There are bands in amateur radio that always work — 20 metres, for example. There are bands that only come alive at night, like 80 and 160 metres. And then there is the 10-metre band: a band that can be dead silent for years and then suddenly explodes into life. That is exactly what is happening right now. Thanks to the sunspot maximum of Solar Cycle 25, 28 MHz is open again — and better than it has been in over a decade.
If you have been avoiding 10 metres so far, now is the perfect time to discover this fascinating band. With the simplest of antennas and modest power, worldwide contacts are possible — sometimes even with a handheld radio.
A Brief History of the 10-Metre Band
The 10-metre band extends from 28.000 to 29.700 MHz and is the highest of the classic shortwave bands. It was allocated to radio amateurs as early as the 1920s, when frequencies above 30 MHz were still considered largely useless. How wrong they were soon became apparent: during high solar activity, ionospheric refraction on 10 metres enables contacts around the globe — with signal strengths reminiscent of VHF.
In Austria, the 10-metre band has a particular tradition. During the peak phases of Solar Cycles 19 (1957) and 22 (1989), OE stations reported spectacular DX contacts. The band was a playground for FM simplex operation, SSB DX chasing and experimental modes. But during sunspot minima — such as 2018 to 2022 — 28 MHz was often silent for days on end.
Why 10 Metres Is Alive Again: Solar Cycle 25
Solar Cycle 25 has reached or passed its maximum. The sunspot number (SSN) has regularly exceeded 150 in recent months, and the Solar Flux Index (SFI) has been oscillating between 180 and 250. These are values at which the 10-metre band truly flourishes.
What does this mean in practice? The F2 layer of the ionosphere becomes so heavily ionised by high solar radiation that it can reflect frequencies up to 28 MHz and beyond. The Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) regularly rises above 30 MHz at an SFI of 200+ — and thus 10 metres is wide open. On good days you can work Japan and Australia in the morning, Africa and the Middle East around midday, and North and South America in the afternoon.
The OEVSV and international organisations such as the ARRL consistently report that this solar maximum has been stronger than originally forecast. For us radio amateurs, this is a golden era — especially on 10 metres.
Propagation Mechanisms on 10 Metres
The 10-metre band benefits from several propagation mechanisms that make it particularly versatile:
F2 Layer Propagation
The main mechanism for DX on 10 metres is reflection from the F2 layer at approximately 250 to 400 km altitude. When the SFI is sufficiently high (above 120), the MUF rises enough to reflect 28 MHz. Signals travel approximately 3,000 to 4,000 km per hop. Intercontinental contacts are possible via two or three hops. A low radiation angle is typical, which is why vertical antennas and low-hanging dipoles work surprisingly well on 10 metres.
Sporadic-E (Es)
Sporadic-E is a propagation phenomenon that occurs independently of solar activity — primarily during the European summer (May to August). Dense ionisation layers form in the E layer (approx. 100 km altitude) that can reflect signals well above 50 MHz. On 10 metres, Sporadic-E means contacts over 500 to 2,300 km within Europe — often with extremely strong signals. A single Es hop can take you from Carinthia to southern Spain or Scandinavia.
Trans-Equatorial Propagation (TEP)
TEP enables contacts across the equator, typically between stations at mid-northern and mid-southern latitudes. For OE stations, this means contacts with South Africa, Argentina or Brazil. TEP occurs preferentially in the late afternoon and evening and is particularly effective on 10 metres.
Ground Wave and Near-Field Propagation
At 28 MHz, the ground wave reaches approximately 50 to 80 km — more than on the lower HF bands, where the D layer absorbs everything during the day. This makes 10 metres interesting for regional communication as well, particularly in hilly or mountainous terrain such as in Austria.
Operating Modes on 10 Metres: Something for Everyone
One of the finest features of the 10-metre band is its diversity of operating modes. The wide spectrum of 1.7 MHz bandwidth (28.0 to 29.7 MHz) offers room for everything:
SSB (Single Side Band)
SSB is the classic DX mode on 10 metres. The main segment lies between 28.300 and 28.600 MHz (USB). When the band is open, you will find lively activity here — from DX pile-ups on rare stations to relaxed ragchew QSOs. The DX calling frequency is 28.490 MHz. Under good conditions, SSB on 10 metres sounds almost like VHF: clear, noise-free signals at S9+20 dB.
FM Simplex
Yes, there is FM on shortwave — on 10 metres! The FM segment extends from 29.000 to 29.700 MHz. The international FM simplex calling frequency is 29.600 MHz. When the band is open, you can work DX with a simple FM transceiver — the experience of suddenly hearing a station from Brazil or Japan in FM quality is unforgettable. In Austria and neighbouring countries, there are also some 10-metre FM repeaters in the 29.620 to 29.690 MHz range.
CW (Morse Telegraphy)
The CW segment occupies 28.000 to 28.070 MHz. CW is particularly effective on 10 metres, as the narrow bandwidth requirement still enables contacts even with marginal propagation. With 5 watts and a simple antenna, astonishing DX contacts are possible in CW — perfect for QRP enthusiasts.
