This seems like a good idea. I’m going to see about improving my VHF/UHF antenna setup and see what I can do via simplex in this area…..Dan
August 26, 2018 7-9pm Local Time
Most Amateur Radio Operators today start out with a radio capable of operating FM on the 2 meter band, so, you probably already have the minimum equipment necessary to participate. The objective is simple – make 2 meter FM simplex contacts, challenge your operating limits, and just get on the air and have some fun.
The suggested frequency for this event is 146.55 MHz, if calling on 146.52 MHz, please be considerate of other operators. Your local band plan may differ, so feel free to share with suggested frequencies that would be best in your local area.
Now all you have to do is get on the air! Of course, you don’t have to stop there, maybe your station needs an upgrade, whether it’s a handheld needing a better antenna, to the 100′ of 30 year old RG8X to your 2 meter vertical on the tower needing replaced, or maybe, a new mobile rig has been on your shopping list.
For more information, see the Facebook page or reddit post.
Tom Averett says
This is a fun project for anyone.
Walter Underwood says
A J-pole is a half wave antenna, so it doesn’t have much gain over a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna like the one on an HT. The big advantage is getting that antenna up in their. You can hang it from a tree or run it up a lightweight pole. A painter’s pole works fine.
I wrote up using a dual-band J-pole with my HT on my blog.
https://observer.wunderwood.org/2015/07/07/working-all-of-palo-alto-with-5-watts/
My favorite portable J-pole is the roll-up J-pole for 2 m and 440 designed by Ed Fong (WB6IQN). That was written up in QST or you can buy one for $30 from Ed. This page has the antennas plus links to the QST articles.
https://edsantennas.weebly.com/about.html
Walter Underwood says
National Night Out (Aug 7th this year) is another good time to get out in the front yard and make some contacts. If your city is participating, there should be people out and around the neighborhood.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Night_Out
Cale K4HCK says
FM simplex is a lot of fun. We have a local simplex net that runs twice a week.
https://146415.net/
richard dalton says
An even easier design is the flowerpot
antenna,essentially a 1/4 vertical 19-1/4″ wire
with a balun 18″/inches below its base
at full output,my swr is flat,reports from a few
miles away say Im fullquieting
Joseph M. Durnal NE3R says
Awesome! Thanks spreading the word!