lolo224

Is there a normal band that is used? Or is it just up to the individual group?

I know this is a vague question, but what I'm really trying to figure out is:
If you had to buy a HAM radio that was UHF only or VHF only, which would you buy in order to be most compatible on wheeling trips?


Or maybe another way to phrase it, at a 4x4 event where there are lots of people in attendance, would there generally be more people using UHF or VHF?

I know about CB. I am not asking about CB. I am only wanting to know about HAM radio users.

Thanks!

toyospearo

forgive me, it's been a while and I hope this is correct and makes sense-
most hams operate in the 144 mhz range (2 meter UHF). A lot, however do operate on dual bands such as VHF 70 meter 440 mhz and above.
I will tell you from experience not many wheelers have a ham license and therefore their only option is CB. More people would be using CB.
I have been to wheeling events where NO ONE had a amateur radio license.
I have 3 rigs 2 dual banders (2meter and 70) and an Icom 760 pro which is a HF rig and covers all the upper freq.
most people us 2 meter

lolo224

Which do you use more often? The 2m or the 70?

toyospearo

99% of the time the 2 meter
1% the 70

lolo224

After researching I think you have it backwards,

UHF is 70cm (~440 MHz)
VHF is 2m (~144 MHz)


Correct me if I am wrong...

xxxtreme22r

2 meter VHF band = 144-148 MHz

70 cm UHF band = 420-450 MHz

toyospearo

Yup, that sounds better! My instructors would be pissed! ahhaha
Here you go right out of my book..
the typical VHF communications band is considered around 100 to 170 MHz (2 meters is 144-148 MHz and 220 is 219-225 MHz), UHF around 400 to 500 MHz (70 cm is 420-450 MHz, 33 cm is 902-928 MHz, 23 cm is 1240-1300MHz, also ham bands at 2300-2310 MHz and 2390-2450 MHz).
FM radio would be VHF (88 - 108 MHz esp. in USA, 76-108 MHz in some other parts of world (e.g. Japan))

xxxtreme22r

don't forget your very common mobile ham band too. The 10 meter 28 - 29.7 MHz. which is basically 1 step up from the typical CB bands of 26.965 - 27.405 MHz.

I should know, I have a 10 meter radio in my truck.