I was setting up a nearly new in box 30 year old Yaesu FT-8100 that my dad gave me the other day. It was on .52. I heard people talking. Chatted with them. Came to find out there’s a simplex net on Wednesdays. I joined in on that and have a better idea of my area propagation every time. Then I started monitoring 52. Talked with a guy driving down the highway when I noticed his antennas and called out. Another called me right after that conversation ended. Had no idea it was so active. Love it!
Hello Ben, Great video. I heard you calling on simplex tonight. I am about 25 miles SE of Port Huron MI. Looked up your call sign on QRZ, and found these videos. Keep up the good work. 73
Hey thanks Jim! I have been having pretty good luck with getting over 100 mile contacts with the band openings on 2 meters lately. Im just using a copper J-pole antenna, but I am thinking about constructing a 2 meter beam in the near future to get some more distance. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73, Ben
Thanks for watching and commenting. I am glad you enjoyed the video. I've started a simplex net in my area and it usually pulls in around 5 check in's some times less sometimes more. Glad you have activity down there, sounds like some people in the comments just live in completely dead areas for simplex. 73's Ben
I have 146.52 programmed into all my 2m radios and scanners. I have been able to make many contacts over the years. Really neat to catch motorcycle and air-mobile operators!
Simplex from a HT can be a real surprise. 2 meters can handle 3 or 4 miles outdoors from ht to ht. We use em when camping. We just pop in our radio call when were done and its pretty great.
I am not able to transmit. But, I made a 2 meter ground plane antenna and put it up about 6 metres off the ground. The scanner was picking up transmissions from about 90 kilometers away! Granted, the operators were using 50 watt and 60 watt stations on half wave vertical dipoles. But my coat hanger antenna was receiving them very far from the station, without a repeater.
I am thinking of getting into Ham. I was trying to think of where to set up a shack in the house and my reloading bench was what kept popping up in my mind so when I saw your RCBS single stage it all made perfect sense!
Hope you decide to join the community! There's a ton of resources out there, and the test is simple enough to memorize after a couple weeks of study. If you find a local club in your area don't be shy and reach out to them... Somebody might even hook you up with your first radio for free!
I feel the same way. 2M simplex (or any band simplex for that matter) is as pure and simple (no pun intended) as radio can be. It really is the best way to test your station's reach and thereby the fitness of your equipment. Also, it is a good way to stay off the repeaters when not needed - and not having to worry about repeater IDs, holding up other traffic, and keeping a lower profile with your QSOs.
Hey Ben, pretty good video. I play on 52 alot. I normally make contact with 25+ stations. My furthest contact was 176 miles away. Of course I failed to mention I normally sit atop a large mountain at 8000 foot elevation in the Sierra Nevada Mountain's.
Hey thanks for watching and commenting! Sounds like you are in a really good spot for simplex. On a good date I might be able to get about 4 contacts, but from reading the previous comments that is better luck even that some people are having. I would love to have the 8000ft elevation in the mountains to play around with. 73's! Ben
What kind of antenna and power level were you using to hit that 176 mile simplex connection? That's pretty awesome! I need to renew my no-code technician license that I let lapse back in 2006, which basically means I have to start from scratch since so much time has lapsed. I was never really into simplex, except for experimental stuff where dudes and dudettes who I met on the local Dallas area repeaters would try to contact each other via simplex and see how low of a power level we could use. I had a Ringo Ranger dual stacked 5/8th wave antenna that could reach out and just about slap someone with all of the gain it had. Could hit the Texas Instruments ham radio club two-meter repeater from more than 20 miles away with - no BS - one watt. A WATT! Now that's WATT I'm talking about! I normally used my transceiver in 10W mode though. I had one of those generic Radio Shack mobile transceivers made by, I think, Kenwood that I powered with a pair of series wired 6V tractor batteries that I kept on a tricky trickle charger to keep its charge larger. Always loved using mobile transceivers as base stations like that, mounted it under an old wall mounted bookcase / cabinet so the heat sink had plenty of clearance (not that it needed much running at 10W - thing barely drew 2 ampz) and the display would be at eye level. Good times, miss the mid- to late-90s.
I wish more people use the 2 meter band . the last few years has been sad. They just get on once a week throw there call on the net and nobody talk in till next week Net. Throw call nobody talk. Thank you the call and see you next On the net. NICE to see someone does use it I use to enjoy it.
Yea I am fortunate that my area has a fair amount of activity on 2 meter calling frequency. I normally can put out my call a few times over about 10-15 minute period and someone will call back. I think alot of people moniter it, just don't call out on it. Thanks for watching and commenting, 73's! Ben
Good video and I agree with you about using simplex as often as possible. Problem is people are lazy and don't want or know how to do simplex. Put in a repeater and let it do the hard work. I've been trying to get an antenna that will reach the local simplex radio club in my area. I have a new Diamond X510 that will go up when weather permits. Great job on this one.
I really enjoy using it especially with local friends since some of our area repeaters can be finicky at time. I run a simplex net in my area and once people try it out and do some modifications to their station, they usually get out great and with little effort. Thanks for watching and commenting! I am glad you liked the video and good luck with your new antenna that you will be putting up. Thanks and 73s! Ben
Hey it would be worth a try. I have made a contact or two over that way, but it was usually on a day with some good tropospheric ducting going on. Thanks for watching and 73! Ben
Its easy to do if you have a few nets and repeaters with activity. I havnt had much activity the calling frequency lately since my free time has been late at night recently and it's usually dead on there around 2am. Thanks for watching and 73s! Ben
Thank you for sharing this! I live in a apartment however I will try simplex. There is a local group that meets on 146. 400 on Monday nights at 20:00 local time. I live in Fairfield county Ohio and that is where this group meets.
Hi Ben, great video. When I was a newbie in the early 90's got a real cold reception from local club membership. Aft. about 2 weeks of getting my ticket I jumped off the repeater, went to simplex and never looked back. I love FM to this day. Shortly after meeting great guys on simplex I set up a 2m SSB station. We hung out on 146.52 thinking to work any traffic on the band. Im up in Toledo, lets talk sometime!
Thanks Ben I like 2 meter simplex too..Just getting back into the hobby after 25 yrs getting my feet wet LOL on 2 Meters never know who you are going to pick up on 2 meter simplex Gary from Windsor Canada VE3API.
Don, yea I can monitor 146.52 for hours and not hear anything, but when I call out I get someone responding about 50% of the time it seems. I always try and respond to someone also if I hear them calling out to show activity on the frequency. Thanks for watching my video and commenting! 73!
Hello Ben, and thank you for a great video. We recently moved to Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and I've never really given 'Simplex' a thought, until now! My wife and I are both Hams: KI6CMR and KI6CMS. Hopefully make contact sometime...just learning about the repeater systems, here in N. Kentucky. My next goal, is to learn how to use Echolink...any suggestions? Thanks again!
