How many MEMORY CH s do you really use ?

[ai4ep]

If you have shopped or already bought a recent ( last 2 years or more ) 2 meter or dual band mobile or HT, you will notice that most have MEMORY channels of 100 or more .

In your NORMAL ( day-to-day) usage of 2m / 440 , how many different repeaters ( or simplex frequencies ) do YOU normally use ?

Personally I use 5 or less repeaters per week...3-5 simplex frequencies ( 6 meters, 2 meters and maybe one 440 ).

How about you ?

Is it even possible to fully program a 2m mobile / ht with 200 or more repeater/simplex frequencies ?

I see no need in programming a ht with repeaters in a town 50 miles away with freq. that I will never use....I just dont get no thrill out of " ker chunking " repeaters for the thrill of it, even local ( much less one 30 - 50 miles away ) ones. At least folks should remember to I D when they do " ker shuck a repeater " and also to ID when using simplex; you might just be talking further than you think you are.

AI4EP

[WA5KRP]

I can handle ten fingers worth. Eleven and up become tits on a bull.



WA5KRP
Texas

[WA2ZDY]

Well lemme see here . . . my 2m rig has 32 channels of which 19 are programmed as receive only for non-ham listening, and my 440 rig is 16 channels, of which 4 are non-ham receive only freqs. My handhelds are about the same.

[KB1GYQ]

How about 800 on the new yaesu quad-band FM mobile? With no long descriptions and no "banking" of the channels.... it's useless! Although there is room for the entire new england repeater directory for all 4 bands, you can't tell which is which.

Why?

[k6pme]

I have about ten memories programmed on mine. Only two are repeaters, the rest are 'scanner' freq's.

I have a VX-1 which has 200 memories. I use none! I only use 2 repeaters, and I remember all the police frequencies.

[K0RGR]

You guys don't know what you're missing.

I have some rigs programmed with all of the typical VHF and UHF repeater and common simplex frequencies, including some satellite channels. Why? Because it is about 1000 times faster to do a memory scan than a band scan, and I don't have to deal with all the birdies and cable TV leakage I get with a band scan. Find a bad channel, just block that one out.

My IC-2720 has its memories programmed into banks. Bank A is local stuff - our 5 local repeaters, common simplex frequencies, and those of repeaters in nearby towns. I usually scan all of these. When there is a little tropo enhancement, I hear repeaters from all over the area.

The other banks were programmed for a trip I took a while back to North Carolina. Each bank represents the repeaters along the Interstates and highways I knew I'd be travelling.

When I started out, I was scanning Band A - Southeast Minnesota. As I got closer to Wisconsin, I started scanning Band B - Wisconsin - too. As I neared Illinois, I scanned Band B and Band C - Illinois. This way, I was always listening to the current state and the next closest one.

This way, I always have the repeater frequencies and PL tones I need. Sadly, I can't load in all the repeaters - there are way too many, and not all are listed in the repeater atlas. But I try to pick the big ones.

There were few times that I could not find some kind of activity on this trip. Some parts of Kentucky, WVA, VA, and TN were pretty quiet, but I did hear signals from time to time, and didn't really try to stir anybody up.

I'm going to England soon. I have an HT programmed for all the repeaters and simplex frequencies I expect to use on both 2 and UHF.

Yeah, this is a LOT of work. I use the ARRL's computerized repeater atlas and the Internet for info on repeaters, and I have the programming software for my radios. But it pays off in knowing that you should have the all of the frequencies programmed in for the places you're going. I wish I had more memories, and a faster way to load them.

[KG4CGC]

I could probably use 100 or more memories. Most of it is just for monitoring to be aware of band conditions. In my location in Upstate SC, we get a good bit of activity from NC and Tenn. as well. On rare occations I can receive a repeater 30 miles NE of Atlanta. One night a repeater here was down and a machine on the same freqs. in Charleston SC came in. Often I can hear Charlotte NC on 145.350. One night about two months ago, one guy in Mississippi was working a guy in Alabama via the Charlotte NC 145.350 machine!
100 memories does include 2m simplex as well as SSB and 440 repeaters and simplex.

