Beyond 2M
- Thread starter rusty_tlc
- Start date
xtatik
Explorer
The 857 in the truck has 6m FM and HF and I've used it on the local RF linked FM repeaters. It seems to range a bit better than 2m. I only say that based on my personal experiences, and the fact that fewer repeaters seem to cover as much area as several 2m repeaters. Truth is, I've only heard occasional traffic on this system.
I've used 6m HF a bit more from home when propogation is right for it and have made contacts up to 2000 miles or so.
Tennmogger
Explorer
Watt for Watt, 6m will out perform 2m. The lower frequency will follow terrain and penetrate vegetation better, extending and improving upon line-of-sight coverage.
As said, there's not nearly as much activity on 6m, FM that is. (there's lots of long distance SSB and CW on the 'majic band') Lower activity is a good thing if coordinating a trail ride, but not so good if you are trying to reach civilization for help.
A group of us military truck enthusiasts did some testing with military green radios (mostly PRC-25 and '77) on 6 meters (51 MHz) last spring at a Mil Veh rally in GA. We were able to get good coverage out to 6-8 miles over hill and valley terrain, through trees.
Of course ham radios with 6m coverage are common. The advantages of the military gear might include ease of use, robustness (many are water proof or resistant) and lower cost. FYI, modern ham radios talk to the military radios just fine so a mix of equipment is ok.
Many military radio buffs monitor 51 MHz for activity.
Common (older) military radios include the PRC-25, PRC-77, RT-524, and foreign radios like SEM-25 and SEM-35. Those sets have specific antennas and a net search will show the sets. Newer VRC and PRC radios are available but at premium prices.
Bob WB4ETT
gary in ohio
Explorer
10/6m FM is really only usable if there is a local simplex group, local repeater or if the band is really open. 6m SSB is about the same, but you have more of an importunity to hear DX on SSB than FM..