Two meter simplex

[Rt169Radio]

Hey all,I was wondering if anyone here in CT uses 2 meter simplex?

 

[kb1gzj]

It's not as popular as the repeaters but it is used locally. Most people use low power so the signal does not carry very far. I have used it if we am traveling in separate vehicles with other hams or if hiking.

 

[pro106import]

Hey all,I was wondering if anyone here in CT uses 2 meter simplex?

We have a simplex net on Thurs nights at 8pm on 145.505 mhz. (simplex mode of course), and a pl of 77.0 hz. is used.
It is the Shore Point Amateur Radio Club in the West Haven area.
Bob
N1MLZ

 

[Rt169Radio]

Are you allowed to use all the 2 meter simplex freqs in CT? I think I heard that some simplex freqs are used in repeater functions.

 

[w2xq]

Are you allowed to use all the 2 meter simplex freqs in CT? I think I heard that some simplex freqs are used in repeater functions.

Your license allows you to use any frequency in the 2m band -- check the May 2012 QST for a new spectrum chart -- but common sense suggests following the ARRL bandplan for your area.

Depending upon where you are in CT, you may hear some 2m FM 1 MHz offset repeaters. Most of them are in the NY metro area in a +/- 50 mile radius. Outputs are mostly in the 146.445 to 146.490, on 15 kHz spacings. I do know of a few that are reversed, outputs in the 147 range and inputs in the 146 range.

I have the neUSA/eCanada coordinators council's Web sites on this Amateur Radio: FM page. Toward the bottom of the page there are some alternative collections of repeater information that may be of use as secondary sources.

HTH.

 

[izzyj4]

Also what Bob said, 146.580 has a lot of simplex activity in the New Haven / Bridgeport area as well.

 

[Rt169Radio]

What is the lowest amount of power needed to get a good distance with 2 meter simplex if you have a good antenna and coax setup?

 

[R8000]

What is the lowest amount of power needed to get a good distance with 2 meter simplex if you have a good antenna and coax setup?

I suggest trying it out yourself a bit. That's the fun of the hobby !

If your looking for a actual answer in watts, you might need to study up a bit more about ham radio or radio/rf in general. Just saying.

 

[izzyj4]

Experiment brother!!! Nothing wrong with QRP and working your way up. Remember the rule is "only use enough power to make the contact". That was in the Tech manual. Who knows, you may hit some one 10 miles away on a 1/4 watt!

 

[Rt169Radio]

Okay,thanks for the replies.

 

[cralt]

There are some bigger stations on 144.450 FM...mostly horizontal polarization.

Im in cetral CT and can work all over the state with my little yagi and 65 watts.

I have a basic 50 watt rig with a 1/4 wave vertical in my truck. 144.450,146.580, and the national 146.520 are on scan. With those 3 i can useally make some contacts on my comute.

Ya never know until you give it a shot.

 

[N1TGE]

Interesting! I never thought to tune down to 144.45 in FM, usually when I'm in that area of the band I switch to USB. Thanks for the info.

 

[cralt]

Interesting! I never thought to tune down to 144.45 in FM, usually when I'm in that area of the band I switch to USB. Thanks for the info.

Ya I think it ended up down there because most of the time horizontal beams are only tuned for the bottom of the band (normal ssb area). Here is the mailing list of that group start [VHF Wiki]


If you have a good ssb setup check out QRZ.COM Callsign KA1ZE
Every morning on 144.205. They say they have had over 600 check-ins. I don't have much luck getting in with my flea powered rig and little 5 element dimand but I hope when i get my new m2 7 (almost 9' long lol) element on the roof things will change