Hello Frank and welcome to my channel. Thank you for watching and commenting on my video, I am glad that you enjoyed it. Yes hopefully in the future we can make contact on the air if we have good band conditions. I would recommend playing around with simplex or even just getting your station setup so you can work repeaters further away and chat and check into more nets. I have never used Echolink, but it seems like it is something easily accessible to anyone with a radio. I believe you can run it either through your radio to a repeater that it hooked up to it, using just your smart phone and and app, or setting it up on your PC. I have a two local repeaters in my area that allow access to it, but I have tried using them. It seems like a great way to make contacts even if there is not much local activity in your area. 73, Ben
146.520 is quite active in Indianapolis, great group here if you're passing through town, give us a holler ... Most everyone here is using the diamond X-510 antenna and if high enough [25 and above] it should provide you with coverage of approximately a 30 mile radius ... 52 days until the 2022 Indy 500 ;-]
Glad to hear you have an active group over there. I don't make it over that way much, but I will make sure to put my call out if I do. I might try beaming that way if there is a day with good propagation and see of I can pick anyone up. I've been to the 500 once before and it was a great time. Thanks for Watching and Commenting! 73s Ben.
I have my General ticket but to most people's surprise I prefer 2 meters over HF...Its less of a contact logging frequency and more of a rag chewing getting to know the locals frequency...Im not into contest so I just prefer rag chewing with the locals..It looks like we are running the same radio ( Yaesu 2980R ) I think that radio is the best value out there..Im running mine through a Diamond X300-A antenna and even on bad days 40 mile contacts are like sitting in a room together...I talk to people 65 miles away and they are usually a 5×5 to 5×6 so if anyone out there is looking for a good antenna the X300-A is a great antenna for under $200....I also have its little brother the X30-A and it is good as well and i think its under a $100, I use it if im going to be out with my HT...I mount it to a camera tripod and you can easily hit repeaters 40 miles out...Anyway thanks for making this video, many ignore 2 meters but I like it and I think most HF diehards would too if they would get over the illusion that VHF and UHF is for Technicians to learn radio on only and big boys don't hang there. 73 KI5USS
Great Video Ben, always a thrill when one is on any band simplex. working FM, or even SSB or CW. and of course the new proverbial FT8. I've been a ham for 49 yrs and alway even to this day get excited when I work someone in a one on one qso. and even in a "Round Robin" Qso (more than one operator). Simplex has many rewards. and as you mentioned seeing how well your station works. a few tips. when calling CQ. do a 3x3 call, CQ three times and then your Call three times. and use the correct phonetic alphabet.. A lot of older ops like myself have hearing deficiencies of varyingdegrees. and too many letters sound the same in normal language Example. C,E.T.B.Z F.S.X. etc. but phonetics win every time. the other reason for the 3x3 call if someone is running a rotor/yagi it will give them time to turn it to find you better. Ok I could go on and on but just thought I"d pass along a couple of tips. keep the videos comng. you're doing a great job Ben. 73 and Gud dx'ing! de Ellis WA1RKS.
I am glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for the tips. Yea I try to do longer CQ call or repeat myself a few times. That way someone who may have been listening but not at their desk can have a chance to hear my call again. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73's! Ben K8KTO
Bravo for the simplex plug. I also monitor 146.52 and 52.525 and 144.200. Your set up is vertical so it's not ideal for 144.200 SSB, but I've having a lot of fun with it. Every night there's a net. Northern Ohio, Michigan, Illinois & Wisconsin. I'm in northern Indiana. I totally 110% agree with the philosophy of having communications if the repeaters(s) are down. It lets you hone your skills of operating efficiency. Good video, thanks W9DLP
@@davep6977 I have actually started a simplex net since making this video and we have been trying out 2 meter SSB. Most of the hams in my area only have vertical polorization so we use that. I have horizontal capabilities for SSB on 2 meters if needed though. What frequency and time is the SSB net for the area? I would be interested in checking in if I can pick it up. Thanks for watching and commenting! Ben
Nice shack. And god points. I live in Alpena, Michigan. The population is pretty sparse here, but we get a lot of people from out of town certain times of year. Hunting season is coming up here next weekend so I’ll try to make a QSO then. It’s a good way to catch new hams. 73! - Brad W8RAD.
Hey thanks, its cramped radio stuff and other hobbies, but it works. Yea you are a ways up there and I could see there being less people to talk to. Have you ever had any luck talking to Canadian stations? I was able to have a QSO with one who lives on the other side of lake Erie and that was pretty neat. I guess I never thought about talking to them on 2 meters until be called back to my CQ. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 I haven't talked to too many Canadians. I would like to but I think it may be a little too far for 2 meters, and too close for anything other than a NVIS. One of these days we'll get some tropospheric ducting and maybe then. But for now I hear a lot of people who are passing through, usually on the local repeater. I talked to one guy on his sailboat on his way down to Bay City to put his boat up for the winter. So, yeah, it's hit or miss.
@@bradnicoll2282 yea the time I talked to the Canadian station, there was a bit of tropo going on where I was hitting quite a few stations just over the 100 mile mark already. I was thrilled to talk to someone on the otherside of Lake Erie.
I am curious now if there are aftermarket products for single stage presses for things like that. Its a pretty stout press so I am sure it could do other stuff. Thanks for watching and commenting, 73s Ben
Encouraging video. My son, daughter and I want to start into radio with technician licenses to communicate in grid down, cell phone down situations. He’s 32 miles away and she is 40, in a triangle on the map. What type of equipment is doable for us using simplex? Anyone have any basic ideas?
You may want to look at mobile radios to use as a base station with external antennas so you can get out a little better and have some more power to push. If you are wanting to use handheld radios you may want to look at getting a yagi antenna like the arrow antennas or the elk antennas that you can hold or make a tape measure yagi. The only way to really know is get on the air and test out your equipment. Thanks for watching and 73s, Ben.
Nope, for simplex you want to listen and receive on the same frequency since it is radio to radio. The offset and tones will be if you are wanting to talk on a repeater.
Thank you and j tried it on my uv-5r, so far no one responded on national simplex possibly it may be the antenna I'm using. I want to get a jpole and trying it
@@elsuperpollo2273 Its tough getting your signal out far on the ground with a stock antenna unless you are up on high ground. If you can get a Jpole up in the air as high as you can you will have much better luck with your 5 watts. 73s and good luck.
Hello, Nice Video! Im studying for my license, and have a question? I cant find any active clubs around me, I live about 15 miles from town and am wondering if a handheld will even pick up anything? What should I start with that will have enough power, and is there any radio that you can use as a base and take in truck with you? Thank you!
If you can pick up anything will depend on lots of factors like geography, the station you are listening to if they have their antenna elevated or what power level they are using. You should be able to pick stuff up, but you might not always get out. Its worth a try with an HT and you can always hook your HT up to an external 2m antenna to get better results, or build a tape measure yagi for more directional. You can start with a Baofeng and program it with Chirp software just to get into radio with out spending alot to get a feel for it, or you can check out some of the vendor sites and look at their HT's I would atleast get something that does 2m/70cm to start with and they usually have a 5watt max output. You can get a mobile radio like I have in this video and hook it up to a power supply to run it and use it from your home or mount it in your vehicle. Look up power pole connectors if you want to take something back and forth between a vehicle and home, those will be easier to disconnect in your vehicle and then just unscrew your coax from your radio. Glad you liked the video and thanks for watching. 73s! Ben
@@georgemullin7772 I prefer it as well. My local club repeater is hit or miss with reliability, but normally I can talk around my area with no problems on 2M simplex.
