Hi Howard, If you respond to someone's response to a question, with asking questions of your own, then it might be reasonable for some to respond as Skip did. It seems reasonable to me considering you asked "Is the volunteer out of VHF range?" You also asked about setting up something in the bed of a truck and asked about setting up something on HF after arrival at the destination. All good questions.
While your particular job situation does not seem relevant to this discussion, the use of VHF, especially SSB VHF does seem particularly relevant since it is the only other way to get increased distance of communication between a mobile and fixed/portable/mobile station if HF is not workable. The most expensive HF equipment may of of no value when you are trying to communicate between two points that do not have NVIS propagation. It can be frustrating, especially during high QRN as well as the skywave signal just going through the ionosphere and not reflecting back down. For those experienced with Section level nets that only use 75/80 meters, you know what I mean. Going higher in HF frequency doesn't work any better (actually shorter ground/direct wave), and that is why STANAG systems won't work for "local" communication. VHF simplex with FM and with minimal antennas are not going to go all that far as you point out. In fact, in our area, it is difficult enough for mobiles to repeaters. Sometimes 15 to 20 miles is the best you can do in shaded areas. With 2 meter SSB, we seem to be able to still get through when FM can not get through although signals can be very weak. That is using half wave base to quarter wave mobile antennas. With improved antennas, depending upon terrain, the distance is going to extend out to as much as 50 to 100 miles. This is important because you reduce QRN problems from lightning static and other noise (admittedly less likely though during a time when power has failed), and you rarely would need that much distance for Incident Command to the dispatched mobile. Bottom line is that HF may not be able to do it 24/7, but 2 meter SSB may be the best choice. With today's relatively low cost multimode/multiband rigs, the cost is around $700 or so for 50 watts on 2 meter SSB. As you point out, these rigs are more expensive than 2 meter FM, but tremendously more flexible and a very good value since you also get an HF rig too. 73, Rick, KV9U Moderator, HFDEC yahoogroup Howard Z. wrote: > SKIP SKIP SKIP > READ READ READ > > I, HOWARD, AM not not NOT NOT not THE PERSON WITH THE QUESTION NOR > THE PROBLEM. > > GEEZ, I TRY TO ANSWER SOMEONE'S QUESTION, AND SUDDENLY IT BECOMES MY > QUESTION AND MY PROBLEM. > > If you are going to address someone - address the individual who has > the problem or question in the first place. > > Personally - I don't care. > Personally, I am an emergency worker who will never ever be sent to > help in an ARES/RACES HAM group, because my agency will need me here. > If it snows 20 feet one day, I'll be disciplined if I do not get to > work - lose all bonuses and raises for a year. > Personally, I already own expensive HF equipment and consider VHF > short range no matter what you do with it - compared to a few > hundred miles one gets via HF with a NVIS antenna 10 feet above > ground. Personally, I think VHF is nice for 10 to 20 miles - you > can go further - nice for you. I'll keep it in mind if anyone gets > a team of bulldozers and makes Maryland flat - I can't walk a block > or two with reaching a hill. > > I am not the one who asked the question. > I am not the one who asked the question. > Don't try giving me advise when I am not the one who asked the > question. > > The original poster who posed the question and who has the problem > was considering HF as a solution. > > Watson, I think he's got it... maybe. > > > Howard > >
