[Ares-races] Use of HF for local communications

[N4AOF]

> There is a group that is trying to promote the use of HF in the State
of Connecticut for emergency communications WITHIN the state.  For those
of you who are not familiar with my state, it is approximately 100 miles
East to West, and 50 mile North to South.  The primary frequency for
communications has been selected as the 75 meter SSB band.  I myself do
not see the logic in this.  I am in favor of the use of 2 meter
repeaters to cover this area, being careful to select repeaters that are
centralized to the area and that have backup power sources. My opinion
is the HF would only be effective for communications from Connecticut to
other areas OUTSIDE the state. HF would only be my choice if the 2 meter
network failed to give adequate coverage in isolated areas.

VHF is the appliance operator's answer to emergency communications.

VHF rules for local simplex operation - within simplex range - but any
"emergency" communications plan that relies on repeaters, especially
linked repeaters, is a dream that will turn into a nightmare if it is
ever actually needed.

Under the best circumstances 2m fails to give adequate coverage in most
rural areas

2m will give hopelessly dismal coverage in time of any real emergency
when the linked repeaters you rely on are all just so much electronic
flea market junk.

HF NVIS is the way to go if you want full coverage.