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Author Topic: Why are HF frequencies listed in Kilohertz?  (Read 1737 times)

Offline K5KNT

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Why are HF frequencies listed in Kilohertz?
« on: October 11, 2013, 2112 UTC »
I'm curious as to why HF is listed in kilohertz as opposed to megahertz?  I tried a Google search, but couldn't find an answer.
Coming from a VHF/UHF background I'm finding it difficult to get the conversions down.
K5KNT

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Re: Why are HF frequencies listed in Kilohertz?
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2013, 0930 UTC »
Good question! It's just always been that way ???

Peace!

Offline redhat

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Re: Why are HF frequencies listed in Kilohertz?
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2013, 1809 UTC »
Because big numbers are more impressive.  Do you really want to refer to your local flamethrowing QRM generator as ".710 The Big Fart".  Sure doesn't sound very flatulence-abounding to me!

As for confusing, just be glad we don't still use "metres" to indicate and measure frequency.

+-RH
« Last Edit: October 12, 2013, 1811 UTC by redhat »
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Offline BDM

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Re: Why are HF frequencies listed in Kilohertz?
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2013, 0426 UTC »
Because big numbers are more impressive.  Do you really want to refer to your local flamethrowing QRM generator as ".710 The Big Fart".  Sure doesn't sound very flatulence-abounding to me!

As for confusing, just be glad we don't still use "metres" to indicate and measure frequency.

+-RH

LOL........I can think of a few local flame throwers who resemble that remark ;D
Radios -- Perseus SDR // SDRPlay RSPdx // Icom IC-7300 // Tecsun PL-660 // Panasonic RF-5000A --Antennas-- Pixel Pro 1B loop - 82' fan-dipole at 40' - tuned MW/BCB 40" loop and 100' receive only dipole
-Brian--North of Detroit--MI-
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Offline SingleSideburn

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Re: Why are HF frequencies listed in Kilohertz?
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2013, 0520 UTC »
There's a very good reason to use kHZ instead of mHZ, wiseacres,

but I can't discuss it for 2 reasons:

A) I don't understand what a "kilohertz" is. I know what a "kilo" is, but I haven't made the connection with my radio

B) It's classified, not allowed to discuss it (I refuse to allow it) and I'm The Decider--which means I'm the one who classifies which stuff is classified.

Hope that clears everything up.
north Alabama, but you're not supposed to know, heh
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Offline SingleSideburn

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Re: Why are HF frequencies listed in Kilohertz?
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2013, 0550 UTC »
ONE MORE THING, then I'll be quiet.

I remember the first time I heard "The Big Fart."

Reading the post by RedHart brought back lotta memories.

I used to listen to The Fart day and night.

I'd turn it up as loud as it would go.

Of course I realize The Fart was just another noise on the radio,

but in those days, The Fart was like a friend to me.

It was like having a real live friend in the room with me,

and I'd actually skip school in order to spend more time

doing nothing but listening to The Big Fart.
north Alabama, but you're not supposed to know, heh
Drake R8B + horizontal loop