2 meters band
2 meters is the busiest VHF band — the home of local FM repeaters and simplex, plus a serious weak-signal (SSB/CW) and satellite community.
Propagation & character
Mostly line-of-sight out to 50–100 miles, extended by tropospheric ducting, sporadic-E, aurora, and meteor scatter. Repeaters greatly extend practical range.
What 2 meters is used for
FM repeaters and simplex (146.52 MHz calling), SSB/CW weak-signal near 144.1–144.3, satellites, APRS on 144.39, and digital voice.
Operating tips
- Most new hams start here — an HT and a local repeater are all you need to get going.
- The SSB/CW “weak-signal” segment is a different world from FM, using Yagis and horizontal polarization.
- 144.390 MHz is the North American APRS frequency.
Antennas for 2 meters
A half-wave dipole for 2 meters is about 3.2 ft (1.0 m) end to end. Work out an exact starting length with the antenna calculator, then trim for lowest SWR.
2 meters band FAQ
What frequencies is the 2 meters band?
The 2 meters band covers 144.000–148.000 MHz — part of the very high frequency (VHF) spectrum. Common modes are FM, SSB, CW, digital, satellite.
What is the 2 meters band used for?
FM repeaters and simplex (146.52 MHz calling), SSB/CW weak-signal near 144.1–144.3, satellites, APRS on 144.39, and digital voice.
What license do you need to use 2 meters?
All classes, including Technician (full privileges).
How long is a dipole for 2 meters?
A half-wave dipole for 2 meters is about 3.2 ft (1.0 m) end to end, with each leg half that. Use the HamDaily antenna calculator for an exact starting length, then trim to resonance.