Johnson City-Washington County TN ARES

07/13/2026

Just something to pass along to everyone!!!

07/13/2026

Understanding the HF (High Frequency) amateur radio bands is essential for choosing the right frequency for reliable communication. HF covers 3–30 MHz and is widely used for local, regional, and worldwide contacts because signals can travel long distances by reflecting from the ionosphere.

80 meters (3.5–4.0 MHz) performs best at night and is ideal for local nets, emergency communications, and DX. 40 meters (7.0–7.3 MHz) is one of the most versatile bands, providing regional coverage during the day and excellent long-distance communication after sunset. 20 meters (14.0–14.35 MHz) is the most popular DX band, offering dependable worldwide communication during daylight hours. 15 meters (21.0–21.45 MHz) and 10 meters (28.0–29.7 MHz) deliver outstanding long-distance performance when solar activity is high, making them favorites for DX and contests.

HF propagation mainly relies on ground wave for nearby coverage and skywave (ionospheric propagation) for long-distance communication. Selecting the right band based on time of day and solar conditions can significantly improve communication range and signal quality.

07/13/2026

VHF and UHF amateur radio bands are widely used for reliable voice, digital, satellite, and emergency communications. This chart covers the most common amateur allocations from 50 MHz to 2450 MHz, including 6 m, 4 m, 2 m, 1.25 m, 70 cm, 33 cm, 23 cm, and 13 cm. Each band has unique characteristics, operating frequencies, typical applications, and recommended antennas such as Yagi, J-pole, vertical, helical, and dish antennas. Most VHF and UHF signals travel by line-of-sight, making them ideal for local communication through repeaters, mobile operation, and public service events. Under favorable weather conditions, tropospheric propagation can extend communication well beyond the normal radio horizon, allowing long-distance contacts. Higher-frequency UHF bands are also popular for digital modes, amateur satellites, microwave experiments, and high-speed data links. Selecting the proper band and antenna helps maximize communication range, signal quality, and overall station performance.

04/27/2026

Would love to hear some feedback from Club Members on this logo

01/14/2025

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers

12/28/2024

Congratulations to Chason Freeman N4JFD, on his appointment as Emergency Coordinator for Johnson City-Washington County ARES.

Chason has served as an Assistant Coordinator since 2019.

George Odom
K4ETN
District Emergency Coordinator
TN ARES District 9

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