I had a Ham friend years ago not long after Packet Radio started who used to send me photos via Packet using 7Plus, he sent me a load of photos of a canoe trip he had done earlier in the week and also invited me to his QTH for dinner, he was actually completely blind and I have always been amazed at how he managed to operate radio as well as taking brilliant photos of his adventures even though sadly he never got to see them. Totally amazed how some people never let disability stop them from enjoying life and there hobbies.
It sounds very interesting. Though, I have no amateur radio licence, I have always had an interest. I priced a 2 meter amateur radio. A small 20 watt was £20 with FM only. That is not what I need. I found the most affordable transceiver with 2 meter AM/FM/SSB/CW. It was a Yaesu FT-857D. It went for £700. That rather cured my curiosity of VHF SSB. To be fair, the Yaesu FT-857D covers many bands in all analogue modes. However, I could not find any mono band, nor dual band, all mode transceiver unless it was very old and needing repair. It appears nobody makes mono band nor dual band all analogue mode VHF transceivers.
Thanks from CT, USA! It’s been 20 years since I was a radioactive vhf fm Tech and you’ve inspired me to take up the hobby, again! Now replacing the memory batteries in my old Kenwoods and studying for General & Learning CW. You’ve inspired my wife to upgrade to General as well. We are both subscribed & watching all of your back catalog. ‘73
Tropo season is here and you guys get a lot more of that than we get here in Colorado. I love 2M SSB and we have a daily net at 8am everyday on 144.2. I run MO, WE, FR, and another guy does TU, TH, SA, with SU being a free for all. I get hams from Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, and along the front range of the Rockies. Get something started there :-) KØOJ
Thanks for all you do Peter. it is nice to watch and listen to a video that is different from most of the rest. I enjoy them very much over here in Washington state where we are still in lockdown until May 31st for now. 73 KH6JMK
Myself and another local ham dusted off our 817s and are giving 2m SSB a go. No amp, just 5W into a 3 el beam I dug out of the shed. There is some activity. I can check into a net in Vancouver a bit over 100km away. Hoping we can convince others to get active as many have newer radios with 2m ssb capability. Yes, newer 'do it all' radios are cool and all, but using what I have is pretty satisfying for the moment.
Years back when ham radio was in its hay day in the US, I had picked up a IC-706, this started my journey of making yagi antennas as 2meter ssb was very popular then and thinking of dusting of the old girl and giving it a try again, what I liked is we had weekly nets with the local hams
Thanks for another intersting video Peter. I recently returned to 2m SSB and worked G3SED just over a week ago. I am currently using an old 4 element cubical quad with an IC-7100. I have decided to try 70cm SSB as well and ordered a "Dual" 2m/70cm antenna, it should be here soon (on back order from a well known supplier!). 73 from Bob, M0BOB. :-)
Great video! I've rediscovered amateur radio during the lockdown. 2 metres ssb is my favourite band and mode. I'm fortunate enough to live about 800 ft asl, so I can easily work people 50 plus miles away on my Yaesu FT-290R. I enjoy using DMR too, as there is a DMR repeater very close to me on 70cms. You are slightly younger than my parents who retired to North Wales 20 years ago, so I can't visit them at the moment. VY 73, Ian G1DRP.
I got nagged by a friend today (over the net) to get my 2m beam up, I built the amplifier years ago and it has seen very little airtime. 2m SSB has a lot of merit, it is a shame it seems to be near abandoned. Thank you for the entertaining videos 73
Wonderful videos and stories Peter... I always pick up lots of useful tips my wife will watch you too she says it’s nice to listen to a proper gentleman👍... keep up the great work I’ll be on 2m SSB later although only 10w at the moment. Dave - M7DFM PS... liked the video on the audio increase for upward facing speakers, I actually have the front facing accessory speaker for my 991A but still struggle with my hearing sometimes so I made a paper tube I get my ear down to it and it’s an improvement for sure😀👋
That IC9700 is pretty nice. Thing is, my TS2000 still works, and I just bought a TS890 this year, so not looking to make a big radio purchase again so soon.
I do like 2 meter SSB but the problem is no one is out there. When the band open up I can call out but no one out there. I use the VHF Map that show when there is a band opening. I get more action on 2 meter call freq FM.