FT8 and Other Digital Modes
FT8 has its own dynamic on 10 metres. The frequency is 28.074 MHz (USB). FT8 is excellent for checking whether the band is open at all — you often see FT8 signals before SSB operation becomes possible. FT4 (28.180 MHz) is also growing in popularity. Other digital modes such as RTTY (28.080 to 28.150 MHz) and PSK31 are active as well.
Beacons
A special feature of the 10-metre band is the IARU beacon network in the 28.190 to 28.300 MHz range. 18 beacons around the world transmit in a 10-second rotation at five different power levels (100 W, 10 W, 1 W, 100 mW). If you hear a beacon, you instantly know which direction the band is open. This is real-time propagation research! The nearest beacon for OE is OE3XAC on 28.205 MHz.
Antennas for 10 Metres: Compact and Effective
One of the greatest advantages of 10 metres is the short wavelength. At 28 MHz, the wavelength is only about 10.7 metres — meaning that effective antennas are compact and easy to build.
Vertical Antenna (Ground Plane)
A quarter-wave vertical antenna for 10 metres is only about 2.5 metres long — shorter than a CB mobile antenna! With three or four guyed radials of 2.5 metres each, you have a fully functional DX antenna. The low radiation angle of a vertical is ideal for DX operation. Ready-made ground plane antennas are available from about 40 EUR (e.g. Diamond CP-6 as a multiband variant from approx. 250 EUR, or simple monoband GP antennas from Sirio or Lemm).
Half-Wave Dipole
A dipole for 10 metres is only about 5 metres long — it fits on any balcony or in any attic! Two pieces of wire, a balun or coaxial cable with a simple feed, and you are on the air. Hung at 5 to 10 metres height, a dipole delivers an excellent signal. Material costs are under 20 EUR. For portable operation, a 10-metre dipole can be stretched between two telescopic masts or even hiking poles.
Yagi Antenna
If you are serious, a Yagi antenna is the gold standard on 10 metres. A 3-element Yagi for 28 MHz has a boom of only about 3.5 metres and offers around 6 to 8 dBi gain. This corresponds to a quadrupling of effective radiated power — 100 watts effectively becomes 400 watts in the chosen direction. Ready-made 3-element Yagis are available from manufacturers such as Cushcraft (A-3S as a triband version) or as monoband solutions from about 150 EUR. Home-building is also straightforward: aluminium tubing from the hardware store, a boom from square tubing, and a bit of manual skill will suffice.
Mobile Antennas
Mobile operation on 10 metres is also a dream. A magnetic mount antenna for 28 MHz is about 1 to 1.5 metres long and thus unobtrusive. Surprisingly good contacts can be made from a car park or while driving. Products like the Diamond NR-770H or dedicated 10-metre mobile antennas from Lemm cost between 30 and 80 EUR.
10 Metres Compared with Other HF Bands
How does 10 metres compare with other popular shortwave bands? Here is an overview:
- Versus 20 metres (14 MHz): 20 metres is the most reliable DX band and almost always open. 10 metres, by contrast, is strongly solar-cycle dependent. However, antennas on 10 metres are only half the size, and when 10 metres is open, signals are often significantly stronger than on 20 metres.
- Versus 15 metres (21 MHz): 15 metres is the “little brother” of 10 metres — similarly solar-cycle dependent but with a lower threshold. When 15 metres is open, it is worth checking 10 metres — often it is active there too.
- Versus 12 metres (24 MHz): 12 metres (WARC band) is narrow and contest-free. Propagation conditions are very similar to 10 metres, but the bandwidth is considerably less.
- Versus 6 metres (50 MHz): 6 metres — the “Magic Band” — is even more dependent on Sporadic-E and offers shorter openings. 10 metres benefits from F2 propagation; 6 metres generally does not (except during extremely high solar activity).
- Versus 40/80 metres: The lower bands are night-time long-distance bands with large antennas and high noise levels. 10 metres is a daytime band with compact antennas and — when open — considerably less QRM and QRN.
The Band Plan: What Is Where on 10 Metres?
Here is an overview of the most important frequency segments in the 10-metre band according to the IARU Region 1 band plan:
- 28.000 — 28.070 MHz: CW (exclusive)
- 28.070 — 28.190 MHz: Narrow-band modes (FT8 on 28.074, RTTY, PSK31)
- 28.190 — 28.300 MHz: IARU beacon network (beacons only, no general transmissions!)
- 28.300 — 28.320 MHz: Digital voice (e.g. digital speech modes)
- 28.320 — 29.000 MHz: SSB and wideband digital modes (calling frequency 28.490 MHz)
- 29.000 — 29.100 MHz: AM (amplitude modulation, historical)
- 29.100 — 29.300 MHz: Satellites (ISS crossband repeater, etc.)
