A frequency counter measures the number of oscillations or oscillations per second of an electrical signal and displays this in Hertz (Hz). The device uses a time base reference oscillator, which is very precise, to determine the length of a measurement interval. During this interval, the frequency counter counts the number of oscillations of the input signal. After the measurement interval has expired, the device calculates the frequency based on the number of oscillations counted and the duration of the measurement interval. The accuracy of the frequency counter depends on the precision of the time base reference oscillator. Modern frequency counters can measure very high frequencies with great accuracy and are an indispensable tool in the area of amateur radio to precisely determine the frequency of transmitters or other signal sources.
In many countries you, as a radio amateur or as an interested person, are allowed to listen to public frequencies such as aviation radio, amateur radio or marine radio. However, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the specific legal regulations in your country as listening on certain frequencies may be restricted or illegal. For example, in most countries, intercepting police, emergency services, military communications, or other encrypted communications services is not permitted without appropriate authorization. Always check local legislation before listening to frequencies.
Amateur radio uses different frequency bands for different types of communication and distances. In general, licensed radio amateurs operate on frequency bands assigned by the International Telecommunications Union and national authorities. These bands range from 1.8 MHz (160 meter band) to 250 GHz and above. Each band has specific properties and is therefore used for different purposes:
- Shortwave (1.8 MHz to 30 MHz): Suitable for international communication over long distances through reflection from the ionosphere.
- VHF (144 MHz to 148 MHz): Used for local and regional communications with clear and interference-free transmission.
- UHF (430 MHz to 440 MHz): Similar to VHF but tends to have a shorter range, suitable for urban environments and for use in conjunction with relay stations.
Each band has different segments reserved for different transmission modes such as telephony, CW (Morse code), digital modes and satellite communications. Radio amateurs choose the frequency according
The range (not only) in amateur radio depends heavily on the frequencies used and the current propagation conditions. In general, long waves (LW) and medium waves (MW) have a longer range in ground wave propagation and can span hundreds of kilometers, especially at night. Short waves (HF) use ionospheric reflection and can enable global communication. Ultra-short waves (VHF) typically provide very clear quality but have a limited range, limited primarily to line-of-sight. The effective range can be influenced by factors such as antenna type, transmission power and geographical features.
In Germany, frequency allocations for the amateur radio service are generally subject to registration. After successfully passing an amateur radio test, the Federal Network Agency issues an individual call sign assignment, which entitles the user to use the amateur radio bands. These bands lie in different frequency ranges from LF to microwave frequencies. It is necessary to register with the Federal Network Agency before putting an amateur radio station into operation for the first time and to comply with the relevant legal framework. It should be noted that the terms of use and frequencies can change, so you should always pay attention to the current legislation and the publications of the Federal Network Agency. A frequency allocation made by the BNetzA as part of commercial radio is also subject to a fee and is based on the frequency fee regulations.
DVB-T2, the system for digital terrestrial television, does not transmit in the amateur radio frequency range, but in the UHF range between approximately 470 MHz and 790 MHz, depending on national allocations and regulations.
There are several ways to carry out radio operations on different frequencies and with approved devices, even without purchasing an amateur radio license. Primarily worth mentioning are: CB radio (26.565 – 27.405 MHz); Freenet (149.0250 – 149.1125 MHz); PMR446 (446.00625 - 446.196875 MHz). It is important to check current regional regulations before use as regulations are subject to change and vary internationally.
In the world of amateur radio, a "frequency" is not a purchasable commodity, but rather part of the radio frequency spectrum managed by government authorities. To use certain frequency bands, radio amateurs are typically required to obtain a license after passing an exam that certifies their technical knowledge and understanding of regulations. The cost of such a license varies depending on the country, but the use of the frequencies themselves is usually free once the license has been obtained, as long as one adheres to the rules and regulations that apply to the licensed frequency band. For radio amateurs in Germany, the Federal Network Agency charges an annual fee for frequency use as well as an EMV fee totaling approximately EUR 30. There are also one-off fees that must be paid annually when allocating frequencies that are used for commercial radio.
In Germany, the police radio frequencies are in the BOS radio range (authorities and organizations with security tasks) and are not accessible for public use. These frequencies are predominantly in the range from 380 MHz to 385 MHz and from 390 MHz to 395 MHz, which are used for digital TETRA radio. Unauthorized persons do not have access to these frequencies and should stick to frequencies that are legally usable by the public to avoid interference and comply with legal regulations.
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