I think it depends on your area to be honest. Most people in my area just have the QSO on it since there is not frequent activity on it, plus it shows activity there which is nice, and it gives people a chance to jump in. Longer ones I have started moving up the frequency just to be safe. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73s Ben
I live in San Francisco. Once a month we test 2m simplex. It doesn't work well because of the hills. It's one reason why I became a General- to use HF..
Yea it's nice to have everything setup in one place. Ive made it over into the Cleveland area when the conditions have been right before so hopefully you hear me sometime. Thanks for watching amd commenting! 73
@@ltramd I should try and program the repeaters for Cuyahoga County and try them with a 2 meter beam when band conditions are good to see if I can make some contacts over there.
Most of the time people are not using an offset when working simplex and everything is on the same frequency. Just switch the -/+ offset to off or "simplex" unless your radio does it already in VFO mode and you should be good. Hopefully that helps. Thanks for watching and 73s, Ben.
Great video Ben 👍 I have a homemade j-pole too. Then I built a 4 element quad from pvc pipe and Lowes fiberglass driveway markers and 14 gauge wire. It’s fun to play with when I get the chance Michael KE5MUG Clarkridge Arkansas
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 performance is pretty good. Mine’s up 25 feet and can reach repeaters in Branson Missouri 50 miles away to the northwest with 10 watts
Hey Jeff thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. My radio is a Yaesu FT 2980r. It is a wonderful 2 meter FM radio that puts out a max of 80w.
I know that I have made a few contact over that way so it is possible that we have spoken before. I am starting to log my simplex contacts now so I can keep track of which viewers I make contact with. Thanks for watching Scott and commenting on my video. 73, Ben
There seems to be a resurgence of 146.52Mhz FM, in my area. I turn on my scanner and it is active 90% of the time. It is immensely popular. I just wonder what happened. It was dead for years. But, it has been in my scanner for years, with little activity. I also heard 2 meter sideband last year.
In ~49 years being licensed I never heard 146,52. MHz called a calling frequency, it has always been the 2 meter simplex frequency. It is used greatly by travelers, sales people, truckers and RV'ers. Ron W4BIN
I've heard to called both, but they both mean the same. Either way, most people know it's the frequency to jump onto to make some simplex contacts. Thanks for watching and 73s! Ben
I’m an old timer like Ronald but the term calling frequency has been around for a long time and there is nothing wrong with it. Years licensed doesn’t always equate to actual experience on the bands anyways.
Hey sorry for the late reply, I somehow missed your comment. If you are looking for a 2 meter only FM radio it is great! The audio is really good, display is nice, and it's easy to program without software. Plus it gets up to 80watts of output power. Thanks for watching! 73s Ben.
Yea I will put something together about my antennas here in the near future. The antenna I was talking about though is an Elk Antenna. It gets out really well for its size. Thanks for watching and 73's Ben.
You really want to work DX on 2 meters, get off FM and go to 2 meter SSB, add a small horizontal beam and the confirmation of states start to roll in. Its a shame, that most new hams are introduced to ham radio via repeaters and handie talkies and are then sold on the so-called "J" pole which is a small and compromise antenna.
I would prefer to use SSB, just have never had luck calling on it. I've used it with a few of my local friends who have it but that's about it. I wish manufacturers would add 2 meter and 70cm all mode into more of their radios to get more people interested in it. I've had good results for the price that I built my jpole, but I am looking for something to upgrade to in the near future.
The analog FM repeaters are 99% dead in my area. The good old days of having regular friendly chats are a thing of the past. The reasons are many and complex, but here are a few. 1. The failure of hams (mostly older) to fully embrace the digital revolution. You CANNOT thumb your nose at new or developing technology and expect to survive (or thrive). 2. Too many other options in the hobby. 3. Smartphones and the internet. 4. Snobby, cliqeish, elitist behavior, mostly by older hams. 5. Lack of privacy in every area of our lives. All topics must be safe and somewhat vague. It's just not a good idea to get on a repeater and broadcast where you're going, what you have or what you think about things. 6. Hobby politics (internal squabbling).
That is unfortunate the repeaters are dead in your area. Hopefully that changes in the future for you or maybe you can raise a few people on simplex to chat with instead. Best of luck and thanks for watching and commenting. 73's Ben
I am a older ham (since 1965) and I have tried dmr, dstar, but found they were(aren't) for me, just like ft8on hf which is more the computer then the operator. With that said, I listen on 52 and 58 and put my call out, but I don't even hear crickets, just a lot of nothing. Same with the repeaters. A couple of nets now and then but 99% of the time kerchunkers and that is it. Oh don't put all the old hams in #4, because I found the newer/younger hams are just as bad or worse. 73 K8YZK
are all frequencies on 2 meter plan listed as "simplex" open to use? i thought the national calling frequency was for emergencies only and should be kept clear of chatting. not licensed yet. will be this year
Not at all. 146.520 is the common calling simplex frequency, not just for emergencies. 146.400-146-600 with 20khz spacing. So 146.400 146.420 146.440 etc up to 146.600 with 146.520 being the common simplex calling frequency. In the old days when there were tons of hams on the air, it was common courtesy to make a contact on "52" and move to an alternate simplex frequency to not "tie up" the calling frequency. Now thats not an issue at all. Hope this helps your understanding of simplex, which is direct radio to radio, no repeater involved.
My GF is getting her license. Do you think we would be able to chat on either 2m or 70cm simplex at a ski resort? At one ski resort in particular, all of the runs face north. But there might be a SLIGHT line of sight issue. I might be on one run while she would be on another with a slight hill in the way. Like, she is out of sight by 50yards and perhaps trees.
I think you two should be able to make contact with each other just fine. Might not even need full power with your HT's. It would also be worth it if you are up in elevation to try the calling frequency to see if anyone in the area can hear you. You might be able to make some decent simplex contacts with your HT if you are up high and especially over looking populated areas. Thanks for watching and commenting, and have fun on your ski trip. 73's Ben
I'm all about playing with simplex. Even HT's can reach repeaters, simplex is more interesting. I have the same radio you have, curious how popular 70cm is in my area (Long Island).
It is a really good radio, I have it mounted in my vehicle currently since I have a FT991a I can use at my desk. I would imagine you could get someone to respond since you live in a pretty populated area. I would give it a try. I got a reply back on 70cm simplex last week in my area, so it would be worth a shot. 73, Ben
KI4QFL. I am in the Northern Ky area. I have called CQ many times and maybe hear one person in many months. I really think in my area, it is pretty dead
I usually have the same 3-4 people I pickup on simplex in my area, but I occasionally snag a new operator. Maybe try the 6-9am and 4-7pm time frame. I have had luck during those hours since more people are commuting in their vehicles and scanning the frequency. Thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck and 73s, Ben.
@@elmoreglidingclub3030 Ive only heard it in my area during contesting. Same with digital modes and ssb. FM is pretty much 99% of what I hear outside of contesting in my parts. My friends and I schedule stuff and jump on different modes. If you have friends that can do it for sure give it a try.
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 That’s what I was thinking-arranging CW practice sessions with friend. Thanks. Good video. I’m about to buy a 2m radio and I think simplex will be what interests me the most.
