[AK-VHF] Rover Update

[Edward R Cole]

Brandon,

Glad you realize that.  2m is the standard-reliable VHF band for 
south central AK.

146.52 FM is well watched by the majority for simplex contact so best 
to be monitored.  Secondarily, I would suggest 223.50 FM since that 
it the most active frequency on the 222 band (SSB is rare).  But 
range is not as dependable (though prop sometimes exceeds 
2m).  446.00 FM would be my third recommendation to watch.

In Anchorage 52.525 FM is used frequently but not outside the metro 
area.  My 6m antenna SWR is too high to operate at 52.525 and prefer 
something like 50.350 to run FM.  50.312 and 50.313 are now standard 
digital frequencies so 50.300 it no longer a good FM 
choice.  50.190-50.210 is the 6m-eme sub-band (all 6m eme is now 
digital).  I can try running FM on my moxon which works 50.100 thru 
50.250 with good SWR.  It is Horz-pol, though.

I can monitor 146.52 and 223.50 continuously with separate 
radios/antenna (FT-736R/vertical and BCM-220/dual yagi).  Normally, I 
will monitor 50.125 USB with my KX3+KXPA100 and  operate144.200 or 
432.200 USB using the K3+xvtrs+amps.  144, 432, 927.50, and 1296 
share a common transmission line so must be switched with only one 
band in use at a time.  Thus I suggest meeting on 146.52 before 
changing bands so everyone is on the same "page" (frequency/mode).

Not sure if I will try 2m-eme during the weekend as I have not had 
time to setup and pre-test everything.  Moon is visible 0530z to 
1530z (930pm - 530am local time Sat-Sunday as contest ends at 0359z 
on Monday (659pm Sunday local).  Moon is low for good eme view this weekend.

Hope to see a lot of VHF activity using the contest this weekend.

73, Ed - KL7UW



At 08:07 AM 9/13/2019, you wrote:
>That's a good point about coordinating on 146.52 Ed. Everyone remind your
>fellow hams to check in on that frequency throughout the day and you'll
>hear activity there. (Down south the 6 M band is the activity center, but
>up here it's 2 M)
>Brandon
>
>On Thu, Sep 12, 2019, 11:11 PM Edward R Cole <kl7uw at acsalaska.net> wrote:
>
> > Thanks, Brandon.
> >
> > This will serve to remind everyone that the AK-VHF Net will begin at
> > 9:30am this Saturday on 144.200 USB and run until the 10:00am when
> > the Sept. ARRL VHF Contest begins.  Most on the net will make initial
> > contest contacts using SSB on the same frequency.
> >
> > All bands from 50-MHz and up are usable in the contest with any mode
> > that does not utilize a repeater.  Details:
> > https://www.qsl.net/ak-vhf/Alaska_VHFUp_Calendar_Sep2019.pdf
> >
> > Contest exchange is four digit grid square (signal reports optional).
> >
> > I plan to operational on 50, 144, 223.50FM, and 432 MHz.  I can
> > operate SSB or FM except on 222-MHz.  I also have 927.50FM and 1296
> > gear should anyone want to try those bands (schedule me on either
> > 144.200 or 146.52).  Those operating FM-only should contact me on
> > 146.52 to coordinate operating other bands.  Good luck in the
> > contest! (its all about activity on our VHF bands).
> >
> > See you on Saturday.
> >
> > 73, Ed - KL7UW, BP40
> >
> > At 08:53 PM 9/12/2019, Brandon Clark wrote:
> > >Hello group,
> > >
> > >Just a quick update for this weekend's contest: I'm going old school for
> > >this contest and will be running FM only with the Yaesu 8900 in my truck,
> > >and whip antennas. That gives me my usual three bands (52, 146, 430) with
> > >plenty of power for the Anchorage bowl.
> > >
> > >Going to see how it works out with just the gear that's already in the
> > >truck. Almost all of my contacts in these events have been local.
> > Operating
> > >from high sites I have a feeling I won't lose more than a contact or two
> > >compared with using the yagis. Should be a good "proof of concept" for
> > >roving with street legal gear instead of the formula one stuff, lol.
> > >
> > >Keep an ear on APRS for my beacons. The contest starts at 10.
> > >73,
> > >
> > >Brandon, KL7BSC
> > >______________________________________________________________
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> > >
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> >
> > 73, Ed - KL7UW
> >    http://www.kl7uw.com
> > Dubus-NA Business mail:
> >    dubususa at gmail.com
> >
> >
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73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   dubususa at gmail.com