[VHFcontesting] VHF/UHF Activity

[mattpatt at 1starnet.com]

I recently helped a local ham install a stacked pair of 2m loops in his atic.
He was under the impression you had to have a big yagi to be able to work 2m
ssb.  It took me loaning my set of loops that I use on my rover to him before
he was convinced at how well a stacked set of loops actually perform.  Again,
it's not a 17el but it's better than nothing and it got the guy on the air.

Which reminds me, somewhere I saw a article on how to homebrew a 2m horizontal
loop using a metal clothes hanger.  If someone knows what I'm talking 
about and
could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.  I'm thinking about
doing a presentation at our next club meeting and I'm looking for a easy to
build antenna for 2m ssb as I'm going to try and get more people interested in
the band.

73 Matt
W5LL



Quoting John Geiger <johngeig at yahoo.com>:

>
> --- Eric NM5M <nm5m at aol.com> wrote:
>
>>
>> Hams across the country whine about the lack of
>> activity on the VHF and UHF bands by new hams.  If
>> you want to increase activity it's quite simple just
>> do the following:
>>
>> 1. Make presentations to local clubs introducing
>> this aspect of the hobby to prospective amateurs
>> (who cares if they have been licensed 30 minutes or
>> 50 years as long as they get on the air)
>
> Tried that with limited success.  There is alot of
> misinformation about the VHF/UHF bands to overcome.
> Many people could care less about operating at all,
> except for emergency or chasing storms.  Those things
> are important, but it is unlikely that we will ever
> interest those individuals in weak signal work.  Still
> it is worth a shot.
>
>
>> 2.  Stop listening 24/7 to 144.200 and make some
>> noise.  Activity creates activity.
>
> Good point.  It is called the calling frequency, not
> the listening frequency.  Absolutely nothing wrong
> with making CQs on 144.200.
>
>>
>> 3.  Make local or regional operating activities to
>> stimulate activity, I can tell you from personal
>> experience this does wonders to get folks on the VHF
>> bands.
>>
> Tried this locally with nets, operating awards, etc.
> Really didn't work.  Not sure why, but it didn't.
>
>  4.  Educate old and new hams on how to get on the
>> VHF and above bands with indoor or hidden antennas
>> as most live in deed restricted areas and believe
>> that it takes a ton of steel and aluminum to enjoy
>> those bands.
>>
> Good point. Indoor antennas can be very effective on
> 6m.  Got a VUCC with one.  Any antenna is better than
> no antenna, but also be truthful in presenting antenna
> theory and construction.  A directional antenna with
> gain will outperform an omnidirectional antenna with
> no gain.  Encourage yagis, even small ones, if
> possible.  Definitely point out that horizontal
> polarization is needed at 2m and above.  Either
> polarization will work on 6m during Es openings, but
> for longer local work during flat conditions, you also
> want horizontal polarization.
>
> 73s john W5TD
>
>
>
>
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