Olivia Frequencies

These are the common calling frequencies for Olivia activity. Use standard calling frequencies when possible - you can miss weak signals if you're not where people are looking!

Band Frequency (kHz) Mode/Notes Activity Level
160m 1835-1838 Narrow modes (500 Hz or less) Low - night only
80m 3583.25 Primary calling frequency High - evenings
80m 3577 Secondary calling frequency Moderate
40m 7035-7038 Primary range High
30m 10141-10144 Primary range Moderate
20m 14072-14075.65 500/250/125 Hz modes High - daytime
20m 14106.5 1000/2000 Hz wide modes Moderate
17m 18102.65 All modes Moderate
15m 21072 1-2 kHz above PSK Varies with propagation
12m 24922 1-2 kHz above PSK Varies with propagation
10m 28122 1-2 kHz above PSK Varies with propagation
10m 28106.5 32/1000 Olivia (center freq) Good during openings
6m 50291 All modes E-skip season

Band-by-Band Notes

80 Meters (3.5 MHz)

The most popular Olivia band during Fall and Winter evenings. Activity runs roughly 3577-3586 kHz with 3583.25 kHz as the primary calling frequency.

Best times: After dark, local time. Noise levels increase significantly in Spring/Summer.

40 Meters (7 MHz)

Good activity in late evening during Fall/Winter. Some daytime activity from retired operators and night workers. The 7035-7038 kHz range sees the most action.

20 Meters (14 MHz)

Activity throughout the year with good daytime propagation. Use narrow modes (500/250/125 Hz) around 14072-14075.65 kHz, and wide modes (1000/2000 Hz) around 14106.5 kHz.

Higher Bands (17m-6m)

Activity depends heavily on solar conditions and propagation. During high sunspot periods and summer E-skip season, 17m and above can have good Olivia activity. Look 1-2 kHz above PSK frequencies.

Frequency Tips

QRL First!

Always QRL the frequency once or twice before calling CQ. I recommend QRLing in CW mode since most hams can copy that - even non-digital stations.

No Mode "Owns" Any Frequency

Most modes have suggested calling frequencies, but no single mode has exclusive rights. Be flexible and courteous - if the calling frequency is busy, find a clear spot nearby.

Be a Good Neighbor

If the band is crowded and you're using 500/16 mode, consider switching to 250/8 (same speed, half the bandwidth). You'll use less spectrum while maintaining the same throughput!

RSID Helps Others Find You

Enable RSID (Reed-Solomon ID) in fldigi. This automatically transmits your mode at the start of each transmission, helping other operators identify what mode you're using and auto-switch their software.

More Resources