2 meters

[vagrant]

@billdean - Another thing that might get an operator into using 2 meters, or get more out of it, is the ARRL VHF contest that happens three times a year. The contacts are all simplex, no repeaters are used. One can use FM and or SSB as well as digital (typically FT8). The point of the contest is to use/experiment with the radio gear you have.

Another way to use VHF, many amateur operators overlook, is making contacts via satellites in space. The first contact I made as an amateur radio operator was through SO-50 using an inexpensive Baofeng handheld. One can spend quite a bit on gear to make contacts via satellite, but it is not mandatory. The most popular satellite operators use is the International Space Station (ISS). Occasionally, the ISS will TX a series of SSTV images using 2 meters. While that is a RX only exercise for anyone, it allows a person to use their gear to receive the signal, record it and then decode to get the image. There are apps one can use on a phone to decode the signal “live“ as well by placing it near the radio.

While I started with an inexpensive Baofeng, I have spent much more since then to improve my TX/RX capabilities. Still, one can have fun for very low cost with this hobby. In time, operators learn that the antenna is the more important part of their gear.

 

[K9KLC]

Another thing that might get an operator into using 2 meters, or get more out of it, is the ARRL VHF contest that happens three times a year. The contacts are all simplex, no repeaters are used. One can use FM and or SSB as well as digital (typically FT8). The point of the contest is to use/experiment with the radio gear you have.

I have two friends that take this contest VERY seriously. One from his house and the other is called a "Rover", where he has a mobile set up for 6, 2, 1.25 meters and 70 cm. I salivate over his mobile set up every time I have the chance to work from it. We actually used his rover for 6 meters on field day, and even though the bands weren't in our favor too much, I was able to snag some stuff on 6 that we wouldn't have gotten any other way.

People need to think way beyond simple 2 meter FM thru repeaters. I've worked the ISS, the MIR when it was still up and multiple satellites thru out the years. It's all fun!

 

[vagrant]

I enjoy the VHF contest as well, operating as Single Op Portable using no more than 10W. I typically use Yagi antennas up to 900 MHz and have a five element 6 meter Yagi I color coded and swapped nuts for thumbnuts and hose clamps for ones that have thumbscrews. The setup time is quick. I should note that I operate around 6000’ ASL in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Having 100 mile line of sight is helpful. When/if the 2 meter propagation rolls in it can get interesting. I use an Elk log periodic antenna for that contest and hand hold it when working satellites.

 

[billdean]

@billdean So, after sifting thru lots of posts, some on topic, others slightly on topic and others not so much on topic (sorry for anything I did for that) have you decided to get into the world of 2 meters yet? Just curious.

I am strongly thinking of doing so. I have ment 2 different people here in Yuma, Arizona at Imperial Dam that are on 2 meters. They said Yuma has a repeater as well as Quartzsite. Still looking into a 2 meter radio and antenna. There is a lot of Ham activity down here. I have been talking on 28.305 to friends in Michigan. They have a better signal down here than when I talk to them at home.

 

[K9KLC]

I am strongly thinking of doing so. I have ment 2 different people here in Yuma, Arizona at Imperial Dam that are on 2 meters. They said Yuma has a repeater as well as Quartzsite. Still looking into a 2 meter radio and antenna. There is a lot of Ham activity down here. I have been talking on 28.305 to friends in Michigan. They have a better signal down here than when I talk to them at home.

Thanks for replying. Gotta love when 10 meters is open. Not sure if you'll be too close on the morning for 10 meters to me. What time are you usually talking to your friends in MI?

 

[billdean]

Thanks for replying. Gotta love when 10 meters is open. Not sure if you'll be too close on the morning for 10 meters to me. What time are you usually talking to your friends in MI?

I have been catching them on about 3 or 4 pm Yuma time. Usually they are an early morning group. 7:00am Michigan time. For me to talk to them then, I would have to get up pretty early here.

 

[AK9R]

@billdean If you are still in the Yuma area the third week of January, you might check out Quartzfest.

Quartzfest

quartzfest.org

 

[billdean]

@billdean If you are still in the Yuma area the third week of January, you might check out Quartzfest.

Quartzfest

quartzfest.org

Yes sir......been to the big tent many times!