2-millimeter band
The 2-millimeter band is a portion of the EHF (microwave) radio spectrum internationally allocated to amateur radio and amateur satellite use. The band is between 134 GHz and 141 GHz.[1]
Due to the lack of commercial off the shelf radios, amateurs who operate on the 2 mm band must design and construct their own equipment, and those who do, often attempt to set communication distance records for the band.
Allocation
The International Telecommunication Union allocates 134 GHz to 141 GHz to amateur radio and amateur satellites. Amateurs operate on a primary basis between 134 GHz and 136 GHz and on a secondary basis in the rest of the band. As such, amateurs must protect the radio astronomy and radiolocation services from harmful interference, which share the band with amateurs between 136 GHz and 141 GHz. The ITU's allocations are the same in all three ITU Regions.[1]
List of notable frequencies
History
The allocation was introduced as a result of changes at ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference 2000. Prior to this the amateur allocation was 142-144 GHz Primary and 144-149 GHz Secondary.
Distance records
The first 2 mm distance record, and still standing longest distance achieved on the band, was set by US stations WA1ZMS and W4WWQ, who established contact at 114.4 kilometres (71.1 mi) on February 26, 2006.[4]
The longest distance achieved on 2 mm in the United Kingdom was 35.6 kilometres (22.1 mi) between stations G8ACE and G8KQW on January 16 2016.[5]
In Australia, the 2 mm distance record was 19 kilometres (12 mi) set by stations VK3CV and VK3NH on June 11, 2020.[6]
See also
References
- ^ a b "FCC Online Table of Frequency Allocations" (PDF). 47 C.F.R. Federal Communications Commission. May 7, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
- ^ "VHF Managers Handbook" (PDF). 7. International Amateur Radio Union Region 1. January 2015. p. 55. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
- ^ "IARU Region 2 Band Plan" (PDF). International Amateur Radio Union Region 2. October 14, 2016. p. 16.
- ^ "Distance Records" (PDF). Amateur Radio Relay League. May 21, 2019. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
- ^ Day, Peter; Qaurmby, John (May 9, 2019). "Microwave Distance Records". UK Microwave Group. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
- ^ "Australian VHF - UHF Records" (PDF). Wireless Institute of Australia. January 23, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 1, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
External links
- UK Microwave Group's 134 GHz page
- First 134 GHz VUCC - Mount Greylock Expeditionary Force
- An Example of Gear for the 145GHz Amateur Band - Mount Greylock Expeditionary Force
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