>From my experience as the 222/432 operator for W2LV, 222 is a great band but
way under-utilized. It is much quieter than 2M so the noise floor is very
low. It also has similar propagation properties with 2M.
More emphasis should be put into 222 by all VHF contesters and general
operators alike.
73,
John
N2HMM
-----Original Message-----
From: vhfcontesting-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Les Rayburn
Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 3:13 AM
To: VHF Contesting Reflector
Subject: [VHFcontesting] 222 or 1296
My experience is limited, having only participated in half a dozen or so VHF
Contests, but I'd opt for the 222 MHz band. It's a quiet band, whose range
often equals or seems to exceed that of 2 Meters even at similar power
levels and antenna gain. Don't ask me how that could be possible, but it
is--and I'm not the only one who has noticed it.
During the June contest for instance, I was running 200 watts on 2 Meters
into a 10 element Yagi. Operating from Locust Ridge in EM63 at about 1,200
Feet ASL. Worked K5QE, Marshall in Texas for a new grid and quite a thrill.
He was weak but very readable on 2 Meters. He reported my signal about the
same. Switching to 222, K5QE literally blew me out of the truck with an S9+
signal...then the really amazing thing happened. He reported my signal as
being the loudest he'd heard on 222 that evening.
The thing is I was running only 125 watts on 222, into a 12 element yagi.
I'm experienced similar occurrences during other events too.
222 is literally my favorite VHF band, I only wish that more commercial
equipment was available so that we'd have more folks to work. It's easy to
get on with virtually any 10 Meter IF rig, a Demi or Elecraft transverter,
and a small amp. Hey, if I can do it, anybody can!
I highly recommend the "forgotten band" of 222. Thought 1296 is a lot of fun
too.
73
Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
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