I lost my memories so now I'm stuck.....

..What was the question?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

(thank you.. thank you! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif I'll be here! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif )

but seriously, folks...

I program in the most widely used pairs, 4 of the 2M simplex frequencies and that's about it. Carry an ARRL rptr directory for those times I need it.

That seems to fill the bill in almost every case I've needed it to fill.

[kc2kde]

I have a 100 channel DJ-596T, and I use about 40-50 of the channels, about 15 for local repeaters, and the rest for police, fire, etc. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[W5HTW]

Perhaps eight area repeater channels, but on all VHF/UHF radios, they are all blocked out.

On the Icom 706 the vast majority of the channels are short wave frequencies I like to monitor now and then (or more often) and don't want to bother to write down. A couple of HF net frequencies. This is a radio where I could use 200 channels instead of 100, and could definitely use direct frequency entry! Yet I'd say well over half the programmed channels are non-ham.

On the non-HF rigs, the majority of programmed channels are public safety, air, weather, FRS, GMRS, etc., but even then most of those are blocked out. The VX5R has 200 channels I think. I have 130 or so programmed in, but actually scan about six, none of them ham. Thinking of dumping them all and starting over!

Ed

[WB2RJR]

Is this the Archer Space Command Walkie-Talkie we're talking about? Oh, I'm sorry, Archer Space Command HTs?

40 years ago I wouldn't have believed that someone could convince hams that remembering what memory channel something was on, was easier than just remembering the frequency.

But I was wrong about people buying a "no tune rig" that they had to buy a tuner for. What do I know.

Yes, change always comes. Too bad it seems to be always for the worst.

Hey, as long as you guys are on 2 and don't know how to use a phone, order a pizza for me too.

73, Marty WB2RJR

[ae4fa]

I have no clue how many memory frequencies any of my VHF and UHF FM rigs have. I've only programmed about 5 local to me, 4 of which I almost never use, and a couple that serve one of my favorite vacation spots.

I don't use the alpha options, either. Seems a waste of time.

FM is just a good way to chit-chat with buddies on the way to and from work - discussing antenna or homebrew projects, etc. Nothing more.

For road trips, I totally dismiss FM. For me, it's 20 or 30 meter CW. Never have to worry about where I am or what frequency to use - - there's always someone around for a QSO. And, if I'm feeling sporty - and the wife is ready to do some fast paced logging - I'll run counties for the hunters.

[KB1GYQ]

Quote[/b] (ae4fa @ Aug. 20 2004,19:11)]... the wife is ready to do some fast paced logging ...<span style='color:purple'><span style='font-size:17pt;line-height:100%'>WOW</span> you are the envy of many OM ops.</span>

[w5alt]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ Aug. 20 2004,01:20)]In your NORMAL ( day-to-day) usage of 2m / 440 , how many different repeaters ( or simplex frequencies ) do YOU normally use ?
Well, let's see ..... I listened to a 2m repeater last year. Yes, yes, I think I did talk on it, too.

How many memories does the rig have? If I decide to get on 2 meters later this year, I'll dig out the rig and check.

73,
Walt, W5ALT

[w5alt]

Quote[/b] (ae4fa @ Aug. 20 2004,19:11)]For road trips, I totally dismiss FM. #For me, it's 20 or 30 meter CW. #Never have to worry about where I am or what frequency to use - - there's always someone around for a QSO. #And, if I'm feeling sporty - and the wife is ready to do some fast paced logging - I'll run counties for the hunters.
And Bob sends excellent CW while driving!

[KB1GYQ]

On second thought, my 2m ht has 6800 different channels, all enterable via the keypad or turning knob. Like wow man! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[AB8TM]

I've got about 89 I think at last count...about 35 or so for repeaters and the rest public safety...I travel a lot too so The more memories for me the better. I use a special range for &quot;temporary&quot; memories. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[K3UD]

For years I never had much use for memories. Now I have the 60 meter channels programmed into the HF rig and every standard split and simplex channel programmed into the 2 meter rig. Putting it on scan only reminds me that activity seems to be at an all time low. It is useful while travelling though.

