14 MHz sits at the balance point. It is low enough that even a weak ionosphere still bends it, and high enough that the daytime absorbing layer cannot swallow it.
14 MHz sits at the balance point. It is low enough that even a weak ionosphere still bends it, and high enough that the daytime absorbing layer cannot swallow it. That combination means 20 meters is open to somewhere on earth nearly around the clock.
From the States it favors Europe in your morning — their afternoon — and the Pacific in your afternoon. The Ham Radio IQ app shows which way the path is good right now.
When a geomagnetic storm hits, 20 loses the polar routes first. For example, a K of 3 means aim east-southeast rather than over the top of the globe.
| FREQUENCY (MHz) | MODE | LICENSE CLASS |
|---|---|---|
| 14.000–14.025 | CW | Extra |
| 14.025–14.150 | CW / RTTY / data | General, Advanced, Extra |
| 14.150–14.175 | Voice | Extra |
| 14.175–14.225 | Voice | Advanced, Extra |
| 14.225–14.350 | Voice | General, Advanced, Extra |