I've never had any luck with unscheduled SSB on 2 meters. Most of the time when I have tried it out it is either a part of my simplex net or just starting out on FM and moving over to it if I find the other operator has a SSB ability. I should give more effort to calling CQ with it to see if anyone is monitering 144.200. Any luck with it in your area?
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 oh yeah a lot of people around there are a few nets on 2m side band. check out my youtube past streams a group of 10 of us normals rag chew around 8pm and we always have people breeze in and out. most of us have icom 9700s. seems like around the country 2 meter side band is kinda dead. We are trying to keep it a live. thanks for getting back to me
@@GreggK6EGG Nice! I will give it a try and see if I can pick anyone up. I know a good handfull of the local guys have SSB ability for 2 meters, but it seems thay FM is the more popular mode in my area. I checked out your videos and it seems like you have an active group out there. I would love to get one of the IC 9700s, but I want to make sure I get a better antenna setup and get more into VHF contesting before I get one. I got my 991a to try out the different VHF modes but still getting the HF abilities.
Usually I will call heavy for about 10 minutes to start and if I dont hear anything I'll back off and moniter and put my call out about every 10 minutes and then start back up every 30 minutes or so. Usually its about 50/50 if I can get people to call back in my. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73s! Ben.
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 I don't hear as much activity as I would like to. I am in a city that has Interstate 75 running through it, so I get the occasional request on 146.52 for travel information, etc. I will occasionally put a call out on 52 just to see if anyone is around. I don't know why more hams don't utilize 146.52 more often.
@@ku4uv Its about the same here. It is pretty quite most of the time, but if I put my call out, I usually get a response from someone about 50% of the time. I also Live along I75 and have gotten to chat with the commercial drivers. 73s, Ben
Hey sounds like its time to take the test then. The Technician is pretty easy and General wasnt too bad. I am still working towards Extra. Looks like Findlay and Lima both have testing this Saturday at 9am.
@@Texas12valve looks like Lima might not have anything that I am seeing right now. The Findlay Radio Club will have testing this Saturday 7/10 at 9am at the radio club. The website is findlayradioclub.org and the address is listed there.
I have a 50 Watt dual band radio , with a Diamond X-200 base antenna. In this area , they have a 7 : 30 PM net meeting , on Wednesdays , 146.550 MHz , Simplex. Half of us can not hear each other. Not a lot of Simplex , in the Denver Metro Area. I only hear people saying CQ , on HF. On VHF/UHF , they give their call sign , and say monitoring.
Wish there was a standard ctcss tone widely used for 146.52. While mobile around the region I live in, the squelch frequently breaks with non-amateur noise.
Yea thats the downside to listening to simplex especially if you are looking for weaker signals is listening to the noise since your squelch is lower or off. I have mine turned completely off alot, but keep the volume just loud enough I can hear the person calling. Thanks for watching! 73s, Ben
I should probably do a full station tour for everyone to see what I am using. My antenna for this was a home made copper Jpole. It is still my main antenna and works well. Thanks for watching! 73s, Ben
Yea definitely! We are only about 70 miles from each other so we should be able to make a contact, especially if there is a little bit of tropo going on. What is your 2 meter setup that you have?
@@sage69lolzzz That is a pretty decent setup. I bet it would make the trip and I can also setup my log periodic if my home brew Jpole doesnt make the trip. Only about 70 miles between us.
Unfortunately some areas don't have much activity. If you have any local nets you can always try and see if anyone wants to stick around after it is over and try out simplex. That might spark some interest in it. Thanks for Watching and 73s, Ben
@@stratocasterblue the amateur radio operators on youtube put their callsigns out there for everyone to look up. I guess that makes them amateur youtube operators.
Hey congrats on your license. I would hope you would have good luck in the Cleveland area. I have even managed to make contacts over that way. Glad you liked the video! 73s, Ben
![How to Make a Contact on Ham Radio The EASY Way [Using Simplex]](/img/1.gif)
I was setting up a nearly new in box 30 year old Yaesu FT-8100 that my dad gave me the other day. It was on .52. I heard people talking. Chatted with them. Came to find out there’s a simplex net on Wednesdays. I joined in on that and have a better idea of my area propagation every time. Then I started monitoring 52. Talked with a guy driving down the highway when I noticed his antennas and called out. Another called me right after that conversation ended. Had no idea it was so active. Love it!
Hello Ben, Great video. I heard you calling on simplex tonight. I am about 25 miles SE of Port Huron MI. Looked up your call sign on QRZ, and found these videos. Keep up the good work. 73
Hey thanks Jim! I have been having pretty good luck with getting over 100 mile contacts with the band openings on 2 meters lately. Im just using a copper J-pole antenna, but I am thinking about constructing a 2 meter beam in the near future to get some more distance. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73, Ben
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. We have a simplex group here in Nashville TN and it’s crazy how large it’s grown in a few years.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I am glad you enjoyed the video. I've started a simplex net in my area and it usually pulls in around 5 check in's some times less sometimes more. Glad you have activity down there, sounds like some people in the comments just live in completely dead areas for simplex. 73's Ben
What is your call sign. I work at the Mt.Juliet Amazon and call on 146.520 for QSO's often.
@@markclark4324 Hi Mark, I’m KI4ZDD and I live in Hermitage
@@michaeldunn9018 Cool I'm KN4DVJ
Hi this is nerd 🤓 Buster's fm cb radio work the world 🌎 5 watts
Hustler 😮cb fm at fling j😊no hro local radio stations shack s
I have 146.52 programmed into all my 2m radios and scanners. I have been able to make many contacts over the years. Really neat to catch motorcycle and air-mobile operators!
Simplex from a HT can be a real surprise. 2 meters can handle 3 or 4 miles outdoors from ht to ht. We use em when camping. We just pop in our radio call when were done and its pretty great.
I am not able to transmit. But, I made a 2 meter ground plane antenna and put it up about 6 metres off the ground. The scanner was picking up transmissions from about 90 kilometers away! Granted, the operators were using 50 watt and 60 watt stations on half wave vertical dipoles. But my coat hanger antenna was receiving them very far from the station, without a repeater.
I am thinking of getting into Ham. I was trying to think of where to set up a shack in the house and my reloading bench was what kept popping up in my mind so when I saw your RCBS single stage it all made perfect sense!
Hope you decide to join the community! There's a ton of resources out there, and the test is simple enough to memorize after a couple weeks of study.
If you find a local club in your area don't be shy and reach out to them... Somebody might even hook you up with your first radio for free!
I feel the same way. 2M simplex (or any band simplex for that matter) is as pure and simple (no pun intended) as radio can be. It really is the best way to test your station's reach and thereby the fitness of your equipment. Also, it is a good way to stay off the repeaters when not needed - and not having to worry about repeater IDs, holding up other traffic, and keeping a lower profile with your QSOs.
Hey Ben, pretty good video. I play on 52 alot. I normally make contact with 25+ stations. My furthest contact was 176 miles away. Of course I failed to mention I normally sit atop a large mountain at 8000 foot elevation in the Sierra Nevada Mountain's.
