[VHFcontesting] Re: [Rover] Stupid Categories [was:Are you ready forthe January SS??]

[Phil Lefever]

>Can anyone name one in production "all-mode" for 222 MHz?  The last one=20
>that came close to my
>knowledge was the FT736R by adding a 222 module to one of the bays.  I'm=20
>not saying that its
>"hard" to get on 222 it just takes "extra effort"

At this time there is no all-mode 222MHz radio in production. If you
must have an all in one radio then a venerable FT-736 or FT-726 with
a 135cm module will do it. If you are fortunate to find one (and
willing to pay for it!) Icom made a nice IC-375 all-mode for 220 too
but these are rare!

In my opinion the ONLY way to do 222MHz SSB/CW is with a transverter.
A good transverter/HF radio combo will clearly outperform the old
all in one radios and be cheaper to boot. If one already owns an HF
radio about $325 to Down East Microwave will buy a 25w transverter
and the interface to _easily_ connect it to the radio! The "extra
effort" is well worth it. Besides what does a ham learn by buying a
radio and plugging it in? Heck buy the kit and build it from scratch!
There is almost no tuning and I enjoyed the heck out of building mine ;)

While it is unfortunate that our modern multi-band radios don't also
cover 222MHz, what is more unfortunate is the VHF contesters that aren't
active on the band! It has the long range of 2m without all the noise
and decent gain antennas are smaller. And a big advantage in the contests
where it has higher QSO points per contact too! In our area 222 is the
highest scoring band after 2m and 440 (unless 6m really opens).

73

Phil



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Lefever    KB=D8NES                          Twin Cities Repeater Club
kb0nes@tcrc.org                                 Burnsville,MN