Benefits of 70cm?

[Chazz Layne]

An interesting question was brought up around the campfire at Field Day: Do any of us actually use the 70cm band, and if so, what for?

The answer was unanimously "no" as far as I could hear, and that most of us just have 70cm on our radios because all the "dual-transceiver" models come with it. It was then I realized the dual-bander in the Ranger was kind of a waste without dual transceivers/displays when all I really cared about was using two 2m frequencies simultaneously.

So, aside from being just another range of frequencies at our disposal (that may be somewhat less crowded), are there any actual benefits to 70cm like range/clarity, or any situations where 70cm would be a better choice?

[cruiserlarry]

One reason 440mhz isn't used much by many folks is that virtually all of the available repeater frequency pairs are privately owned, and require membership / fees for access to the repeaters.

As far as the frequency range itself, shorter wavelengths tend to penetrate objects rather than bounce off them, so you have an advantage when inside structures or around hilly terrain, so 440mhz is preferred over 144mhz when structures / buildings are involved...

[xtatik]

Audio quality is one benefit. Another is that most linked systems prefer to use it for that very reason. The WinSystem is one example. If I'm not mistaken it's currently the largest linked repeater system in existence. There are 2m linked systems, but they are fewer and smaller. Also, you'll notice that most 70cm repeater are closed or private machines. Many belong to groups or clubs that in general, consist of more involved amateurs that like the cleaner audio.

[SteeevO]

Larry is correct with the shorter wavelengths behaving differently around structures hills etc.
When i was in scouts we used2m A LOT. but one summer when we were canoeing down the Colorado river we switched to using a 440 freq. due to the fact that it was working much better down in the canyon when our canoes got spread miles apart along the winding river.

I also like having the cross band repeat feature available to me in case i need to leave my vehicle with an HT that can't reach where my 8100 can from the truck. to get out for a hike etc.

A few winters ago it was freeeezing in big bear and was pouring down snow. we were meeting a few people at carls jr. while i waited inside, i used the ht on 440 to repeat out on 2m from the truck to stay in contact on the 2m simplex freq.. i also was able to run the HT off of AA batteries on low power.

Also doing sat comms you will need 440 unless you're talking to the ISS. they run almost everything on 2M

But generally i don't use 440 too much.

[sdnative]

while i waited inside, i used the ht on 440 to repeat out on 2m from the truck to stay in contact on the 2m simplex freq.. i also was able to run the HT off of AA batteries on low power.

This is generally how I listen to the Thursday nets. I have the HT in the house with the truck and the high power mobile in the driveway.

[Chazz Layne]

When i was in scouts we used2m A LOT. but one summer when we were canoeing down the Colorado river we switched to using a 440 freq. due to the fact that it was working much better down in the canyon when our canoes got spread miles apart along the winding river.

I also like having the cross band repeat feature available to me in case i need to leave my vehicle with an HT that can't reach where my 8100 can from the truck. to get out for a hike etc.

A few winters ago it was freeeezing in big bear and was pouring down snow. we were meeting a few people at carls jr. while i waited inside, i used the ht on 440 to repeat out on 2m from the truck to stay in contact on the 2m simplex freq.. i also was able to run the HT off of AA batteries on low power.

Ah, both great reasons.

I'll have to play with the mobile/HT this weekend, I've been wondering how to get crossband repeating set up on them... we do just enough hiking for me to want it.

[OU812]

We have really good 2m repeater coverage here in Southern California. But when I went to Arizona 70cm was king.

[OLLIE]

Also, most all IRLP systems are on 70cm freqs. There are a few 2M out there but most nodes are on 70cm. I listen (note I say listen) to the WIN system occasionally when other repeaters are quiet. You don't have to be a member to use it but it is preferred that you are a member. When i want to demonstrate amatuer radio to someone I use the WIN system. All you have to do is got on a WIN system frequency and ask for a demonstration of the system. You will get replies from around the world. It's kind of neat. Also if I'm a long way out and I know WIN system frequencies in the area I'm going I will give the person I'm going to see the frequecy in their area and we can stay in touch on my way there or vice versa. It's also quite fun to talk to people in Australia.

On another note as to why a lot of us have Dual Band radios in our rigs, there are very few current 2M only radios that have a detachable face. Nearly all the detachable face units are 2M/440. A lot of us like the detachable face for space considerations. You can put the radio in a compartment, under the seat, etc. and just have the face of the unit and the mike exposed. I think this is the biggest reason we end up with Dual Band radios in our rigs.

[WA4DQS]

My trail buddies and I prefer a 440 simplex freq on the trail to 2m mainly because 2m frequently has too much traffic on it, believe it or not. Especially when we get up high in the mountains and the range extends. Many times we've found haven on 440 when 2m simplex gets busy.

[cruiserlarry]

while i waited inside, i used the ht on 440 to repeat out on 2m from the truck to stay in contact on the 2m simplex freq.. i also was able to run the HT off of AA batteries on low power.

This is generally how I listen to the Thursday nets. I have the HT in the house with the truck and the high power mobile in the driveway.

That's a great idea....won't have to sit in the truck, staring at the display....duh