[VHFcontesting] 900mhz Commercial Conversions

[Les Rayburn]

I'm interested in handing out some 900mhz FM contacts to other weak signal operators during the upcoming contests. My eventual hope is to add a 900mhz transverter to my operation, but in the meantime, I have installed a 25 element 900mhz loop yagi and 1/2" hardline to the shack. 

My thought was perhaps it would be possible to obtain a converted commercial radio, such as a Motorola or GTX radio, and use them on simplex for this purpose. That turned out to be in error. I quickly discovered that most of the weak signal operators had transverters that would not operate in the high end of the amateur band (around 927mhz) but instead needed to be closer to the calling frequency at 902.1mhz. 

Is anyone aware of a unit that can be programmed to operate in FM simplex near the bottom of the band? 

Failing that, perhaps someone has a transverter for this band that they aren't using and might need a new home. Any help appreciated. Trying to avoid dropping a lot of money into a band that will get little use for me, but would like to give out some contacts for the locals. FM seemed like a good stop gap measure. It worked for me during the June contest while my 222 rig was in the shop. 

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf


Les Rayburn, director
High Noon Film
100 Centerview Drive Suite 111
Birmingham, AL 35216-3748 
205.824.8930
205.824.8960 fax
205.253.4867 cell