Questions tagged [2m-band]

Use this tag for questions relating specifically to the amateur radio VHF allocation around 144 MHz.

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Diagnosing antenna problem with RigExpert AA-600

Last fall I put up a 40ft tower with a Diamond X50 dual band antenna at the top. This antenna had previous been mounted at the corner of my house with no issues. Since putting the antenna on the tower,...
Matt's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
134 views

2m FM: where do I actually QSY to after establishing contact on 145.500?

I am new to amateur VHF, coming from HF and marine. Online advice says after establishing contact on 145.500 then QSY. What is the range of channels/frequencies most folks use? ie that they are ...
quanglewangle's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
152 views

How do I modify a Yaesu FT-726R from Japan with limited VHF 2 meter bands to use US VHF 2 meter bands?

I purchased this online an love the radio but VHF is limited to 144.00 to 146.00. Our local repeater is at 146.760. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Todd KF0LNB's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
88 views

Converting an FM Antenna to a 2m/70cm Transmitting Antenna

I have a 2006 Honda Goldwing 1800 with an extra FM antenna that I would like to convert to a 2m (or 2m/70cm) transmitting antenna. Changing the connector to a PL-259 seems to be the easy part and I ...
Duane's user avatar
  • 21
1 vote
1 answer
110 views

Swapping crystal from HF to VHF in a QRP tranceiver

I am trying to build a short-range QRP weak signal VHF 2m CW transceiver. I found a small circuit that fit my needs, but it was made for use on 40m instead of my target frequency. The circuit included ...
Jayanta Pandit's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
135 views

A new ham should start with Digital or Analog Portable Radio?

I am interested in acquiring two portable radios to talk between a family member and me (both new hams), e.g. when we go trekking in a National Park or to communicate in the same city. We used PRM ...
Fabián Iglesias's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
283 views

2m frequency allocation for channels

I'm studying for my ham test and have a question that isn't clearly answered in my study guide. On 2m, it seems channels are spaced 15Khz or 20 Khz or 30KHz apart, and (I think) channels have a ...
TSG's user avatar
  • 259
0 votes
2 answers
110 views

Help setting up my uv-5r radio [closed]

I am a disabled person and need help programming my uv-5r with all the pertinent emergency frequencies that apply to my area. Aurora, colorado. I'm not licensed ham and want to stay within the legal ...
Robert's user avatar
  • 11
5 votes
1 answer
633 views

bizzare CW on 2m

I'm currently in Kershaw, SC. Yesterday an automated signal popped up on a 2m simplex freq (147.455 MHz) and has been running since. It sounds like Morse, but it is random letters that don't seem to ...
Aaron's user avatar
  • 51
0 votes
1 answer
152 views

Maximum occupied bandwidth and symbol rate for amateur satellites [closed]

I'm looking for information regarding allowed occupied bandwidth and maximum symbol rate for the following amateur satellite bands Amateur VHF (144 to 148 MHz) aka 2m-band Amateur UHF (430 to 440 MHz)...
Moses Browne Mwakyanjala's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
3k views

Recomended coax for 100ft (2m/70cm)

I recently moved to another house. My setup's current coax is 50ft/RG8x/PL259 (bought in 2018), but it is not enough for connecting my antenna to where I want to place the radio. I believe that 50ft ...
KP4MCG's user avatar
  • 217
1 vote
2 answers
427 views

1/8 wave 3-element 2m beam antenna

Here's what I am working on, and someone please tell me if I'm doing this right or wrong, but be kind and gentle. Center frequency 146.520MHz Driven element is 1/8 wave 10.25" long set at 6.125&...
user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

How much of the 136 - 174 mhz spectrum is actually in use?

I know that 144-148 and 156-157 mhz ranges are in use, and various fire/ems/police, but outside of that, I see a lot of earth-to-space, weather stuff and space research allotments (talking about ...
Peggy Schafer's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
202 views

Can these in-band spurs from rpitx be eliminated somehow?

I'm putting together a 2m NBFM transmitter/receiver combo using rpitx and rtl-sdr. During testing my low-pass filter I discovered that rpitx is generating spurious signals within and around the band (...
user9103's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
490 views

What frequencies in 118–173 MHz can I transmit on without a license in Canada?

I have a Kenwood TM-261. It has the frequencies from 118 to 173 MHz. What frequencies can I transmit on without a licence?
Joshua Krahn's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
371 views

Squelch won't stay open on FM 2 meter band

I am currently using a Baofeng BF-F9V2+ radio. I have found that when listening, my squelch won't stay open, despite getting a good clean signal. I am using a homemade vertical dipole antenna for 2-...
Addison Ballif's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
858 views

What gain and power are required for successful DX contacts on 2m/70cm bands in CW?