Interesting , as I have never used 2m ssb in the 30 or so years of being licenced.Perhaps consider doing a 6m challenge as sporadic e Season is here. I have just made a 1/4 wave 3 radial vertical, having taken down my 5 element Yagi some years ago .This lock down does get you thinking what can we do next. Thanks for taking time out to make these videos.G0rzv.
Used to use a lot of 2m ssb back in the 80s and 90's but hear very little today and i think having a 9700 would be for me a paper weight most of the time. good video though 73's
It matters little what 2 meter ssb radio you have, it's switching the thing on and picking up the microphone that counts. Licenced listeners (too many of them) really need to be Licenced talkers Peter. Nice videos btw.
As always. Interesting. How many times have we dragged out a piece of kit and spent hours getting it running again only to use it for a half hour or so. Rabbit Holes anyone? 73 OM
Very apt timing with MIKE SED on 2m and VE Day..... “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when....”! On a more serious note, re. blind operators: current rig design doesn’t appear to be very apt for blind ops (menus, waterfalls, coloured screens, no IOMs in braille etc). It could be tough when the last of the ‘analogue’ radios comes off the production line. Simply knowing where your buttons are by feel can be a life-saver. First Tuesday evening of the month is RSGB 2m SSB contest so huge activity and good to test range/performance. I have been fortunate enough in the past to make 200+ exchanges in 2.5hrs and one chap last Tuesday made it past 300. Give it a try Peter! Justin KSC sometimes pops on too. BTW what coax type/length were you using to the Diamond 5 ele? 73
Peter , I enjoy the video's very much, I'm making some antenna's , and including your end fed balun, ready for our house move when allowed, I have no idea what FT8 or D-star are to be honest, I can see a 2 M SSB old school radio here once Weve moved, anyway I hope your not going stir crazy 73 Paul M0BSW
That's right, we never know the full story. The customer could have been illiterate and lears by hearing or seeing videos. Good job hold in the the temper. Lol
Thankyou! Enjoy your presentations, Please will you gave me your advise opinion a HF rig for my blind good friend, hé loves listening radio ! Menu driven make that in possible... thanks!!
I'm getting into 2 meter FM so far pretty much one way got an email from an operator about 40 miles away said I had a good signal that was on my magmount stuck on my cellar stairs door
Why not SSB for 2 meters. Vhf will trick folks as far openings go. DX IN LOW SUNSPOT CYCLES. Can be had. Ssb is good for that. Talk from South bass island to LIma ohio is good. Tks
you look like an older ham. no offence meant. I was one of those guys that said when the code went they by way I would get a ham ticket. I had an old hams tell me that If i didn't learn code I would not be a ham. well I have a general ticket and I still have never learn code. so I know what you mean don't judge a book by it cover. I bought a five ninety and I did not know how to set that thing up. I just got the seventy three hundred. I did not know how to turn the volume up or down. so there are dummy hams out there and I happen to be one. I learn to listen more than I talk..learn things that way. but I had to comment.
I had a Ham friend years ago not long after Packet Radio started who used to send me photos via Packet using 7Plus, he sent me a load of photos of a canoe trip he had done earlier in the week and also invited me to his QTH for dinner, he was actually completely blind and I have always been amazed at how he managed to operate radio as well as taking brilliant photos of his adventures even though sadly he never got to see them.
Totally amazed how some people never let disability stop them from enjoying life and there hobbies.
It sounds very interesting. Though, I have no amateur radio licence, I have always had an interest. I priced a 2 meter amateur radio. A small 20 watt was £20 with FM only. That is not what I need. I found the most affordable transceiver with 2 meter AM/FM/SSB/CW. It was a Yaesu FT-857D. It went for £700. That rather cured my curiosity of VHF SSB. To be fair, the Yaesu FT-857D covers many bands in all analogue modes. However, I could not find any mono band, nor dual band, all mode transceiver unless it was very old and needing repair. It appears nobody makes mono band nor dual band all analogue mode VHF transceivers.
Thanks from CT, USA!
It’s been 20 years since I was a radioactive vhf fm Tech and you’ve inspired me to take up the hobby, again!
Now replacing the memory batteries in my old Kenwoods and studying for General & Learning CW.
You’ve inspired my wife to upgrade to General as well.
We are both subscribed & watching all of your back catalog.
