Radio communication as part of preparedness

**Jason O** · February 20th, 2021, 08:43 AM

There is easy coverage state wide on 80M HF from sunrise to almost noon, followed by 3pm through sunset when the band goes long. Why not pick a freq near the top of 80m and meet up this weekend.

We could do 160M in the evenings too

**The Bosun** · February 20th, 2021, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by Jason O

There is easy coverage state wide on 80M HF from sunrise to almost noon, followed by 3pm through sunset when the band goes long. Why not pick a freq near the top of 80m and meet up this weekend.

We could do 160M in the evenings too

I agree, Jason. Also, considering those who may just be getting started, 2 Meter FM could accommodate Technician licensees who don't yet have HF equipment. But, why couldn't we do both? With large segments of spectrum available, we could meet on-air two or more times per week; HF net, VHF net.

**TwistedCopper** · February 22nd, 2021, 07:51 AM

A couple of thoughts here:
1. I am all for accommodating Tech Class license holders, but both 10M and 2M restrict the distance to which PAFOA members could join in. Even when 10M opens up to skywave or sporadic E propagation (*skip*), it goes long distance, and E-W Pennsylvania won*t be feasible. Same for 2M.

2. 80 meters NVIS would be workable most evenings for the majority of PA. If not complete coverage, then good enough for relays.

I like the suggestion of doing both. We here in South Central PA usually meet Wednesday evenings on 28.320 USB around 7PM. Sometimes a big crowd, sometimes hardly anyone, but a could of us can reach out 100 miles on 10M SSB so try to stop by and say hello.

as for 80M, I can*t encourage the tech class holders to study for thr general. It really does open so much more and it*s not really more difficult than the tech just some different material.

Maybe we could do regional nets/ragchews/checkins on Wednesday at 7 then move to 80M at 8pm.

thoughts?

**TwistedCopper** · February 22nd, 2021, 07:57 AM

A other thought is using NETLOGGER for all of them so people know where to find them. Also there’s a chat window for those who are trying to check in

**Hoppy** · February 22nd, 2021, 09:02 AM

Easiest way to include everyone who wants to try might be to pick a repeater that a majority or at least several can access via radio (central pa if that's the case) which is also an echolink repeater and everyone can get in either via radio or echolink app.

Then we can talk everyone into 80 meters...