I would like to practice in CW on 2m/70cm bands when and if there will be a tropospheric or sporadic-E propagation. However I don't have mush space for the antenna. There is a possibility to install 3+...
Aleksander Alekseev - R2AUK's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
309 views

Strong but unreadable signal received on 2m FM voice, transmitter less than 2km away. What could be the cause of the readability problem?

I conducted an experiment today using a prototype copper wire 2m dipole at a ground level base station (noted on images) and a FT2D HT with an SRH77CA antenna. I recorded my transmissions using a ...
Justin's user avatar
  • 1
1 vote
3 answers
853 views

2m 5-element yagi with staggered driven elements

I have seen sketches of 3-element 2m yagi antennas in which the driven dipole elements are staggered i.e., one element is positioned slightly in front of the other along the length of the (plastic) ...
niels nielsen's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
325 views

Is there a trick for reaching a repeater "through" terrain?

I live in a draw, well below local average ground level. There are two repeaters I want to be able to use (because they're in the network my club uses). One is in the 440 band, thirty miles away but ...
Zeiss Ikon's user avatar
  • 4,097
0 votes
2 answers
275 views

Proper magnetic mount placement on roof

I have a Nissan Versa 2012 (hatchback). It comes with one of those default antennas at the back/center of the roof, for listening to AM/FM radio stations. I have a dual band mag-mount (TRAM 1185), ...
KP4MCG's user avatar
  • 217
3 votes
2 answers
192 views

Amateur Radio for Science Fair

Can I use an amateur radio for a science fair? If so, do I need to prove that I have an active license?
itisyeetimetoday's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
2k views

Using a Baofeng UV-5R V2+ as a Portable Packet Radio

So my idea is I might use a keyboard to enter text. I would use an Arduino to control the ham radio. The problem is that I have no idea on how to use the Arduino to control the radio. Also, what ...
itisyeetimetoday's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
375 views

Two antennas on different sides of a building

I live in the 4th floor of a building with one side facing south and the other north. I am able to use my 2M mobile base transceiver with a mobile magnet mount antenna placed just outside the window. ...
4G1BGS Larry's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
740 views

APRS - using 100 Hz CTCSS for voice contacts

I've learned online some very thin information about how many hams will use 100 Hz CTCSS tones on their APRS transceivers to be able to make voice contacts with hams who are also using APRS. I've ...
Jim MacKenzie VE5EV's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
3k views

Why are 2m and 70cm the common frequencies on HTs?

Why do most HTs have 2m and 70cm as the two bands? Is it just out of history or tradition, licensing restrictions, or is there something in the transceiver or antenna design that would make these the ...
RoboKaren's user avatar
  • 834
2 votes
1 answer
116 views

Are any handsets compliant with Canadian regs usable on both 2M amateur and 2M commercial bands? Is this even possible?

It is rumoured that radio handsets are sometimes used in Canada on 2-metre amateur bands without being certified with Industry Canada. Some of those sets may be modified or reprogrammed to operate on ...
Jim DeLaHunt's user avatar
3 votes
5 answers
13k views

If i connect two antennas to one radio using a t connector will it work?

If I connect two antennas to one radio using a t connector will it work? If a connect 2 antennas (a mag mount + a dipole?) to the same radio with an adapter will it work normally on 2M band and will ...
Charl1110's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
447 views

How to design a meander antenna for 2 meter band?

How should I start if I want to design a compact antenna for 2 meter band using the principle of meander antenna? I noticed meander antennas are frequently used in mobile devices and notebooks for 2.4 ...
Jindrich Vavruska OK4RM's user avatar
4 votes
7 answers
4k views

Slot antenna for 2 meter mobile

My primary vehicle is a Smart car, with a roof that's a piece of plastic(100% moon roof). Not the most awesome of cars to use for grounds. I'm building a bumper mounted antenna tower, EMT with some ...
Omagasohe's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
582 views

HF/VHF antenna for high altitude balloon

I'm working on the design of a dual band transmitter for use on a high altitude balloon. I'll be transmitting on 2 meters and 20 meters (APRS and WSPR) with about 50 mW. To keep the weight to an ...
whalphen K8VFO's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
1k views

How to adapt commercial VHF yagi for 2 meter amateur use?