Hey thanks for watching and commenting! Sounds like you are in a really good spot for simplex. On a good date I might be able to get about 4 contacts, but from reading the previous comments that is better luck even that some people are having. I would love to have the 8000ft elevation in the mountains to play around with. 73's! Ben
What kind of antenna and power level were you using to hit that 176 mile simplex connection? That's pretty awesome! I need to renew my no-code technician license that I let lapse back in 2006, which basically means I have to start from scratch since so much time has lapsed. I was never really into simplex, except for experimental stuff where dudes and dudettes who I met on the local Dallas area repeaters would try to contact each other via simplex and see how low of a power level we could use. I had a Ringo Ranger dual stacked 5/8th wave antenna that could reach out and just about slap someone with all of the gain it had. Could hit the Texas Instruments ham radio club two-meter repeater from more than 20 miles away with - no BS - one watt. A WATT! Now that's WATT I'm talking about! I normally used my transceiver in 10W mode though. I had one of those generic Radio Shack mobile transceivers made by, I think, Kenwood that I powered with a pair of series wired 6V tractor batteries that I kept on a tricky trickle charger to keep its charge larger. Always loved using mobile transceivers as base stations like that, mounted it under an old wall mounted bookcase / cabinet so the heat sink had plenty of clearance (not that it needed much running at 10W - thing barely drew 2 ampz) and the display would be at eye level. Good times, miss the mid- to late-90s.
I wish more people use the 2 meter band . the last few years has been sad. They just get on once a week throw there call on the net and nobody talk in till next week Net. Throw call nobody talk. Thank you the call and see you next On the net.
NICE to see someone does use it I use to enjoy it.
Yea I am fortunate that my area has a fair amount of activity on 2 meter calling frequency. I normally can put out my call a few times over about 10-15 minute period and someone will call back. I think alot of people moniter it, just don't call out on it. Thanks for watching and commenting, 73's! Ben
From what I understand 2-meter is generally more active than 70cm?
Good video and I agree with you about using simplex as often as possible. Problem is people are lazy and don't want or know how to do simplex. Put in a repeater and let it do the hard work. I've been trying to get an antenna that will reach the local simplex radio club in my area. I have a new Diamond X510 that will go up when weather permits. Great job on this one.
I really enjoy using it especially with local friends since some of our area repeaters can be finicky at time. I run a simplex net in my area and once people try it out and do some modifications to their station, they usually get out great and with little effort. Thanks for watching and commenting! I am glad you liked the video and good luck with your new antenna that you will be putting up. Thanks and 73s! Ben
You ain't super far from me, I live near the NE Ohio NW Pa border. KT3GOD here. Next time im up towards Clevland ill call out on simplex.
Hey it would be worth a try. I have made a contact or two over that way, but it was usually on a day with some good tropospheric ducting going on. Thanks for watching and 73! Ben
Great video. I constantly learn something new about this hobby. Thanks for the information. 73.
Good idea. I have dual receive so it wont be a problem. I hate to admit it but I forgot about the calling frequency.
Its easy to do if you have a few nets and repeaters with activity. I havnt had much activity the calling frequency lately since my free time has been late at night recently and it's usually dead on there around 2am. Thanks for watching and 73s! Ben
Thank you for sharing this! I live in a apartment however I will try simplex. There is a local group that meets on 146. 400 on Monday nights at 20:00 local time. I live in Fairfield county Ohio and that is where this group meets.
Hi Ben, great video. When I was a newbie in the early 90's got a real cold reception from local club membership. Aft. about 2 weeks of getting my ticket I jumped off the repeater, went to simplex and never looked back. I love FM to this day. Shortly after meeting great guys on simplex I set up a 2m SSB station.
We hung out on 146.52 thinking to work any traffic on the band. Im up in Toledo, lets talk sometime!
Ham shack and reloading bench. Nice. Was that whisk(e)y in a glass too? Long distance ground wave is awesome.
Yup, that way I can do two hobbies at once. You are also correct on the contents of the glass lol.
Glad to see you are also a reloaded and ham! I am going to study for ham ticket! Enjoyed you show
Thanks Ben I like 2 meter simplex too..Just getting back into the hobby after 25 yrs getting my feet wet LOL on 2 Meters never know who you are going to pick up on 2 meter simplex Gary from Windsor Canada VE3API.
seen your video today john ve1-cfd in aylesford nova scotia canada great vid
Hey thanks for watching! I am glad you enjoyed my video! 73s, Ben
I usually monitor 52 simplex when mobile. Rarely hear anyone. However, I do use simplex more than repeaters.
Don, yea I can monitor 146.52 for hours and not hear anything, but when I call out I get someone responding about 50% of the time it seems. I always try and respond to someone also if I hear them calling out to show activity on the frequency. Thanks for watching my video and commenting! 73!
Nice video Ben! Thanks for spreading the word on simplex. 👍 ⚡📻
Hey thanks for watching! I am glad you liked the video. 73s! Ben
Long time ham. When I started there were few repeaters so plenty of simplex operation. I’m going to start leaving my 2 meter radio monitoring 146.52.
Hello Ben, and thank you for a great video. We recently moved to Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and I've never really given 'Simplex' a thought, until now! My wife and I are both Hams: KI6CMR and KI6CMS. Hopefully make contact sometime...just learning about the repeater systems, here in N. Kentucky. My next goal, is to learn how to use Echolink...any suggestions? Thanks again!
Hello Frank and welcome to my channel. Thank you for watching and commenting on my video, I am glad that you enjoyed it. Yes hopefully in the future we can make contact on the air if we have good band conditions. I would recommend playing around with simplex or even just getting your station setup so you can work repeaters further away and chat and check into more nets.
I have never used Echolink, but it seems like it is something easily accessible to anyone with a radio. I believe you can run it either through your radio to a repeater that it hooked up to it, using just your smart phone and and app, or setting it up on your PC. I have a two local repeaters in my area that allow access to it, but I have tried using them. It seems like a great way to make contacts even if there is not much local activity in your area.
73,
Ben
146.520 is quite active in Indianapolis, great group here if you're passing through town, give us a holler ...
Most everyone here is using the diamond X-510 antenna and if high enough [25 and above] it should provide you with coverage of approximately a 30 mile radius ...
52 days until the 2022 Indy 500 ;-]
Glad to hear you have an active group over there. I don't make it over that way much, but I will make sure to put my call out if I do. I might try beaming that way if there is a day with good propagation and see of I can pick anyone up. I've been to the 500 once before and it was a great time. Thanks for Watching and Commenting! 73s Ben.
I have my General ticket but to most people's surprise I prefer 2 meters over HF...Its less of a contact logging frequency and more of a rag chewing getting to know the locals frequency...Im not into contest so I just prefer rag chewing with the locals..It looks like we are running the same radio ( Yaesu 2980R ) I think that radio is the best value out there..Im running mine through a Diamond X300-A antenna and even on bad days 40 mile contacts are like sitting in a room together...I talk to people 65 miles away and they are usually a 5×5 to 5×6 so if anyone out there is looking for a good antenna the X300-A is a great antenna for under $200....I also have its little brother the X30-A and it is good as well and i think its under a $100, I use it if im going to be out with my HT...I mount it to a camera tripod and you can easily hit repeaters 40 miles out...Anyway thanks for making this video, many ignore 2 meters but I like it and I think most HF diehards would too if they would get over the illusion that VHF and UHF is for Technicians to learn radio on only and big boys don't hang there. 73 KI5USS
Reloading bench in the shack? Heck yeah!
