[VHFcontesting] Farthest FM Contact

[John Geiger]

Yes, you can do quite a bit on FM.  Back in 1999 when I was NE0P in EN41,
during a nice tropo opening I worked KA0PQW in EN33 on 2m, and needing his
grid on 222, suggested that we try that band.  He only had FM, but we easily
completed anyways. I was using a FT736R at 25 watts to a 10 element yagi.
As I recall, he was using an Icom 37A or 38A at 25 watts to a vertical.
Even with the cross polarization loss, it was a new grid for me.

You never know what you can or cannot do on VHF until you try.

73s John AA5JG

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Burgess" <ve3cru at rac.ca>
To: <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 12:51 AM
Subject: [VHFcontesting] Farthest FM Contact


> Ev and all,
>
> I note with much interest the distance worked by Ev on FM, the power too.
> FN03 to FN21 with 160 watts to a dipole.
>
> I run an old IC-3 HT into a little Mirage brick of 20-30 watts on 223.5
into an FO16.  Ran EN94 to FN32 with no problem, was copyable from FN14ba to
FN32jp W2SZ with the amp off running 1,5 watts too.
>
> This past UHF ran K1TEO FN31 from FN14 and FN04 on 222.2 horizontal, full
quieting, to the surprise of Jeff.  Granted, not omnidirectional, but FM can
do more than most give it credit for.  I for one will change polarization
and lower the frequency on FM for those not wanting to risk problems of high
swr at 223.5, so you don't need to abort a qso and points simply because it
is FM when I rover.
> (still working on 222 tvtrs).
>
> Power is king and antenna is queen?  I think the reverse is true, based on
my past experiences.
>
> 73,
>
> Bill   VE3CRU/R
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