I recently acquired a Decibel 3-element VHF Yagi that was formerly in commercial service. I connected my MFJ-259B antenna analyzer to the antenna and found its minimum SWR at 155 MHz. I have not ...
Aurelia Peters's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
263 views

Yaesu FTM-3200dr Antenna

I am looking to upgrade my station soon by buying a Yaesu FTM-3200dr mobile 2m radio. I am limited on funds for radio and I don't want to get the wrong type of antenna connector and wast a bunch of ...
KM4WDK's user avatar
  • 75
1 vote
4 answers
4k views

Good Hidden Antenna For 2m

I would like to have an antenna outside for 2 meter VHF use but I do not want it to be expensive and I won't be allowed to put it up if it stands out too much. Does anyone know a good antenna to buy ...
KM4WDK's user avatar
  • 75
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Dual-band rubber duck gain on 2m vs. 70cm

Using a dual band "rubber duck" like the stock Baofeng antenna and/or the physically longer NA-771, which band will give the best results between two mountain tops given the same input power? ...
natevw - AF7TB's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
6k views

How do I construct the driven element of a yagi?

I've been poking around the internet on how to make a Yagi for my HT. I understand all the math for cutting directors and reflectors to length and placing them at the correct spacing for 146.52 mHz. ...
user6099's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Horizontal dipole radiation gaps

Consider the radiation pattern of a horizontal dipole mounted at a height of 1.75λ. Is it possible for a receiving station's antenna to be mounted at a certain height such that the radiation of the ...
KM4NTK's user avatar
  • 125
3 votes
2 answers
9k views

2 Meter horizontal or vertical dipole polarization?

When should I use one polarization over the other on 2 meters? I've looked at the radiation patterns for horizontal dipole and seen how it changes based on mounting height. I haven't been able to ...
KM4NTK's user avatar
  • 125
6 votes
4 answers
1k views

What is the minimum signal strength I need to receive?

Let's say a transmitting station is using a 8W radio with a J pole antenna. The cable connecting the radio to the antenna is RG-58A/U and is 25ft long. At 144.075MHz, the attenuation of the cable is ...
KM4NTK's user avatar
  • 125
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Is it possible to determine if I'm adjusting gamma match in correct direction with an SWR meter and if yes, how?

I've recently obtained a Quad Loop antenna for 2 m and 70 cm that's fed through gamma match, as shown in the picture: The shorter metal bars are connected to the hot side of the BNC, while the longer ...
AndrejaKo's user avatar
  • 2,873
3 votes
2 answers
249 views

Can I leave voice messages via Echolink using my 2-meter handheld?

I am (KB3IFP) going on a 400 mile bike ride in the middle of West Virgina with 0 access to cell reception. I have a 2 meter handheld and a small book of all the US repeaters. I like to 'check-in' ...
Danaia's user avatar
  • 31
8 votes
5 answers
7k views

Is the National Calling Frequency actually used?

I know that the national calling frequency is 146.520. Everywhere I go, it does not give a DUP or TSQ. I am not trying to be or, ask a crazy question but is there or not.
Glenn's user avatar
  • 81
3 votes
3 answers
1k views

Website for satellite down/uplink frequencies and live footprint?

I am looking for a website that has the satellite footprint as well as the downlink freq. I just got a 2m/70cm handheld and want to see what I can pick up.
Definity's user avatar
  • 163
4 votes
2 answers
3k views

Ideal antenna type for FM 2 meters?

Clearly, building a Yagi tuned for 2 meters will likely have the best directional performance. Putting that aside, I'm trying to get information on what antenna type will have the best overall ...
David Hoelzer's user avatar
  • 1,024
3 votes
1 answer
260 views

Rhombic Polarization Question, provided radiation maps

I am trying to engineer my first antenna to get on the air. I need to hit a repeater 50 miles away at a lower elevation than me so that I can use its IRLP nodes. Would this mean I am looking for low ...
Zeke Legge's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

2 antennas and 2 amplifiers connected to same exciter radio

Does anyone here have experience connecting one exciter radio to a pair of identical amplifiers each connected to identical cables connected to identical antennas? Let's suppose we are talking about ...
David's user avatar
  • 141
11 votes
6 answers
3k views

While backpacking, is it worth mounting the antenna to the backpack frame (above my head)?

I am planning a trip with a large group in 6 weeks. We will be spread out in small groups on a trail in a mostly desert plateau landscape perhaps 5 miles apart, but mostly in a straight line. I'm new ...
NL - Apologize to Monica's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
144 views

Why is 2 meter pre-programed?

When I tried to enter frequencies in my 2 meter YAESU, it was already programmed for 144.000 MHz as the primary. WHY?
Jake da Snake's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Radiation pattern for a 1/4th wave 2 meter antenna used on 70cm

What would the radiation pattern look like if I used a 1/4th wave 2 meter mag-mount antenna on 70cm with an HT.
W8AWT's user avatar
  • 1,316
3 votes
2 answers
292 views

Is it legal to put IRLP on a 2 meter repeater?

I heard that it is illegal to put IRLP linking onto a repeater on 2 meters in the USA. I was wondering if this was actually the case.
W8AWT's user avatar
  • 1,316