band plan, day/night behaviour, and operating guide with live data.
intermediate17 Meters: The Quiet WARC Band — Why It's a Hidden DX Gem
17 meters is a WARC band with no contesting, excellent DX propagation similar to 15m, and far less crowding. The complete guide to 18 MHz operating.
advanced160 Meters — Top Band: The Challenging and Rewarding Low-Band DX Guide
160m (1.8–2.0 MHz) is the most demanding HF band. Antennas, noise, propagation, and operating strategies for Top Band DX, with seasonal and geomagnetic guidance.
intermediate12 Meters: The Forgotten Band Between 10m and 15m
12 meters is a WARC band that opens like 10m but stays usable longer. Discover when 24 MHz works, what SFI it needs, and why serious DXers love it.
intermediate15 Meters: The Workhorse DX Band — Complete Propagation Guide
15m (21 MHz) opens above SFI 90 and carries excellent F2 DX when 10m is marginal. Complete band plan, propagation thresholds, and operating strategies with live data.
beginnerThe Complete 10 Meter Band Guide: When It Opens, Where It Goes, How to Work It
10 meters (28-29.7 MHz) is the highest HF band, driven by F2 propagation above SFI 120. Learn opening conditions, band plan, and 10m DX tactics.