I can occupy myself for days in that room lol.
Great Video Ben, always a thrill when one is on any band simplex. working FM, or even SSB or CW. and of course the new proverbial FT8. I've been a ham for 49 yrs and alway even to this day get excited when I work someone in a one on one qso. and even in a "Round Robin" Qso (more than one operator). Simplex has many rewards. and as you mentioned seeing how well your station works. a few tips. when calling CQ. do a 3x3 call, CQ three times and then your Call three times. and use the correct phonetic alphabet.. A lot of older ops like myself have hearing deficiencies of varyingdegrees. and too many letters sound the same in normal language Example. C,E.T.B.Z F.S.X. etc. but phonetics win every time. the other reason for the 3x3 call if someone is running a rotor/yagi it will give them time to turn it to find you better. Ok I could go on and on but just thought I"d pass along a couple of tips. keep the videos comng. you're doing a great job Ben. 73 and Gud dx'ing! de Ellis WA1RKS.
I am glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for the tips. Yea I try to do longer CQ call or repeat myself a few times. That way someone who may have been listening but not at their desk can have a chance to hear my call again. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73's! Ben K8KTO
Bravo for the simplex plug. I also monitor 146.52 and 52.525 and 144.200.
Your set up is vertical so it's not ideal for 144.200 SSB, but I've having a lot of fun with it. Every night there's a net. Northern Ohio, Michigan, Illinois & Wisconsin. I'm in northern Indiana.
I totally 110% agree with the philosophy of having communications if the repeaters(s) are down. It lets you hone your skills of operating efficiency.
Good video, thanks W9DLP
@@davep6977 I have actually started a simplex net since making this video and we have been trying out 2 meter SSB. Most of the hams in my area only have vertical polorization so we use that. I have horizontal capabilities for SSB on 2 meters if needed though. What frequency and time is the SSB net for the area? I would be interested in checking in if I can pick it up. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Ben
Nice shack. And god points. I live in Alpena, Michigan. The population is pretty sparse here, but we get a lot of people from out of town certain times of year. Hunting season is coming up here next weekend so I’ll try to make a QSO then. It’s a good way to catch new hams. 73! - Brad W8RAD.
Hey thanks, its cramped radio stuff and other hobbies, but it works. Yea you are a ways up there and I could see there being less people to talk to. Have you ever had any luck talking to Canadian stations? I was able to have a QSO with one who lives on the other side of lake Erie and that was pretty neat. I guess I never thought about talking to them on 2 meters until be called back to my CQ. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 I haven't talked to too many Canadians. I would like to but I think it may be a little too far for 2 meters, and too close for anything other than a NVIS. One of these days we'll get some tropospheric ducting and maybe then. But for now I hear a lot of people who are passing through, usually on the local repeater. I talked to one guy on his sailboat on his way down to Bay City to put his boat up for the winter. So, yeah, it's hit or miss.
@@bradnicoll2282 yea the time I talked to the Canadian station, there was a bit of tropo going on where I was hitting quite a few stations just over the 100 mile mark already. I was thrilled to talk to someone on the otherside of Lake Erie.
A very good idea! 👍
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video! 73s Ben
You can even use that Rock Chucker to crimp your coax connectors. 😂. Good video, thx
I am curious now if there are aftermarket products for single stage presses for things like that. Its a pretty stout press so I am sure it could do other stuff. Thanks for watching and commenting, 73s Ben
Encouraging video. My son, daughter and I want to start into radio with technician licenses to communicate in grid down, cell phone down situations. He’s 32 miles away and she is 40, in a triangle on the map. What type of equipment is doable for us using simplex? Anyone have any basic ideas?
You may want to look at mobile radios to use as a base station with external antennas so you can get out a little better and have some more power to push. If you are wanting to use handheld radios you may want to look at getting a yagi antenna like the arrow antennas or the elk antennas that you can hold or make a tape measure yagi. The only way to really know is get on the air and test out your equipment. Thanks for watching and 73s, Ben.
Do I need to add pl tones or offset with using national simplex on a bafeong uv-5r radio?
73, kq4hcu
Nope, for simplex you want to listen and receive on the same frequency since it is radio to radio. The offset and tones will be if you are wanting to talk on a repeater.
Thank you and j tried it on my uv-5r, so far no one responded on national simplex possibly it may be the antenna I'm using. I want to get a jpole and trying it
@@elsuperpollo2273 Its tough getting your signal out far on the ground with a stock antenna unless you are up on high ground. If you can get a Jpole up in the air as high as you can you will have much better luck with your 5 watts. 73s and good luck.
Hello, Nice Video! Im studying for my license, and have a question? I cant find any active clubs around me, I live about 15 miles from town and am wondering if a handheld will even pick up anything? What should I start with that will have enough power, and is there any radio that you can use as a base and take in truck with you? Thank you!
If you can pick up anything will depend on lots of factors like geography, the station you are listening to if they have their antenna elevated or what power level they are using. You should be able to pick stuff up, but you might not always get out. Its worth a try with an HT and you can always hook your HT up to an external 2m antenna to get better results, or build a tape measure yagi for more directional. You can start with a Baofeng and program it with Chirp software just to get into radio with out spending alot to get a feel for it, or you can check out some of the vendor sites and look at their HT's I would atleast get something that does 2m/70cm to start with and they usually have a 5watt max output. You can get a mobile radio like I have in this video and hook it up to a power supply to run it and use it from your home or mount it in your vehicle. Look up power pole connectors if you want to take something back and forth between a vehicle and home, those will be easier to disconnect in your vehicle and then just unscrew your coax from your radio. Glad you liked the video and thanks for watching. 73s! Ben
vary informative I like staying of repeaters sometimes
Yea same here. They are nice, but I enjoy simplex better. Thanks for watching and commenting. 73, Ben
Actually I agree I like simplex 95% of the time
@@georgemullin7772 I prefer it as well. My local club repeater is hit or miss with reliability, but normally I can talk around my area with no problems on 2M simplex.
I didn't know Wesley Crusher from Star Trek TNG was a HAM!! Most excellent....
Shouldn't you move off the calling frequency to have your QSO (especially a lengthy one)?
I think it depends on your area to be honest. Most people in my area just have the QSO on it since there is not frequent activity on it, plus it shows activity there which is nice, and it gives people a chance to jump in. Longer ones I have started moving up the frequency just to be safe. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73s Ben
Hey you did a great job and thanks. 73 W6SLA
Thanks for watching and commenting! 73s Ben
I live in San Francisco. Once a month we test 2m simplex. It doesn't work well because of the hills. It's one reason why I became a General- to use HF..
Solid video!
Thanks for Watching and Commenting! I am glad you liked my video. 73s! Ben
Your station looks like mine! Multipurpose with the press! I'm in Mentor and will listen for you
Yea it's nice to have everything setup in one place. Ive made it over into the Cleveland area when the conditions have been right before so hopefully you hear me sometime. Thanks for watching amd commenting! 73
I hear Parma regularly
@@ltramd I should try and program the repeaters for Cuyahoga County and try them with a 2 meter beam when band conditions are good to see if I can make some contacts over there.
