The BARK Famous Frequency Guide.
Compiled by members of Boland Amateur Radio Klub in Cape Town which services the additional areas of the Cape Winelands and further afield to the farming communities of the Cape Province.
Guide suggested, researched and initiated by: Avron Lucas ZS1LA and researched, created and produced by Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
Comprehensive Guide to Radio Frequencies, Licensing, and Usage
This guide compiles a comprehensive list of radio frequencies across various categories, licensing details, and specific uses for amateur radio, air band, marine, CB radio, and more. It also includes regulations and operational guidelines to ensure effective and legal use of radio frequencies.
Amateur Radio Licensing
What Is an Amateur Radio License?
An amateur radio license is an authorization issued by a country’s regulatory authority (e.g., FCC in the US, ICASA in South Africa). It grants privileges to use specific radio frequencies for non-commercial purposes such as communication, experimentation, and emergency services.
License Classes:
Licenses in South Africa are divided in two classes, a Junior class and the senior class. South African classes and exams are not tiered and you only have to write and pas’s once to receive your full privileges across all bands.
Reciprocal Licensing:
Many countries have reciprocal agreements, allowing licensed operators to use their privileges abroad. For example, CEPT licensing permits operation across Europe.
Licensing Process
- Study: Prepare using online courses, study guides, or amateur radio clubs.
- Register for the Exam: Contact the regulatory body or accredited organizations. In South Africa this is regulated by the SARL www.sarl.org.za
- Training and study: Classes and training material is available from some clubs in South Africa, notably at BARK. Contact RAE@BARK.org.za for local training in the whole South Africa via live Online video and chat.
- Take the Exam: Pass a multiple-choice test covering radio theory, operating practices, and regulations. Bark usually have at least one but sometimes two training venues in our wider area. One exam centre will always be in Cape Town North or Stellenbosch.
- Apply for a License: Submit your application, exam results, and fees (if applicable). All this must be arranged beforehand, contact rae@sarl.org.za or RAE@BARK.org.za
- Receive Your Call Sign: Once approved, you’ll receive a unique call sign.
Amateur Radio Bands and Their Uses
HF Bands (High Frequency)
Band (Meters) | Frequency Range (MHz) | Mode | Common Uses |
160 | 1.810 – 2.000 | SSB/CW | DX, contesting, and regional nets |
80 | 3.500 – 3.800 | SSB/CW | Local/regional communication |
40 | 7.000 – 7.200 | SSB/CW | Daytime nets, DX |
20 | 14.000 – 14.350 | SSB/CW | Global DX, contests |
10 | 28.000 – 29.700 | SSB/FM | Local FM repeaters, solar peaks |
HF Band Call Frequencies
Band (Meters) | Mode | Call Frequency (MHz) |
160 | CW | 1.810 |
80 | CW | 3.560 |
40 | CW | 7.030 |
20 | CW | 14.060 |
10 | CW | 28.060 |
160 | SSB | 1.850 |
80 | SSB | 3.750 |
40 | SSB | 7.150 |
20 | SSB | 14.200 |
10 | SSB | 28.400 |
Digital Modes on HF Bands
Band (Meters) | Frequency Range (MHz) | Mode | Common Digital Calling Frequencies (MHz) |
160 | 1.810 – 2.000 | FT8 | 1.840 |
80 | 3.500 – 3.800 | FT8 | 3.573 |
40 | 7.000 – 7.200 | FT8 | 7.074 |
20 | 14.000 – 14.350 | FT8 | 14.074 |
VHF and UHF Bands
Band | Frequency Range (MHz) | Mode | Common Uses |
6 Meters | 50.000 – 54.000 | SSB | DX during Sporadic-E openings |
2 Meters | 144.000 – 148.000 | FM | Local repeaters, emergency nets |
70 cm | 430.000 – 440.000 | FM | Digital modes, satellite contacts |
Airband Frequencies
HF Airband Frequencies
Frequency (kHz) | Mode | Description | Area |
2854 | USB | SAT Communication | South Atlantic |
3013 | USB | Johannesburg (SAA Operations) | Springbok |
8826 | USB | Johannesburg ATC | Johannesburg |
VHF Airband Frequencies
Frequency (MHz) | Description | Notes |
118.100 | Cape Town Tower (FACT TWR) | Relay on 453.925 MHz FM |
121.500 | International Emergency Guard Frequency | Mayday Channel |
127.000 | Cape Town ATIS | Continuous broadcasts |
Marine Frequencies
General Marine Frequencies
Frequency (MHz) | Mode | Description | Notes |
156.300 | FM | Intership/Yacht Racing | Channel 06 |
156.800 | FM | International Distress | Channel 16 |
Expanded Marine Frequencies
Frequency (kHz) | Mode | Description | Notes |
6215 | USB | Simplex Distress/Calling | ITU Standard |
2182 | USB | Cape Town Radio | Distress/Calling |
CB Radio Frequencies
Frequency (MHz) | Mode | Description |
27.185 | AM/USB | Truckers Channel 19 |
27.275 | AM/USB | General Calling |
PMR Frequencies
Frequency (MHz) | Mode | Description |
446.00625 | FM | Free Public Access |
446.09375 | FM | Free Public Access |
Specialized Channels
Frequency (MHz) | Mode | Description |
433.075 | FM | Remote Control Channel 1 |
433.150 | FM | Remote Control Channel 4 |
435.000 | FM | Satellite Uplink |
437.000 | FM | Satellite Downlink |
ORRA 4X4 Frequencies
Amateur Radio Regulations
- Frequency Allocations: Operate only on designated amateur bands.
