Yes the numbers do speak. Very few people have 222 MHz capability. I
think for a 222 MHz radio to sell many units, it has to be a mobile,
with a bit a power capability. Alinco makes one and I guess for a while
Kenwood did. A single band 222 MHz radio may not sell well, because no
one wants a rig that only works on a band that has very few people to
work. A few manufacturers include 222 MHz TX capability in a multiband
handheld, but as far as I know none do in a mobile unit. (I think
Kenwood used to make a mobile that could be configured for several
bands, possibly including 222, but it was a rather "high end" unit) If
people could easily buy a mobile unit that included 2 meters, 70 cm AND
1.25 meters they would buy it, knowing that if there is no activity
found on 222, the radio will still be useful on the other two bands. If
there were more rigs like this out there, eventually 222 would become
active. I don't think handhelds including 222 will accomplish that,
mobiles might.
DE N6KB
In a recent ARRL 6/27/08 web survey the question was ask, do you operate
the 220 mhz band?
Of 2991 responses the results were as follows:
Frequently 5.9%
Occasionally 10.7%
Rarely 12.3%
Never 71.1%
The numbers speak.
Andy , W3LI
Of the 71.1% that never opr the band....... how many had equipment capable
of working 220 Mcs ???
Perhaps the numbers do speak.
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