Chardon machine is your best bet....high and pumping wattage....super popular repeater
@@ltramd is there a 2 meter repeater? I checked on radio reference and it only looked like a 70cm repeater.
what is the offset / transmit frequency for 146.520? I cannot find any information about it online
Most of the time people are not using an offset when working simplex and everything is on the same frequency. Just switch the -/+ offset to off or "simplex" unless your radio does it already in VFO mode and you should be good. Hopefully that helps. Thanks for watching and 73s, Ben.
Simplex by definition, is only a single frequency. Offset is not required.
Great video Ben 👍
I have a homemade j-pole too. Then I built a 4 element quad from pvc pipe and Lowes fiberglass driveway markers and 14 gauge wire. It’s fun to play with when I get the chance
Michael KE5MUG Clarkridge Arkansas
Nice! I've thought about building one of those. Is the performance pretty good on them? Thanks for watching and commenting by the way! Ben
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 performance is pretty good. Mine’s up 25 feet and can reach repeaters in Branson Missouri 50 miles away to the northwest with 10 watts
I really like 2 meter.
Same here Corey, its probably the band that I use the most! Thanks for watching and commenting, 73s! Ben
Is that a yaesu 9100r radio?
Ki6ewf in your station
Hey Jeff thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. My radio is a Yaesu FT 2980r. It is a wonderful 2 meter FM radio that puts out a max of 80w.
I like the RCBS
It's a great press and super smooth to use. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73s Ben
Close to my neck of the woods. I think we have made contact. I live in fremont
I know that I have made a few contact over that way so it is possible that we have spoken before. I am starting to log my simplex contacts now so I can keep track of which viewers I make contact with. Thanks for watching Scott and commenting on my video. 73, Ben
There seems to be a resurgence of 146.52Mhz FM, in my area. I turn on my scanner and it is active 90% of the time. It is immensely popular. I just wonder what happened. It was dead for years. But, it has been in my scanner for years, with little activity. I also heard 2 meter sideband last year.
Whatcha reloading there?
In ~49 years being licensed I never heard 146,52. MHz called a calling frequency, it has always been the 2 meter simplex frequency. It is used greatly by travelers, sales people, truckers and RV'ers. Ron W4BIN
I've heard to called both, but they both mean the same. Either way, most people know it's the frequency to jump onto to make some simplex contacts. Thanks for watching and 73s! Ben
I think it is listed on the band plan as the calling frequency
Juat proves your'e never too old to learn something.
I’m an old timer like Ronald but the term calling frequency has been around for a long time and there is nothing wrong with it. Years licensed doesn’t always equate to actual experience on the bands anyways.
Scratching my head 😔 ok one that won simplex one way north and south bound o boy nerds 😮
Great vid, thank you!!!!
Hey thanks for watching and commenting! 73
What are your thoughts on the Yaesu FT 2980R?
Hey sorry for the late reply, I somehow missed your comment. If you are looking for a 2 meter only FM radio it is great! The audio is really good, display is nice, and it's easy to program without software. Plus it gets up to 80watts of output power. Thanks for watching! 73s Ben.
Can you share more info on the antenna you mentioned that allows more range on your HT but is not practical to carry with you?
Yea I will put something together about my antennas here in the near future. The antenna I was talking about though is an Elk Antenna. It gets out really well for its size. Thanks for watching and 73's Ben.
Good job
Thanks for watching and commenting! Glad you enjoyed the video. 73s Ben
We have a group on 2 meters here in Phoenix. I think I have about 2 or 3 miles.
You really want to work DX on 2 meters, get off FM and go to 2 meter SSB, add a small horizontal beam and the confirmation of states start to roll in. Its a shame, that most new hams are introduced to ham radio via repeaters and handie talkies and are then sold on the so-called "J" pole which is a small and compromise antenna.
I would prefer to use SSB, just have never had luck calling on it. I've used it with a few of my local friends who have it but that's about it. I wish manufacturers would add 2 meter and 70cm all mode into more of their radios to get more people interested in it. I've had good results for the price that I built my jpole, but I am looking for something to upgrade to in the near future.
We get together on 146460 here in Louisville, Ky. Beats drivin to the coffee shop every morning. I'm a 69 year old Ham Newby...havin fun.
KQ4ESM
The analog FM repeaters are 99% dead in my area. The good old days of having regular friendly chats are a thing of the past. The reasons are many and complex, but here are a few.
1. The failure of hams (mostly older) to fully embrace the digital revolution. You CANNOT thumb your nose at new or developing technology and expect to survive (or thrive).
2. Too many other options in the hobby.
3. Smartphones and the internet.
4. Snobby, cliqeish, elitist behavior, mostly by older hams.
5. Lack of privacy in every area of our lives. All topics must be safe and somewhat vague. It's just not a good idea to get on a repeater and broadcast where you're going, what you have or what you think about things.
6. Hobby politics (internal squabbling).
That is unfortunate the repeaters are dead in your area. Hopefully that changes in the future for you or maybe you can raise a few people on simplex to chat with instead. Best of luck and thanks for watching and commenting. 73's Ben
I am a older ham (since 1965) and I have tried dmr, dstar, but found they were(aren't) for me, just like ft8on hf which is more the computer then the operator. With that said, I listen on 52 and 58 and put my call out, but I don't even hear crickets, just a lot of nothing. Same with the repeaters. A couple of nets now and then but 99% of the time kerchunkers and that is it. Oh don't put all the old hams in #4, because I found the newer/younger hams are just as bad or worse. 73 K8YZK
Great video! You motivated me to throw out my call on 52 tonight. KD9MKO
Outstanding! Did you have any luck? I am usually about 50/50 if I get a response in my area. Thanks for watching and commenting!
👍👍👍 well done....
Hey thanks! Great job on your videos too! Very entertaining! 73
I just made a 110 mile contact with a 25w radio and a 21" magnetic mount antenna on 2m
That's a really solid contact! I am always happy with anything over 75, even better when you break 100! Thanks for watching and commenting! 73s! Ben
How do you make the antenna your using ?
are all frequencies on 2 meter plan listed as "simplex" open to use? i thought the national calling frequency was for emergencies only and should be kept clear of chatting. not licensed yet. will be this year
Not at all. 146.520 is the common calling simplex frequency, not just for emergencies. 146.400-146-600 with 20khz spacing. So 146.400 146.420 146.440 etc up to 146.600 with 146.520 being the common simplex calling frequency. In the old days when there were tons of hams on the air, it was common courtesy to make a contact on "52" and move to an alternate simplex frequency to not "tie up" the calling frequency. Now thats not an issue at all. Hope this helps your understanding of simplex, which is direct radio to radio, no repeater involved.
My GF is getting her license. Do you think we would be able to chat on either 2m or 70cm simplex at a ski resort? At one ski resort in particular, all of the runs face north. But there might be a SLIGHT line of sight issue. I might be on one run while she would be on another with a slight hill in the way. Like, she is out of sight by 50yards and perhaps trees.
I think you two should be able to make contact with each other just fine. Might not even need full power with your HT's. It would also be worth it if you are up in elevation to try the calling frequency to see if anyone in the area can hear you. You might be able to make some decent simplex contacts with your HT if you are up high and especially over looking populated areas.
