Some 11m Calling/QSO Frequencies & Good Operating Practices

Frequency (MHz) Mode Usage
26.285 USB International call frequency
26.565 FM Unofficial DX channel in Germany (this is the German CB channel 41)
See: The CB Channels in Germany
26.575 FM Unofficial DX channel in Germany (this is the German CB channel 42)
See: The CB Channels in Germany
26.740–26.860 LSB Packet radio 1200 baud, PG frequencies

Frequencies of the Italian Packet Group (PG)

  • 26.740 MHz, LSB – Nodes and BBS master (local national network)
  • 26.810 MHz, LSB – Nodes and BBS local and international network
  • 26.820 MHz, LSB – Fwd among international BBS and users access
  • 26.830 MHz, LSB – Fwd among international BBS
  • 26.840 MHz, LSB – Frequency monitor, Fwd among international BBS and users access
  • 26.850 MHz, LSB – Nodes and BBS local and national network
  • 26.860 MHz, LSB – Fwd among international BBS
27.235 FM Packet radio in Europe
27.235 USB SSB frequency used in 21 div. Sweden
27.245 FM Packet radio in Europe
27.245 USB 11m ROS frequency (not so many stations, however). See pskreporter.info for stations on the map.
27.275 USB SSB calling frequency in the UK
27.285 USB SSB frequency used in 56 div. Finland
27.315 FM Call frequency in Europe
27.355 LSB Call frequency in Oceania
27.385 LSB Call and QSO frequency: USA, Canada, Alaska, etc.
See: http://www.delta-alfa.com/27-385-profile/
27.455 USB International call frequency in Latin America
27.500 USB CW – also PSK31 and some other digital modes
27.515 LSB Caribbean islands
27.555 USB International call frequency
27.580 USB KP members USA and around the world
27.635 USB 11m ROS frequency. See pskreporter.info for stations on the map.
27.700 USB SSTV call frequency
27.765 USB “Deutsche Welle”, German talking stations
27.781.25 FM This is 27/81 channel 19 in the UK

There is also a list of 11m call frequencies around the world on the DA website.

Good Practices

It's always a good practice to avoid having a QSO on a calling frequency – even if the propagation seems to be gone. There might be propagation even if you don't hear any radio traffic on the frequency at that moment.

It is also a good practice to always QSY after your general call. If you call CQ on a calling frequency and stand by waiting for calls, you're just creating more QRM to the call frequency, which is often already crowded with lots of stations calling.

You should avoid having QSOs on phone (talk) on or near any of the calling or digital mode frequencies. If you QSY from 27.555 to 27.560 or 27.565 and your signal is 9+ in all Europe, you're creating splatter to many listeners of the call frequency.

If somebody is calling a targeted CQ (CQ Outside of Europe, CQ Germany, CQ DX), only answer the call if you're in the targeted area.

Many 11m operators do not correctly understand the term DX. In Europe, we can consider stations in other continents (South America, Australia, etc.) a DX, as well as some rare countries in Europe that are not so often on air.

Good Practices When Working Activations Such as SES, IOTA, DX, etc.

Always write down the QSL info before calling. You can also listen for it afterwards or look it up on the Internet. Never ask for the QSL info on a frequency if there are many callers for the activity.

If there are many callers, always call by using your unit number only. If there are no other callers, it's enough to call by stating your callsign. The DX knows his own callsign, so there is no need to repeat it before giving your own call.

When you manage to get the progressive number or in the case of an “in the log” system without progressive numbers, a confirmation that you are in the log, just confirm the progressive number or that you're in the log. Also give an RS report to the operator, if you have not done that already. (To count it as a real QSO requires RS reports to be exchanged.)

Some Often Misunderstood Terms and Practices on 11 Meters

DXDistant X, distant unknown – On HF (11m) contacts to other continents and possibly to some rare DXCCs in your own continent.
The Q Code QRZQRZ is only used to ask the station calling you to repeat his callsign.
RS reportTo give an RS report there's no need to look at your signal meter. The RS report for a signal is given from the numbers on the RST scale, and each of those numbers has a meaning that needs to match with the signal you are hearing.
7373 means best regards. There are no 73's (best regards's); it is just 73 (seventy-three).

Anything to add?

If you find mistakes in the frequency list or have something to add, feel free to comment below.

comments powered by Disqus