73
George
K3UD

[W4CGP]

My Icom 706 MKIIG has 99 memories and I have about 60 of them programmed. I use about 10 or 12 of them on a regular basis.

My HT has 200 memories and I have 3 programmed...everything else I just manually enter.

[w8ob]

On a 7800R I have all the 2 meter and 440 Mhz splits and simplex freqs programmed into bank 1, In bank 2 I have 235 public service channels programmed. Its great the only thing I would like to see Yaesu do is speed up the scanning rate a bit though.

[K4JSR]

Memories? At my age? I can't even remember how the
danged thing gets turned on! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

It is not all bad, though. It is kinda like getting a new rig
every few minutes or so! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

73, Cal K4JSR
c/o The Forget-Me-Not Retirement QTH, Ga.

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (K4JSR @ Aug. 21 2004,12:36)]Memories? At my age? I can't even remember how the
danged thing gets turned on! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Just look for a button marked &quot;Power&quot; or &quot;On/Off.&quot;

Of course, between reading this and picking up the HT, you'll probably forget that. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[WA2ZDY]

Quote[/b] (W4CGP @ Aug. 21 2004,12:18)]My Icom 706 MKIIG has 99 memories and I have about 60 of them programmed. I use about 10 or 12 of them on a regular basis.

My HT has 200 memories and I have 3 programmed...everything else I just manually enter.
That's because you're young.

Me, I have the band edge memories in my HF rig set so I don't wander out of the ham bands. I'm told FCC frowns upon hams calling CQ on frequencies like 13990 . . .

[K4JSR]

Quote[/b] (N7AAO @ Aug. 21 2004,13:01)]Quote[/b] (K4JSR @ Aug. 21 2004,12:36)]Memories? #At my age? #I can't even remember how the
danged thing gets turned on! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Just look for a button marked &quot;Power&quot; or &quot;On/Off.&quot;

Of course, between reading this and picking up the HT, you'll probably forget that. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Forgot whut?! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Cal K4JSR

Oh yeah, 73.
Now where am I?
Whut wuz eye dewing?

Oh yeah! ON-OFF! I heard something about that when I
was younger, but did not binary a bit of it! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

The nurse just came by to put my restraints on and give me my meds.

[w5klb]

Let's see...

Since I can be ANYWHERE in the eastern part of my state, and since I am a member of ARES, RACES, and SATERN, and also since my XYL just loves to travel, in MY truck, I have about 170+ open repeaters programmed into memory on my Kenwood TM-G707A. Never at a loss for a rag chew or emergancy communications in my truck. Of course, locally #I use about 5 of them that I scan. But it's sure nice to be able to get a repeater in Someotherplace, Oklahoma IF I need or want to. Weather here during the Spring can get real nasty in a hurry!

Now all I have to do is convince the XYL that I need that TS-480 in my truck. I will probably will have to do some &quot;tap dancing&quot; concerning THAT subject.

[W3MIV]

Jeez, repeaters in OKLAHOMA. They finally got electricity out there, huh?

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Aug. 22 2004,08:11)]Jeez, repeaters in OKLAHOMA. They finally got electricity out there, huh?

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
They wired the bathroom first. They liked the light so much, they ran the wire along the path all the way to the house.

At least, that's how it happened here.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif [My Driver's license photo]

[WA2ZDY]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Aug. 22 2004,08:11)]Jeez, repeaters in OKLAHOMA. They finally got electricity out there, huh?
Okie jokes? Look out; I've got Texas connections . . . I know LOTS of Okie jokes.

heh heh heh, open season!

[w5klb]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Aug. 22 2004,05:11)]Jeez, repeaters in OKLAHOMA. They finally got electricity out there, huh?

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Yepper buddy, that's a roger!

We even have *INDOOR* plumbing and let our young'ns wear *SHOES* to school in the fall!

Go ahead and post your Okie jokes while I commence to do some cipher'n and brush up on my timeses and goesinta's.

BTW, the misses is fix'n some hog jowels and possum bellies-YUM YUM. Them sho are gooood groceries!


Yeeee, doggies!