Welcome to Echo Charlie 6.6 MHz unlicensed radio

For words and warnings

The information below is provided for information purposes only.

In the UK it is illegal to install or use any radio equipment you are not licensed for. I cannot condone any kind of unlicensed use of radio equipment.

What is Echo Charlie?

Echo Charlie 6.6MHz is an unlicensed high frequency

amateur like radio.

Echo Charlie is not unlicensed broadcasting like conventional pirate radio it more like unlicensed CB or amateur radio.

In the UK and Ireland the most popular bands are 45 and 85 metre bands (6.6 and 3.4 MHz) respectively with the main calling channels being 6.670 MHz (6670 KHz) and 3.475 MHz (3475 KHz)

6.6 MHz has some odd characteristics. Long distance communications can be achieved with low power. Powers of 3 to 4 watt can achieve distanced of hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. Most operators use vertical antennas but it is possible to use underground antennas on this bands Yagis are not generally used because of the size requires.

You may have come across Echo Charlie under the following names

•  Echo Charlie 6.6

•  CB 6.6

•  6.6

•  45 meter band

•  85 metre band

•  International Barkers

•  IB

History of Echo Charlie

The use of the 45 metre band goes back to the 1920s and 30s when it was used legally by radio amateurs. It seems to have become popular with unlicensed user in the late 1940 and early 1950s when radio hobbyist bought ex military equipment and stated using it.

Echo Charlie takes its name form the ex military equipment that was used.

May operators have small six channel crystal controlled transceivers marked as “EC” channel 1-6.

Initially all transition was in amplitude modulation (AM) in the 1960s and 1970s most operators moved to lower side band (LSB) although there are s couple of operators still using AM or double side band (DSB).

Most channels are 5 KHz apart although some stations operate 3 KHz apart.

Most operators now use modified amateur radio equipment.

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