‘73
Tropo season is here and you guys get a lot more of that than we get here in Colorado. I love 2M SSB and we have a daily net at 8am everyday on 144.2. I run MO, WE, FR, and another guy does TU, TH, SA, with SU being a free for all. I get hams from Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, and along the front range of the Rockies. Get something started there :-) KØOJ
Thanks for all you do Peter. it is nice to watch and listen to a video that is different from most of the rest. I enjoy them very much over here in Washington state where we are still in lockdown until May 31st for now. 73 KH6JMK
Myself and another local ham dusted off our 817s and are giving 2m SSB a go. No amp, just 5W into a 3 el beam I dug out of the shed. There is some activity. I can check into a net in Vancouver a bit over 100km away. Hoping we can convince others to get active as many have newer radios with 2m ssb capability. Yes, newer 'do it all' radios are cool and all, but using what I have is pretty satisfying for the moment.
We certainly need more SSB on 2m in some areas of the UK and I guess the same in other counties.
Thanks for the great videos and stories Peter. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next one. Informative and entertaining.
Thanks 👍
“I’m an amateur radio operator. I’m USED TO doing these things” 😂
Well done. Thx for another enjoyable presentation PW.
Mr Waters. Enjoy your presentations. Indeed, you are an asset to the ham radio community. 73’s John, KB3H
Years back when ham radio was in its hay day in the US, I had picked up a IC-706, this started my journey of making yagi antennas as 2meter ssb was very popular then and thinking of dusting of the old girl and giving it a try again, what I liked is we had weekly nets with the local hams
Thanks for sharing. 73 Peter
There is a weekly net on 144.350 +/- QRM SSB THU nights 19:30 in Norfolk.
Thanks for another intersting video Peter.
I recently returned to 2m SSB and worked G3SED just over a week ago. I am currently using an old 4 element cubical quad with an IC-7100.
I have decided to try 70cm SSB as well and ordered a "Dual" 2m/70cm antenna, it should be here soon (on back order from a well known supplier!).
73 from Bob, M0BOB. :-)
I believe that there is another shipment on its way to us. They are superb antennas. Peter.
Great video! I've rediscovered amateur radio during the lockdown. 2 metres ssb is my favourite band and mode. I'm fortunate enough to live about 800 ft asl, so I can easily work people 50 plus miles away on my Yaesu FT-290R. I enjoy using DMR too, as there is a DMR repeater very close to me on 70cms. You are slightly younger than my parents who retired to North Wales 20 years ago, so I can't visit them at the moment.
VY 73, Ian G1DRP.
Interesting stories....thanks from the USA
True Customer Service Peter, I think most of us have learnt that 73's Peter VK3TQ Ex Icom Australia Product Manager
Great stories, very meaningful.. the journey of learning and understanding keeps me young(ish).. thank you! 73
another enjoyable video ....thank you
I got nagged by a friend today (over the net) to get my 2m beam up, I built the amplifier years ago and it has seen very little airtime. 2m SSB has a lot of merit, it is a shame it seems to be near abandoned. Thank you for the entertaining videos 73
Another great upload... thanks for sharing 👍
Try 2m SSB this evening, 05/05/20, starting at 20:00 local, the band will be busy with UKAC contest stations Peter! M0KED.
Thank you for the information Sir.
2 meter SSB is fun.
The best radio is the one that's standby on your desk ;-)
Thanks Paula. 73 Peter
Wonderful videos and stories Peter... I always pick up lots of useful tips my wife will watch you too she says it’s nice to listen to a proper gentleman👍... keep up the great work I’ll be on 2m SSB later although only 10w at the moment.
Dave - M7DFM
PS... liked the video on the audio increase for upward facing speakers, I actually have the front facing accessory speaker for my 991A but still struggle with my hearing sometimes so I made a paper tube I get my ear down to it and it’s an improvement for sure😀👋
Many thanks Dave. 73s Peter.
That IC9700 is pretty nice. Thing is, my TS2000 still works, and I just bought a TS890 this year, so not looking to make a big radio purchase again so soon.
I do like 2 meter SSB but the problem is no one is out there. When the band open up I can call out but no one out there. I use the VHF Map that show when there is a band opening. I get more action on 2 meter call freq FM.
