P26
The Frequency Spectrum
The Amateur Radio Frequency Spectrum
An important part of Amateur Radio is to understand the extents of the radio frequency spectrum. Amateur Radio allocations are within these sections from LF to SHF
The ACMA has an excellent description of the spectrum and two wall charts which describe how frequencies are used in Australia.
Visit: https://www.acma.gov.au/what-spectrum
This chart is downloadable from the ACMA at:
This chart is downloadable from the ACMA at:
While these charts provide a detailed view of the spectrum, Amateur Radio exists as a series of narrow allocations within the entire spectrum.
An approximation of the Amateur band allocations are shown below:
RASA has produced a more operator friendly band plan which highlights Amateur Radio spectrum allocations and the correct usage of transmission methods within these areas.
This may be downloaded at:
https://vkradioamateurs.org/its-my-frequency-and-ill-cry-if-i-want-to/
Amateur Radio bands are divided into three different qualification levels. Advanced (A), Standard (S), Foundation (F). Each level has differences in the maximum permitted transmitter power and some variation in the bands and frequencies that may be accessed. The frequency ranges for each qualification is shown below:
Not all frequencies are exclusive to Amateur Operators
The Amateur Service operates on frequency bands set aside for their use, some of which are shared with other services on a non-interference basis. For the allocations we share with other users, we are referred to as Secondary Users. For the allocations dedicated to us, we are the Primary Users.
It is important to note that different countries and regions may have slightly different amateur radio band allocations and other restrictions.
The Foundation Level Study Guide
All Blue Tiles form part of the syllabus for the Foundation Level Recognition Certificate (operator licence). A primary source of information for many of the blue tile topics can be found within the Foundation Level Study Guide. This is a free download available at:
https://vkradioamateurs.org/flsg/ This is a digital book and contains many links to other resources and explanatory videos.
Information about the frequency spectrum relevant to Foundation Level Qualifications can be found in this book on Page 7 under the chapter The Nature of Amateur Radio
ACMA Syllabus Extract
According to the ACMA Foundation Syllabus, the required knowledge on this topic is:
1.2 Types of Licenses
Recall that amateur radio activities are authorised under the Amateur Class Licence and the Amateur LCD for beacon and repeater stations. Other forms of licences authorise different types of radiocommunications, such as citizens band (CB), land mobile, point-to-point links and broadcasting.
Recall that the amateur service operates on frequency bands allocated for amateur use. Recall that the amateur service shares some frequency bands with other services.
1.3 Allocation of Frequency Bands
Recall that services, such as broadcasting, aeronautical and maritime services, are allocated frequency bands appropriate to their purpose.
2.9 Authorised Frequency Bands and Emissions
Recall the Amateur Class Licence authorises operation on certain frequency bands. Recall in which document the bands are specified.
This Is Amateur Radio 