- Power Limits: Adhere to maximum power levels to avoid interference.
- Prohibited Activities: No broadcasting, encryption, or commercial use.
- Emergency Use: Amateur radio can support emergency communications during disasters.
- Station Identification: Identify your station with your call sign at regular intervals.
For more details, refer to national regulations or the ITU Amateur Radio Guidelines.
The Off-Road Radio Association (ORRA) in South Africa manages specific radio frequencies for 4×4 enthusiasts to facilitate effective communication during off-road activities.
ORRA 4×4 Frequencies:
ORRA administers both 29 MHz and VHF (Very High Frequency) channels for off-road communication.
29 MHz Frequencies:
The 29 MHz band, often referred to as “29 Megs,” includes several channels allocated for various services, including off-road activities.
For 4×4 use, the following channels are commonly utilized:
Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Assigned Use |
14 | 29.8725 | 4×4 Off-Road Use |
15 | 29.8850 | 4×4 Off-Road Use |
16 | 29.8975 | 4×4 Off-Road Use |
VHF Frequencies:
In addition to the 29 MHz channels, ORRA has been allocated VHF frequencies for 4×4 communication.
These frequencies are in the high-band VHF section (approximately 146 MHz to 174 MHz).
The specific VHF frequencies assigned to ORRA are managed internally and are available to licensed members.
Usage Rules:
- Licensing: All radio transmitting equipment used within South Africa is required to be licensed by the end user with ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) as per the Telecommunications Act.
ORRA facilitates this process by issuing user authorizations to members of recognized off-road clubs, allowing them to legally use the ORRA frequencies within South Africa.
- Equipment: Only approved radio equipment should be used.
Modifying radios to operate on ORRA frequencies is not recommended due to technical and legal implications.
Ensure that your equipment is compatible with the assigned frequencies and meets the necessary technical standards.
- Conduct: Users must adhere to proper radio etiquette, keeping communications concise and relevant to off-road activities.
Since the frequencies are shared, it’s important to respect other users on the channel and be aware that communications are not private.
Licensing Process:
To obtain a license:
- Membership: Join a recognized off-road club affiliated with ORRA.
- Application: Submit an application through your club to ORRA, providing necessary personal details and information about your radio equipment.
- Approval: Upon approval, ORRA will issue a user authorization card, granting you legal access to the designated frequencies.
This authorization allows you to use the ORRA frequencies within the boundaries of the Republic of South Africa.
For trips to neighboring countries like Namibia and Botswana, additional authorizations or temporary licenses may be required.
Members planning such trips should contact ORRA’s administrator at least four weeks before departure to obtain the necessary documentation.
The Off-Road Radio Association (ORRA) in South Africa manages specific VHF frequencies for 4×4 communication. These frequencies are allocated to facilitate effective communication among off-road enthusiasts and are shared with other users. To minimize interference, ORRA employs Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) tones, which allow multiple user groups to share the same frequency without overhearing each other’s communications.
ORRA VHF Frequencies and Channel Assignments:
Channel | Frequency (MHz) | CTCSS Tone (Hz) | Purpose |
ORRA1 | 161.1500 | 131.8 | Primary communication channel with tone 131.8 Hz |
ORRA2 | 160.4500 | 131.8 | Secondary communication channel with tone 131.8 Hz |
ORRA3 | 161.1500 | 118.8 | Alternate communication channel with tone 118.8 Hz |
ORRA4 | 160.4500 | 118.8 | Alternate communication channel with tone 118.8 Hz |
ORRA5 | 152.6625 | 131.8 | Additional communication channel with tone 131.8 Hz |
ORRA6 | 152.6625 | 118.8 | Additional communication channel with tone 118.8 Hz |
ORRA7 | 152.6625 | None | Communication channel without CTCSS tone; open to all users |
ORRA8 | 161.1500 | None | Communication channel without CTCSS tone; open to all users |
ORRA9 | 160.4500 | None | Communication channel without CTCSS tone; open to all users |
Note: Channels without a CTCSS tone (ORRA7, ORRA8, ORRA9) are open to all users and may experience more interference.
Purpose of Each Channel:
- ORRA1 and ORRA2: Primary and secondary channels for general 4×4 communication among ORRA members, utilizing a 131.8 Hz CTCSS tone to reduce interference.
- ORRA3 and ORRA4: Alternate channels with a 118.8 Hz CTCSS tone, providing additional options for communication when primary channels are busy.
- ORRA5 and ORRA6: Additional channels operating on a different frequency (152.6625 MHz) with 131.8 Hz and 118.8 Hz CTCSS tones, respectively, offering flexibility in various communication scenarios.
- ORRA7, ORRA8, and ORRA9: Channels without CTCSS tones, open to all users. These channels may be more susceptible to interference due to the absence of tone filtering.
Usage Guidelines:
- Licensing: Operating on these frequencies requires a valid user authorization from ORRA, which acts as a licensing body in collaboration with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
- Equipment: Users must utilize VHF radios capable of operating within the 146–174 MHz frequency band and programmed with the correct frequencies and CTCSS tones as per ORRA’s specifications.
- Etiquette: Adhere to proper radio communication protocols, keep transmissions concise, and avoid unnecessary chatter to ensure efficient use of the shared channels.
- Interference: Be mindful that these frequencies are shared with other users. The use of CTCSS tones helps minimize interference, but users should remain courteous and avoid disrupting ongoing communications.
For more detailed information and to apply for user authorization, please visit ORRA’s official website: