Is it time to try 160m band?

Allocation in the 160 meter band for radio amateurs in India according to the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2022 is 1 800-1 825 kHz. In some other regions, allocation is given up to 2000 kHz.  It has been popularly called as the Top Band, may be because it is on top of the medium wave broadcast frequencies. 160m band has also been nicknamed the “Gentleman’s Band”! It is actually a medium frequency band if you go by the definition of 300 kHz to 3 MHz for medium frequency. Checking Reverse Beacon Network tells me that VU2GSM has been heard at Estonia, about 4124 miles from here, on 160m band yesterday. Lower bands are better in winter because of lower atmospheric noise. Atmospheric noise is mostly due to distant thunder, which is more likely in summer. It seems that 160m band is opening for DX communications.

Here is a longer duration check on Reverse Beacon Network over the past 1 year. VU2MB has been picked up at 4293 miles, from England. That would have been in February 2025 or so. Two important factors preventing us from trying out 160m are the long antennas needed and high atmospheric noise. Both lead to very low number of operators on top band in our region. At least those in rural areas with plenty of space for antennas could try warming up 160m band in our region. That is the only ‘HF’ band allotted to radio amateurs in India which I am yet to have a QSO on, in spite of repeated attempts using compromised antennas in the limited space at my city dwelling!