Interesting , as I have never used 2m ssb in the 30 or so years of being licenced.Perhaps consider doing a 6m challenge as sporadic e Season is here. I have just made a 1/4 wave 3 radial vertical, having taken down my 5 element Yagi some years ago .This lock down does get you thinking what can we do next.
Thanks for taking time out to make these videos.G0rzv.
Hello Peter. I look forward to your videos. I am getting to know you after many decades of just knowing your name. Richard, GW4MTE.
Hi Richard, nice to have your comments. 73s Peter.
A lovely and enjoyable video. We like to tinker don't we? :)
Used to use a lot of 2m ssb back in the 80s and 90's but hear very little today and i think having a 9700 would be for me a paper weight most of the time. good video though 73's
Steve, many thanks. Peter.
Really enjoy your videos Peter. With the good pound/cad actual rate, I may order some items from W&S. Cheers from Montreal.
Mid 1970's P60 Versatower, 4 X 16 Ele Tonna's and a pair of 4CX250R's... Those where the day's ... :) :) :)
Now I have a Colinear and Big Wheel(2M)..
It matters little what 2 meter ssb radio you have, it's switching the thing on and picking up the microphone that counts. Licenced listeners (too many of them) really need to be Licenced talkers Peter. Nice videos btw.
Be adventurous!
73
Peter
Thanks for the video.73 George KB3WAQ
As always. Interesting.
How many times have we dragged out a piece of kit and spent hours getting it running again only to use it for a half hour or so.
Rabbit Holes anyone?
73 OM
I also enjoy your videos. Especially testing different equipment. David Byrd KN4BHS
Nice to hear from you David
Ive never tried 2 meters ssb. I have done 70cms ssb though using a home built Moxon. Pity that 70cms is a bit dead though.
Very apt timing with MIKE SED on 2m and VE Day..... “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when....”!
On a more serious note, re. blind operators: current rig design doesn’t appear to be very apt for blind ops (menus, waterfalls, coloured screens, no IOMs in braille etc). It could be tough when the last of the ‘analogue’ radios comes off the production line. Simply knowing where your buttons are by feel can be a life-saver.
First Tuesday evening of the month is RSGB 2m SSB contest so huge activity and good to test range/performance. I have been fortunate enough in the past to make 200+ exchanges in 2.5hrs and one chap last Tuesday made it past 300. Give it a try Peter! Justin KSC sometimes pops on too.
BTW what coax type/length were you using to the Diamond 5 ele?
73
Cool mt KX3 does 2m SSB but low power 2.5 watts, AG6MH
Is That a metal mast holding up that Diamond 5 element beam for 2 meters? VE7MTE
Peter , I enjoy the video's very much, I'm making some antenna's , and including your end fed balun, ready for our house move when allowed, I have no idea what FT8 or D-star are to be honest, I can see a 2 M SSB old school radio here once Weve moved, anyway I hope your not going stir crazy 73 Paul M0BSW
Thanks Paul - 73s Peter.
That's right, we never know the full story. The customer could have been illiterate and lears by hearing or seeing videos. Good job hold in the the temper. Lol
Thankyou! Enjoy your presentations, Please will you gave me your advise opinion a HF rig for my blind good friend, hé loves listening radio ! Menu driven make that in possible... thanks!!
I do enjoy your videos , I seem to share the same view of the Hobby. Robert Byrd KN4BHS Georgia , USA
Interesting thanks. Nigel G7JVE
in the 60s 2 mtr am was the king with a regen kg6mn
I'm getting into 2 meter FM so far pretty much one way got an email from an operator about 40 miles away said I had a good signal that was on my magmount stuck on my cellar stairs door
Thank you for an enjoyable video.
Good evening to you sir
Why not SSB for 2 meters. Vhf will trick folks as far openings go. DX IN LOW SUNSPOT CYCLES. Can be had. Ssb is good for that. Talk from South bass island to LIma ohio is good. Tks
you look like an older ham. no offence meant. I was one of those guys that said when the code went they by way I would get a ham ticket. I had an old hams tell me that If i didn't learn code I would not be a ham. well I have a general ticket and I still have never learn code. so I know what you mean don't judge a book by it cover. I bought a five ninety and I did not know how to set that thing up. I just got the seventy three hundred. I did not know how to turn the volume up or down. so there are dummy hams out there and I happen to be one. I learn to listen more than I talk..learn things that way. but I had to comment.
Francis good on you. Peter