Beginner’s Guide to DX on the 11m Band

This guide is intended to help both newcomers and experienced operators understand the basics of DXing (long-distance radio contacts) on the 11m band. It covers legal UK/EU frequencies, modes, equipment, propagation, and practical tips for making contacts.

Frequencies & Modes

In the UK, two 40-channel bands are legal for CB operation:

• 27/81 UK Band (FM only): 27.60125 MHz (CH 1) – 27.99125 MHz (CH 40)

• EU/Mid Band: 26.965 MHz (CH 1) – 27.405 MHz (CH 40), supporting AM, FM, and SSB

Since the legalisation of AM and SSB in the UK, CB operators now have access to:

• FM 4W carrier @ 2.5Khz Deviation

• AM 4W carrier with 100% Modulation = 16W PEP (peak envelope power)

• SSB @ 12W PEP (peak envelope power)

Many modern CB radios include both UK and EU bands, making legal operation straightforward.

However, many DXers also operate on whats typically referred to as “free-band” frequencies that is between two bands, most notably 27.555 MHz USB, which is unofficially classed as the international DX calling frequency. This frequency is in-fact channel 12 that is part of a 40 channel designation reserved to the country Brazil, starting at CH1 27.415 MHz - CH40 27.855 MHz.

• USB (Upper Sideband): Most common mode for DX Worldwide

• LSB (Lower Sideband): More common in the USA and Australia

• AM: Widely used in Europe and the US, though in the UK FM is preferred for local contacts due to audio quality

The “11m band” generally refers to 25–28 MHz, though most DX activity happens between 26–28 MHz. However it's worth noting that the 11m Broadcast Band is between 25.670 MHz - 26.100 MHz and should be avoided from CB commutations.

Radios

Several types of radios are commonly used:

1. Standard CB Radios – Legal UK FM + EU AM/FM/SSB

2. Older Multi-mode Sets – Often cover more frequencies and run slightly higher power (e.g., 8W FM, 12W SSB)

3. Modern 10m Amateur Radios – Tuned for 28–29.7 MHz, but easily modified to cover 25–30 MHz, often with features like frequency counters and higher output (40W–100W+).

Range & Distance

Although CB was designed for short-range FM use, under good conditions you can exceed 25 miles on legal power. Distance depends on:

• Terrain – flat ground = stronger signals

• Water – signals travel well across large bodies of water

• Elevation – higher stations enjoy greater range

• Solar Activity (Skip/Propagation) – charged ionosphere reflects signals worldwide

SKIP & SUNSPOT CYCLE

Skip occurs when the ionosphere (30–250 miles above Earth) reflects radio waves, allowing communication up to 12,000 miles.

• Sunspot cycles last 11 years.

• During solar maximum, conditions for DX are excellent.

• During solar minimum, DX is less frequent, and communication may be limited to line-of-sight.

•  Best practice: Listen first – conditions change daily and by the minute and hour.

Useful propagation sites:

• DX Propagation: Link

• NOAA Solar Data: Link

Callsigns

When operating DX/SSB, a callsign is used instead of a personal handle.

Example: 26 AlphaMike 081

• 26 – Division / Prefix (country code, England in this case)

• Alpha Mike – DX Club

• 081 – Station number / Suffix

There are 352 divisions worldwide,

CQ Calls

CQ means “calling all stations”. A typical CQ call gives other operators time to tune in and identify you.

Example:

“CQ DX, CQ DX, this is 26 Alpha Mike 081 calling CQ DX. Please QSY to 27.295 for possible contact.”

Once you QSY (move frequency), announce yourself again:

“This is 26 Alpha Mike 081 calling CQ DX and standing by. QRZ?”

( QRZ = “Who is calling me?”)

On FM, you may use either a callsign or a handle, though on SSB its best to stick to callsigns.

Logging Contacts

Keeping a logbook is strongly recommended. Record:

• Date & time (in UTC/GMT)

• Frequency & mode

• Callsign & location

• QSL status (sent/received)

• Equipment used

Paper logbooks are available, but free logging software can also be used.

Additional Resources

• Antenna Guide: Click here

• Modes: Click here

• Solar Cycle 25: Click here 

• Division Codes: Click here

• Q Codes: Click here

• 10 Codes: Click here 

• Phonetic Alphabet: Click here

Final Notes

The 11m DX community is informal, and there are no strict rules for freebanding. Some groups may have their own guidelines, usually explained upon joining.

Enjoy DXing, respect other operators, and always QSY from calling frequencies after making contact.

Last modified 28 Aug 2025