220 MHZ: Use it or Lose it
I recently purchased a Kenwood TH-F6 HT as a retirement gift to myself. It is a great little radio (Review hopefully to follow). I did get the RT systems programming software for it, as I have done for just about all of my radios. This radio has the 222 MHZ band in it, coupled with nearly “DC to daylight” receive coverage. That made it the choice for me. I wanted to explore the 222 MHz band. The only problem is that no one seems to be on this band. Perhaps I am not listening when others are talking on the band. I know that a couple “222” repeaters in the area have been down, but there must be SOMEONE using the band when I am monitoring!
There was a recent cartoon in CQ Magazine making fun about the lack of activity on the band. I wonder why there is so little activity here. I have found that not many people have radios capable of 222. One reason for the lack of hams on the band is a supposed dearth of equipment. Few radios, even the “all band” radios, include 222. Yet, the same CQ issue showcased an inexpensive Chinese handy talkie (HT) for this band. There was also one base station mentioned. The magazine even had an advertisement for a 222 MHz repeater system.
This band once covered from 222 to 225 MHZ, but due to lack of activity, hams lost 2 MHz to commercial interests. Yes, I know that even two meters and 440 don’t seem as active as they should be, either. From what people have told me, cell phones have siphoned off some of amateur radio traffic on the VHF and UHF bands.
Now I will make my plea. Let’s get on 222! For new hams and old alike, how about purchasing a 222 capable radio? When you upgrade your equipment, let’s insist on a radio that is 222 capable. There is at least one web site that list some of the 220 MHz gear: http://www.slvrc.org/220band.htm. On Amazon.com there is a Baofeng UV-82X that includes the 22 MHZ band for under $50.00. Yes, Baofengs aren’t intuitive, but the two I have (2 meters and 440 only) are great little radios once you program them.
222 is sometimes referred to as “the forgotten band), but I have seen forums on the web saying that this band has great propagation, and that repeaters cover better than other bands. We hams may be sitting on a proverbial “gold mine” and not know it.
May Madness is coming to GARS, naturally in May. Perhaps we can set a record for the number of 222 MHz contacts. Until then, maybe we can generate some interest and activity in this valuable band. Let’s talk this band up with fellow hams around the Metro Atlanta area. Your comments are welcome. Post a comment to the GARS reflector (GARS@groups.io) or you can email me at kj4cmy@gmail.com.
73, David Harden, KJ4CMY