Which Frequency to Use
A simple rule of thumb for which frequency to use is as follows:
The higher the sun the higher the frequency. The lower the sun, the lower the frequency.
For example, midday, use 5360 kHz or 5300 kHz. At night, use a 2 MHz frequency (eg 2280kHz).
The primary day-time frequencies are 5300kHz (northern half of the State) and 5360kHz (southern half). At night, the 2MHz frequency (see table below) at the site closest to you should be selected.
|
Derby
|
6945
|
5300
|
2792
|
|
|
Port Hedland
|
6960
|
4030
|
2280
|
5300
|
|
Carnarvon
|
6890
|
4045
|
2280
|
5360
|
|
Meekatharra
|
6880
|
4010
|
2280
|
5360
|
|
Kalgoorlie
|
6825
|
5360
|
2656
|
|
Remember, the above frequencies can only be activated by the Emergency Call button on your radio
HF radio can be fickle. A frequency that works well today may be completely un-useable tomorrow. Phenomena such as solar ‘sunspot’ activity and electro-magnetic interference from car ignitions and power lines can adversely affect radio waves. Even severe weather conditions can affect reception.
Persevere, and if all else fails, wait a while and then try again.
If calls on the above frequencies fail to get a response after several attempts, select a frequency from the table above using the guidelines in the section “Communicating with HF Radio”.