- 29.300 — 29.510 MHz: Satellite downlink
- 29.510 — 29.700 MHz: FM (calling frequency 29.600 MHz, repeaters 29.620–29.690 MHz)
Important: In Austria, Class 1 (CEPT Novice) and Class 4 (entry-level) licence holders face restrictions on permissible transmit power. Class 1 allows up to 100 watts PEP on 10 metres, while Class 3 (full CEPT class) may use the full 200 watts PEP. Class 4 may currently transmit only on certain VHF/UHF segments. Check with the Fernmeldebehörde (telecommunications authority) or the OEVSV for the exact regulations applicable to your licence class.
Practical Tips for Getting Started on 10 Metres
Want to try 10 metres? Here are some concrete tips:
1. Check the Beacons
Before calling, tune to 28.200 MHz and listen for beacons. The NCDXF/IARU beacons transmit around the clock. If you hear an overseas beacon, the band is guaranteed to be open.
2. Use FT8 as an Indicator
Start WSJT-X on 28.074 MHz and observe. FT8 signals often appear before SSB operation becomes possible. The PSK Reporter map (pskreporter.info) shows you in real time where your signal is being received.
3. Start with Low Power
On 10 metres you do not need much power. When the band is truly open, 10 to 25 watts are sufficient for intercontinental SSB QSOs. QRP at 5 watts works surprisingly well in CW and FT8. Radios like the Icom IC-705 (from approx. 1,300 EUR) or the Yaesu FT-891 (from approx. 650 EUR) are ideal companions.
4. Choose the Right Time of Day
10 metres is a daytime band. The best conditions typically prevail from 09:00 to 17:00 UTC. In the morning the band opens to the east (Japan, Australia), around midday to the south (Africa), and in the afternoon to the west (North and South America). Around noon is often the peak — the band may be open in all directions.
5. Try FM Simplex
Tune to 29.600 MHz FM and call CQ. It is a truly special experience — DX in FM quality! Many operators underestimate the FM section of 10 metres, yet it can be very lively with good propagation. Some amateurs even use modified CB radios for FM operation on 10 metres (with a valid amateur radio licence, of course!).
6. Make Use of Contests
During major contests such as the CQ WW DX Contest or the ARRL 10 Meter Contest (December), the band is full of stations from all over the world. This is the perfect opportunity to work many DXCC entities in a short time. Even as a casual contester, you can have fun and log new countries.
10 Metres for Beginners: Particularly Suitable
The 10-metre band is especially beginner-friendly for several reasons:
- Compact antennas: A dipole is only 5 metres long, a GP only 2.5 metres. This works on any balcony, in any attic or garden.
- FM operation possible: If you only own FM equipment, you can still work DX on 29.6 MHz.
- Low QRM: When the band is open, noise and interference are significantly lower than on 40 or 80 metres.
- Strong signals: Open 10-metre bands deliver signals that are easily copyable even with simple receivers.
- Learning effect: You learn about propagation in real time — the band opens and closes throughout the day, and you can observe how solar activity affects propagation.
Equipment Recommendations for 10-Metre Operation
In principle, any modern HF transceiver covers the 10-metre band. Here are some recommended options:
- Icom IC-7300 (from approx. 1,100 EUR): The classic among SDR transceivers, outstanding receiver, perfect for fixed-station use.
- Yaesu FT-891 (from approx. 650 EUR): Compact 100-watt transceiver, ideal for mobile and portable operation.
- Icom IC-705 (from approx. 1,300 EUR): QRP transceiver (10 watts) with built-in battery, perfect for SOTA/POTA and portable operation.
- Xiegu G90 (from approx. 450 EUR): Budget-friendly 20-watt transceiver with built-in antenna tuner. A good entry into the HF world.
- QRP kits (from approx. 50 EUR): For home-building enthusiasts, there are simple CW transceiver kits specifically for 10 metres.
How Long Will the Window Stay Open?
Solar Cycle 25 reached its maximum in 2024/2025. Experience shows that propagation on 10 metres remains good for 2 to 3 years after the solar maximum — solar activity declines more slowly than it rises. This means you can expect regular 10-metre openings until at least 2027/2028. After that, it will gradually become quieter, and the band will be limited to Sporadic-E and local contacts.
So make the most of the remaining time! During the sunspot minima around 2030, you will be glad to have experienced the spectacular conditions on 10 metres.
Conclusion: Now Is the Time for 10 Metres
The 10-metre band is a jewel among the amateur radio bands. It combines the fascination of shortwave DX with the compact antenna dimensions of VHF. During times of high solar activity — like now — it offers worldwide contacts with the simplest of means. Whether you make your first intercontinental QSO with a home-built dipole and 5 watts CW, or hunt rare DXCC entities with a Yagi and 100 watts: 10 metres rewards every effort.
Tune to 28 MHz, listen in, and let yourself be surprised. Perhaps you will hear someone from Australia calling you at S9 — on a band that was dead silent three years ago.
73 — your oeradio.at editorial team
Transparency Notice
This article was researched and written with the assistance of AI (Claude, Anthropic). All content has been reviewed by the oeradio.at editorial team. If you find any errors or would like to suggest additions, we welcome your feedback.