Thanks for watching and commenting, and have fun on your ski trip. 73's Ben
I'm all about playing with simplex. Even HT's can reach repeaters, simplex is more interesting. I have the same radio you have, curious how popular 70cm is in my area (Long Island).
It is a really good radio, I have it mounted in my vehicle currently since I have a FT991a I can use at my desk. I would imagine you could get someone to respond since you live in a pretty populated area. I would give it a try. I got a reply back on 70cm simplex last week in my area, so it would be worth a shot. 73, Ben
KI4QFL. I am in the Northern Ky area. I have called CQ many times and maybe hear one person in many months.
I really think in my area, it is pretty dead
I usually have the same 3-4 people I pickup on simplex in my area, but I occasionally snag a new operator. Maybe try the 6-9am and 4-7pm time frame. I have had luck during those hours since more people are commuting in their vehicles and scanning the frequency. Thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck and 73s, Ben.
Any thoughts or comments on CW on 2-meters?
@@elmoreglidingclub3030 Ive only heard it in my area during contesting. Same with digital modes and ssb. FM is pretty much 99% of what I hear outside of contesting in my parts. My friends and I schedule stuff and jump on different modes. If you have friends that can do it for sure give it a try.
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 That’s what I was thinking-arranging CW practice sessions with friend. Thanks. Good video. I’m about to buy a 2m radio and I think simplex will be what interests me the most.
do you ever to 2 meter sideband?
I've never had any luck with unscheduled SSB on 2 meters. Most of the time when I have tried it out it is either a part of my simplex net or just starting out on FM and moving over to it if I find the other operator has a SSB ability. I should give more effort to calling CQ with it to see if anyone is monitering 144.200. Any luck with it in your area?
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 oh yeah a lot of people around there are a few nets on 2m side band. check out my youtube past streams a group of 10 of us normals rag chew around 8pm and we always have people breeze in and out. most of us have icom 9700s. seems like around the country 2 meter side band is kinda dead. We are trying to keep it a live. thanks for getting back to me
@@GreggK6EGG Nice! I will give it a try and see if I can pick anyone up. I know a good handfull of the local guys have SSB ability for 2 meters, but it seems thay FM is the more popular mode in my area.
I checked out your videos and it seems like you have an active group out there. I would love to get one of the IC 9700s, but I want to make sure I get a better antenna setup and get more into VHF contesting before I get one. I got my 991a to try out the different VHF modes but still getting the HF abilities.
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 right on that
You talk for 1 hour on the calling frequency?
Usually I will call heavy for about 10 minutes to start and if I dont hear anything I'll back off and moniter and put my call out about every 10 minutes and then start back up every 30 minutes or so. Usually its about 50/50 if I can get people to call back in my. Thanks for watching and commenting! 73s! Ben.
I always have 146.520 on when I am at home.
Do you hear much in your area monitoring? Thanks for watching by the way. Ben K8kto
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 I don't hear as much activity as I would like to. I am in a city that has Interstate 75 running through it, so I get the occasional request on 146.52 for travel information, etc. I will occasionally put a call out on 52 just to see if anyone is around. I don't know why more hams don't utilize 146.52 more often.
@@ku4uv Its about the same here. It is pretty quite most of the time, but if I put my call out, I usually get a response from someone about 50% of the time. I also Live along I75 and have gotten to chat with the commercial drivers. 73s, Ben
I'm going to take down two trees around my shed and mount a 18 element yagi and see if i can get some distance.73'jim KB1PFL
I'm in lima ohio. I am interested getting into ham I've taken 8 practice tests and I've passed 7 of those 8
Hey sounds like its time to take the test then. The Technician is pretty easy and General wasnt too bad. I am still working towards Extra. Looks like Findlay and Lima both have testing this Saturday at 9am.
@@k8ktoamateurradio671 where do that have the testing at?
@@Texas12valve looks like Lima might not have anything that I am seeing right now. The Findlay Radio Club will have testing this Saturday 7/10 at 9am at the radio club. The website is findlayradioclub.org and the address is listed there.
@@Texas12valve looks like you also have to pre-register and there is a phone number you can call to just let them know if you want a spot.
I have a 50 Watt dual band radio , with a Diamond X-200 base antenna. In this area , they have a 7 : 30 PM net meeting , on Wednesdays , 146.550 MHz , Simplex. Half of us can not hear each other. Not a lot of Simplex , in the Denver Metro Area. I only hear people saying CQ , on HF. On VHF/UHF , they give their call sign , and say monitoring.
Wish there was a standard ctcss tone widely used for 146.52. While mobile around the region I live in, the squelch frequently breaks with non-amateur noise.
Yea thats the downside to listening to simplex especially if you are looking for weaker signals is listening to the noise since your squelch is lower or off. I have mine turned completely off alot, but keep the volume just loud enough I can hear the person calling. Thanks for watching! 73s, Ben
100 miles??? you need to show us what you made and use
I should probably do a full station tour for everyone to see what I am using. My antenna for this was a home made copper Jpole. It is still my main antenna and works well. Thanks for watching! 73s, Ben
2 Meters work much better when the Solar Storms are High!
i got yelled at for calling CQ on 2 meter on simplex. "that's only for HF!"
Ignore those people. Keep on trucking
Im in ashland ohio we will have to try n talk sometime on simplex
Yea definitely! We are only about 70 miles from each other so we should be able to make a contact, especially if there is a little bit of tropo going on. What is your 2 meter setup that you have?
I am running a yaesu 2500 m with a 11 element yagi
@@sage69lolzzz That is a pretty decent setup. I bet it would make the trip and I can also setup my log periodic if my home brew Jpole doesnt make the trip. Only about 70 miles between us.
Nobody ever responds to my cq calls
Get on 40m HF, or if you want to cheat, go digital and link up to the worldwide talk group via a digital repeater.
Unfortunately some areas don't have much activity. If you have any local nets you can always try and see if anyone wants to stick around after it is over and try out simplex. That might spark some interest in it. Thanks for Watching and 73s, Ben
13 element beam
People hardly ever talk on the repeaters anymore..at least around here.
It is unfortunate to hear no activity. Do they even have nets on their repeaters or just completely no radio traffic.
ROCK CHUCKER
FM Simplex, . . .
Thanks for Watching. 73s Ben
I wish people didn't care about callsigns
Me too, It tells everyone your address name birthdate previous addresses come and rob me radio equip here FCC could keep it private, Stupid
@@stratocasterblue the amateur radio operators on youtube put their callsigns out there for everyone to look up. I guess that makes them amateur youtube operators.
lol you're right about that, Amateurs is right, lol Stupid@@lisocampos8080
I like your ideas and will follow the lead, N0UUC in NH.
hey!!! im from bowling green!!!! i litterally just passed my exam, perhaps we will contact eachother some day
Make Simplex Great Again!
73 de KK5WMW
Thanks for Watching! 73s! Ben
thanks for this, im south of cleveland, i am a new tech. and im trying this went i get home tonight. KE8VRM. 73
Hey congrats on your license. I would hope you would have good luck in the Cleveland area. I have even managed to make contacts over that way. Glad you liked the video! 73s, Ben