Amateur Radio 12M Band Needs You

How to Check if 12m Is Open

When the 12-meter band does open, it can provide excellent DX — often with less QRM. But you have to catch it. Here’s how:

1. Use Real-Time Propagation Tools

• PSKReporter Select:
  • Band = 12m
  • Mode = FT8 (or whatever you’re using)
  • See where signals are being heard in real-time.
• DXMaps (www.dxmaps.com) Click on the 24 MHz band map to see current propagation reports from other hams.
• Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) Use a CW or FT8 CQ to see if anyone is hearing you on 12m.

2. Watch the Solar Numbers

12m comes alive during:

• SFI (Solar Flux Index) above 120–130
• Low K-index (0–3) for stable conditions
• High sunspot activity (check spaceweatherlive.com)

Tips to Activate Interest in 12m

1. Start Calling CQ

Even if you hear nothing — call anyway. 12m can pop open fast, and others will hear your CQ if the path is there.

2. Use FT8 or FT4

Digital modes work well even when SSB seems dead. Try calling on:

• 24.915 MHz for FT8
• 24.919 MHz for FT4

3. Join a 12m Group or Net

Some Facebook groups and forums focus on high bands. Examples:

• “12 Meter Operators Group”
• QRZ forums / Reddit’s r/amateurradio

4. Post Your Spot

• Use DX clusters (e.g., dxwatch.com) to alert others that you’re calling CQ on 12m.
• Helps generate interest and traffic.

5. Get Involved with SOTA / POTA (Optional)

• If you’re an outdoor or portable operator, consider activating a Summits On The Air (SOTA) or Parks On The Air (POTA) site.
  • You can spot yourself on SOTAwatch or POTAWATCH to let others know you’re active on 12m.
  • Many POTA/SOTA ops focus on 12m when it’s open since it’s less crowded than 20m.

6. Get Noticed

• If you’re stationary, use DX Cluster or RBN to spot your own CQ.
  • Post a message saying, “CQ 12m from [Your Location]”. This can alert others.

7. Have Patience

• If you don’t hear much immediately, don’t worry. The band may open and close quickly, especially during sunspots or sporadic E openings.
• Keep calling every 5–10 minutes, and you may catch a new opening.

8. Log Your Contacts

• Once you make a QSO, be sure to log it! Using software like Log4OM, N1MM, or HamRadioDeluxe can make logging easy and automatic, especially for contests.

Bonus Tip: Boost Interest in 12m

• Try a “CQ 12m” Challenge with your local club or on social media:
• Post a challenge to call CQ on 12m for a day and report how many countries you’ve worked.
• Share the challenge in local groups, forums, and DX clusters to encourage others to jump on.

Quick Weekend Plan for 12m Activation

• Saturday Morning: Check propagation conditions and get your antenna tuned.
• Saturday Afternoon: Start with FT8 or SSB — call CQ, see if anyone’s listening.
• Sunday: If 12m isn’t busy, try again — conditions may have changed!

With this plan, you’ll be ready to activate 12m even if it’s just for a short weekend experiment. The key is persistence and being ready when the band opens!

Need to Know items: (at least from what I know…)

Technical & Propagation Factors

• Sporadic Propagation – 12m relies heavily on solar cycle peaks and sporadic E for reliable long-distance communication.
• Narrow Bandwidth – Only 100 kHz wide, making it feel limited compared to broader bands.
• Propagation Similar to 10m – Many ops default to 10m, which is adjacent and more active.
• Poor Conditions During Solar Minimum – The band is nearly dead when solar activity is low.
• Not Suitable for Nighttime Use – 12m closes down quickly after sunset.

Community & Culture

• Lack of Activity – Few people calling means others don’t bother listening.
• Chicken-and-Egg Problem – Nobody transmits because nobody is listening.
• Limited Contest Use – Not many contests encourage or emphasize 12m operation.
• Not Taught or Emphasized – Training materials and Elmers often focus on 20/40/80 meters instead.
• Perception as a “Specialty” Band – Seen as something for advanced or niche operators.

Equipment & Antennas

• Antenna Size & Tuning Issues – Slightly harder to build efficient antennas than for 10m.
• Some Rigs Don’t Cover 12m – Especially older or entry-level transceivers.
• Multiband Antennas Skipping 12m – Many HF antennas prioritize more commonly used bands.
• Poor SWR Performance – If antennas aren’t resonant on 12m, operators may avoid it.

Digital & Operating Modes

• Less Digital Mode Activity – FT8, PSK31, etc., have more activity on other bands.
• Not Supported by Some Automatic Band Plans – Especially with automated digital software.
• Less SOTA / POTA Activity – Activators often skip 12m for more predictable results.

Human Behavior & Convenience

• Operator Habit / Inertia – People stick to what they know: 20m for day, 40/80m for night.
• Scanning Time & Patience – It’s easier to find QSOs on “busier” bands than to wait on 12m.
• Lack of Awareness – Some hams just don’t know how good 12m can be when it’s open.

Final Thought:

12m is a fantastic band for those who want to explore something a bit different — less crowded, with the potential for exciting DX and quality contacts. Whether you’re using digital modes or SSB, the band offers a unique space for those willing to put in the time to listen for openings and call CQ when conditions are right. If you’re interested in exploring 12m, now might be the perfect time to give it a shot, especially if solar conditions are favorable. Even if you’re a casual operator, giving the band a try will likely be a rewarding experience!

73’s de VE1XOP

Comments or Feedback?

Please email: qso@ve1xop.ca or make a comment below this post.