220 Mhz

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Mar. 16 2007,08:18)]I don't automatically think "repeater" when I think of 220. It's a GREAT weak signal band...it's a shame we've limited it to FM like we have.

We need to promote 220 as anything BUT an FM band...it's a magic band, just like 6 meters.

eric

Eric:

Part of the reason most people think "FM" on 222 MHz is that when we lost 220-222 MHz, that wiped out the traditional CW/SSB weak signal portion of the band; the FM portions above 222 MHz were already populated by repeaters. It was a MAJOR headache getting even a tiny slice of the 222 MHz re-allocation reserved for weak signal work, many repeaters DID have to shift frequency, and add CTCSS. (I believe repeaters on 222 MHz now are required to have CTCSS before they are coordinated, at least in the area covered by 220SMA in So. CA.)

There's no new all-mode equipment commercially avaialble, although there have been radios in the past that included an option of adding 220 MHz. (that was the band at the time.) And Kenwood had the TM-632/741 or whatever line for FM, it was a dual-bander and you could add a third module for either 6 M, 222 MHz, or 1.2 GHz; but again, only an FM mobile rig. Nice radios, "close but no cigar" as they weren't all-mode.
Currently, the only route for all-mode on 222 MHz is with transverters; and some rigs are not as amenable to transverters as others. (Some will require modifications to tap into transmit levels that won't cause damage. I wouldn't like to use my current HF rig as the IF and forget to turn down the power, and blast 50-100 Watts of HF into a transverter. It's NOT a pretty picture. TRUST me. I've seen it, but fortunately, never done it myself. But it's an easy mistake to make.)

[WA2ZDY]

Quote[/b] (ac3p @ Mar. 16 2007,08:11)]Seems like this would be a natural opening for a U.S. company. Ten-Tec or MFJ could market a 222 Mhz all mode transceiver. At a reasonable price, I would buy one.

20 years ago when Novices first got 220 voice privileges, the Japanese big three did make oodles of 220FM rigs. # They didn't sell and that was the end of that.

220/222 is the only band below 23cm I've never had a rig for.

[WA7KKP]

220 MHz isn't popular because there never was any cheap source of surplus FM commercial gear to feed the beast, like there was for 10/6/2/UHF.

There is activity in certain areas, but spotty at best. Repeaters have to be home-brewed or made with highly modified commercial gear, and that cuts down on useage.

The nice part is that it has the reputation of being a gentleman's band. And . . . it is the lowest band one can use for remote control of repeaters/remote bases.

Thanks to the apathy of our national organization, we watched the bottom 2 MHz PURCHASED outright by UPS, who have yet to implement anything in the spectrum.

Gary WA7KKP

[W8IXY]

Hello all,

My story regarding 220....anyone have any similar ones?

I bought an IC3AT at the Dayton Hamvention just after the radio was introduced. As I was leaving Dayton, I was able to kerchunk a local repeater. I gave my "K8VPL listening", and no one came back. I installed a CTCSS encoder in it. Back home in the Cleveland area, I could kerchunk several local repeaters, and do the "K8VPL listening" thing, and no one ever came back. I set the radio on the shelf and charge it up once in a while over a period of about 20 years. I'd occasionally do the kerchunk and call thing, and no one ever came back. I'd often leave it on and it was so quiet I'd forget it was on and it would just run the battery down. I NEVER had a QSO on the radio in the 20 years I had it. Not one! I gave it to a newly licensed tech 5 years ago, and never heard from her since.

FWIW.

If there were a radio, handheld or (semi) portable or mobile, that covered 6m, 2m, 220, 440, 900, and 1296, and gave me at least 25 watts per band output, and sold for less than $500.00 US, I'd buy it on the spot.....and maybe give it away after 20 more years.

I also dream a lot.


73, K8VPL

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Mar. 16 2007,12:09)]Hello.

Australia has 440 just like ours.

I wasn't referring to 440 actually.

I was referring to another band they had somewhere above 500MHz that they used for ATV.

[N0JAA]

I think there is one 220 repeater in my area. 1.25 meters has always been an under-utilized band for some reason, which is probably why we lost half of it in the 80's. One of the reasons FCC changed the license structure in the mid 80's to add the Tech Plus license and increase privileges for Novices was to generate interest in the 1.25-meter band (by giving Novices voice privileges on 10 meters and 1.25 meters). Interest did peak for a short time, but after a few years it gradually wore off.

[WA2ZDY]

Quote[/b] (WA7KKP @ Mar. 16 2007,15:35)]Thanks to the apathy of our national organization, we watched the bottom 2 MHz PURCHASED outright by UPS, who have yet to implement anything in the spectrum.

Actually, here's the downright goofy UPS story.

UPS asked for a block of frequencies for their nationwide communication and tracking system. FCC agreed on the grounds that it use a new mode - ACSSB - that is incompatible with anything else. FCC then took 220-222 for this system.

After UPS got the green light to do this, they tried to pull a fast one. They asked FCC if they could do FM afterall as ACSSB gear was rare and expensive. To FCC's credit, they stood up to UPS and said no.

UPS then put their system on the then-new and growing cell network, where it is now.

The 220-222 band is available for commercial/business licensing, but again, that ACSSB bugaboo sits there and is apparently a flop. The main manufacturer of ACSSB gear - SEA - has I believe gone under. ACSSB gear shows up on ebay once in a while and rarely goes for much.

Yep, we took a screwing on that one.

[N4CYA]

Here where I live theres a whole bunch of 220 repeaters linked up all over the place the owner doesnt want anyone use'ing them unless he knows you. I was talking to some of the local's 220 around here isnt a good place to start at all due to the name calling that goes on that side on the band plan. When I first got my license I was told about the 220 repeater's so I got on the repeater that was listed and one of the regular guys kept calling me names for no reason so I backed away from 220. If you like to see what goes on I say go for it! 73's Jamie (N4CYA)

[WA9CWX]

CYA,

I am just curious, how in the world do you dredge up all these hostile folks in your area?

Someone leave the prison doors open and hand out ham tickets ?

It seems that every post about repeaters in your area is about how someone calls you names, or won't talk to you, or makes comments about your identification procedure....
I sure hope you have more fun on simplex or HF, or something. This really sounds like a drag.

[N4CYA]

Quote[/b] (wa9cwx @ Mar. 16 2007,11:45)]CYA,

I am just curious, how in the world do you dredge up all these hostile folks in your area?

Someone leave the prison doors open and hand out ham tickets ?

It seems that every post about repeaters in your area is about how someone calls you names, or won't talk to you, or makes comments about your identification procedure....
I sure hope you have more fun on simplex or HF, or something. This really sounds like a drag.

Im just being honest thats how it is here where I live either you get someone can hold a decent coversation with you or you get the one's that doesnt know how to. Most of the repeater's have private clicks and they will only speak to they're own little click friends as they call it no matter how new or old you are in this hobby they wont associate with you or nothing at all. Im sorry to say but its the truth.