Frequencies
Disaster relief communications in the amateur radio service require maximum participation to be effective.
Crucially, all operators need to select the same frequency and mode to be able to communicate.
All amateur radios support analogue modes, but only some support digital modes.
For these reasons, only analogue modes should be contemplated for voice (phone) disaster relief communications.
Digital voice modes (including DMR, P25, DSTAR, C4FM) are best for hobbyist use and not disaster relief communications.
We have selected 7115 KHz LSB as the primary voice frequency for the Alpine Fault Net.
Amateur Radio Disaster Relief Frequencies
Because frequencies and modes for disaster relief communications are not mandated by the New Zealand Government, or by its licensing agency NZART, our recommendations appear below.
It's a good idea to program these frequencies into memory banks on your radios.
By following our recommendations, all certified amateur radio operators in New Zealand will be able to support their community when a natural disaster strikes.
| Band | Frequency | Mode | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 3535 KHz | CW | Primary CW |
| 80m | 3605 KHz | LSB | Secondary |
| 40m | 7115 KHz | LSB | Primary Voice |
| 20m | 14305 KHz | USB | Secondary |
| 2m | 147.500 MHz | FM | Simplex Calling |
| 2m | 147.525 MHz | FM | Simplex Working |
| 70cm | 432.800 MHz | FM | Simplex Calling |
| 70cm | 432.825 MHz | FM | Simplex Working |