160-meter band

Just above the mediumwave broadcast band, 160 meters refers to the band of radio frequencies between 1800 to 2000 kHz, which is the lowest radio frequency band allocated for use by amateur radio in most countries. Older amateur operators often refer to 160 meters as the Top Band. It is also sometimes referred to as the "Gentleman's Band" in contrast to the often-freewheeling 80- and 20-meter band activity.

History

The 160 meter band is the oldest amateur band and was the staple of reliable communication in the earliest days of amateur radio, when almost all communications were over relatively short distances. The band was allocated on a worldwide basis by the International Radiotelegraph Conference in Washington, D.C., on October 4, 1927. The allocation was 1715–2000 kHz. The International Radio Conference of Atlantic City reduced the allocation to 1800–2000 kHz under the provision that amateurs must not interfere with LORAN operation.

As the high frequency bands were developed in mid-1920s — along with their smaller, more convenient antennas — 160 meters fell into a period of relative nonuse. Although there has always been activity on the band, fewer and fewer hams are willing (or able, due to lack of sufficient real estate) to put up the antennas necessary to take advantage of the band's unique properties. For most amateurs, the HF bands are much easier to use and HF antennas need a lot less real estate.