[222mhz] 220 HT etc.

[Howard Glueck]

ALL,

The 220 band in Austin TX is used a little bit with several repeaters
around which allow you to keep in touch with folks on an almost
'private' band.  I say 'private' because there is little use in general
and you can leave a radio on almost all day and only hear a few people. 
In fact my wife and I use it to keep track of what we are doing rather
than call each other on the cell phone.

Part of the problem is the lack of equipment - except used stuff - and
just not an appreciation for the band, I guess.  Everyone gets on 2M or
440 because there is equipment available - and a lot of folks have it -
which we really can't say about 220.  

I have seen some of the ICOM 2m/220 mobile rigs which were around for a
short time.  They really work well, as do the KENWOOD 2M/220 rigs.  I
have a 621 which I bought used and have in one car which gets used
daily.  Also have 2 of the old IC-37A's and one IC-38A which I have used
in several cars and as fixed stations over the years.  In fact, I will
get to move an IC-37 (along with an IC-27) from one car to another (or
maybe put in the IC-38) here in a month or so.  They work well, and I
have made some of the various mods over the years on the IC-27 and 37
models to make the voltage regulation / power dissipation situation
better and remove the output pigtail which eventually breaks and
sometimes kills the output module.

I also have 2 of the IC-03AT radios which I have used as well as a
couple of IC-3ATs.  Over the years several of the adults and scouts in
my local Boy Scout Troop (including one son) became interested in Ham
Radio, got their license and were able to learn on 220, where it was
quiet -- so to speak.  Not a lot of hecklers if they didn't do
everything correct the first time there!!

I did pick up another IC-03AT at a swapfest about 2 years ago (Dallas
Hamcom).  The unit is new in box and I tried it out to make sure that it
worked over several days before putting it on the shelf for a friend who
got his license and picked up a used IC-3AT about that same time.  We
don't use the PL tones here in Austin because there is not a lot of
problem with other repeaters, so the old IC-3AT radios work pretty well
for most everyone....

I paid $300 for the radio but would let it go for less if someone was
interesed in it...  Obviously no warranty anymore because it has not
been held in dealer stock, but it has not been used any length of time. 
I would bet that the BP-3 battery which came with it needs the insert
replaced (an easy task and not too expensive with insert from the
battery folks) but that is all.  If anyone is interested, send me a note
and we can talk.  I have stayed away from EBAY because of all the hype
but someday might want to sell this and a couple of other radios there,
as I probably have more 220 equipment than I need for me and my wife and
son as operators.

Howard GLueck  (glueck@alumni.utexas.net)