[Wswss] [PNWVHFS] Re: [VHF] Thoughts on 222 MHz

[Jim Lowman]

I can appreciate your situation there in Alaska, Ed.  But, to me, there is a
real contradiction between population and 222 activity here in the greater
LA area.  I'm not active on that band, but I asked the question a couple of
times to see whether it's worth the expense in terms of equipment to get
on that band.

What I've learned is that almost all activity in this densely-populated area
on 222 is in contests, and the majority is on FM.  If that's the case, I 
have
a dedicated FM-only transceiver capable of 25w, so all I need is a good 
Yagi.
Perhaps that's the best way to become more familiar with 222 and its
activity and characteristics for the time being.

You guys in the PNW seem to have the advantage over us down here as
far as activity.  Our counterpart to the PNWVHFS, the WSWSS, disbanded
as an organization some years ago, although I keep this mailing list going.

I'm a bit dismayed to hear that the Elecraft transverters may not be the
best, as I have a great deal of respect for their design team.  Of course
DEMI has been in that business for many more years.  Could you elaborate
on the advantages/disadvantages of both manufacturers?

As has been mentioned, possibility the lack of activity on 222 SSB has been
the lack of readily-available all-mode transceivers for that band.  
Since 222
is an authorized band only in Region 2, there's little incentive for the JA
manufacturers to offer it.  I'm rather surprised that they have what they do
on the market, albeit FM-only.

I bought a new FT-847 when I thought that I might be more interested in
satellite work, but am happy that I kept it because of higher-than-average
power on 2m and 432.

Since 6m @ 100w has been available since the first version of the IC-706,
I can see the increase in popularity of 6m in contests.  But a number of 
the
radios in the FT-8xx series also have 2m and 432 capability, although only
5w for the IC-817, of which there are many out there.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 6/16/2011 2:37 AM, Edward R. Cole wrote:
> If I lived down there with all the density of population and hams it
> would be easier to justify spending money on under-used bands like
> 222-MHz.  I actually had all the parts to make the W1GHZ 5w
> transverter but decided to sell it and the 25w Telec amp.
>
> -------------
> Switching topics:
>
> I bought a K3 exactly to get the best VHF+ CW radio.  I'm not using
> the Elecraft transverters, but bought two new DEMI transverters (144
> and 1296).  The word is not real favorable on the Elecraft
> Transverters; they may get it right eventually.  My DEMI 144/28 is
> only +6-Hz off frequency using a xtal-osc.  When I tested it key-down
> for over one minute over several minutes (simulating JT-65 cycling)
> it only drifted up to +11 Hz on 144-MHz.  My FT-847 is not that close.
>
> I have to decide whether to cash-out my FT-847 and buy a 432/28 and
> 222/28 transverter to use with the K3.  Only thing holding me back on
> that decision is the FT-847 does full duplex cross band for satellite
> operation.  I am looking into a way to get the aux-Rx in my K3 to
> receive while transmitting on the main radio.  I will have to use the
> SDR-IQ on the 1st IF for demodulating the signal.
>
> BTW I have never heard Au on 2m+ up here (because no one gets on
> during the Aurora).
>
> 73, Ed
>