how much is the 440 band used

[brokenparts]

I just passed my tech ham test for Cruise Moab and the next step is to buy a radio. I'm not looking to spend a ton as I'm only really into Ham stuff to open up my range for communication while out wheelin.

SOOOOO the question is do i really need a "dual band" radio. A friend told me that the 440 band is rarely used these days and just to save my money and just buy a radio with 2m. This sounds like a pretty good idea to me. The only thing "extra" that seems interesting is being able to use the radio as a repeater for club events. What do you guys think?

[Azrocks]

I actually use the "440 band" a lot. There is less traffic on it than 2m which can be a very good thing. Also, it tends to be clearer than 2m. I am one of the few that actually use cross band repeat as well. I'd look at the Yaesu 7800 or 8800. I'm not familiar with the other manufacturers offerings so can't help you much there. While having both a hand held and mobile unit, I'd go with a mobile unit to start with, especially for what you are looking to do with it.

Just another opinion.

[e9999]

well, the general impression I have is that 440 is indeed less used generally speaking, although there may be pockets in some areas. IIRC, there are fewer 440 repeaters around as well in Calif. And the range is smaller typically than 2m everything else equal I believe. But then again since I bought into ham for emergency commo in the boonies, I like to have the extra band in case 2m doesn't do it at the time when I need to reach out to someone. And the dual bands can have extended coverage which is fun if not too useful.
Basically 2m only = $150
2m and 440 = $250
2 receivers = $400
or something like that.
So for $100 more you increase your flexibility quite a bit.
I have the Y 7800, but really, if I only had 2m I would not feel too bad.

[brokenparts]

thanks guys... on another note my call sign was entered today KE7TBN.

[Flyingdog5000]

KE7TBN, Congratulations on your new license! You'll find that the ham radio is a great way to communicate in the woods. We don't have a lot of 440 activity in the area except for emergency comms and some limited repeater activity, but having the option is nice.

BTW, you're just down the street from me. If you're interested check out Washington County ARES/RACES for information on getting involved in amateur emergency communications.

'73

Doug W8PM in Hillsboro

[brokenparts]

Originally Posted by Flyingdog5000

KE7TBN, Congratulations on your new license! You'll find that the ham radio is a great way to communicate in the woods. We don't have a lot of 440 activity in the area except for emergency comms and some limited repeater activity, but having the option is nice.

BTW, you're just down the street from me. If you're interested check out Washington County ARES/RACES for information on getting involved in amateur emergency communications.

'73

Doug W8PM in Hillsboro

Very nice to meet you Doug W8PM...

I couldnt help myself and went down to the Ham Radio outlet at lunch and picked up a FT-8800R Yaseu Dual band radio. I was only intending to do the 2m thing but since others have said the the 440 band is nice to have I decided to step up to the nicer radio. I hope I have some time tonight to get it installed.

Thanks everyone.

[bj70_guy]

Doubt you'll regret the 8800, it's a really nice radio. I'm about to pull the trigger on another one for my 2nd truck.
For what it's worth, here in southern BC there are a lot of 440 repeaters. Plus you have the option of cross band repeating, should you ever want to.

[brokenparts]

Originally Posted by bj70_guy

Doubt you'll regret the 8800, it's a really nice radio. I'm about to pull the trigger on another one for my 2nd truck.
For what it's worth, here in southern BC there are a lot of 440 repeaters. Plus you have the option of cross band repeating, should you ever want to.

Cross band repeating was one of the selling points for me and the main reason I went with the 8800. The guy at HRO was extremely helpful and I didnt feel as if I was being "sold" the nicer radio. He gave me the benefits vs. price vs. upgrades etc. without being pushy. Nice to have service like that and not feel as if you're being slimed.

This whole ham thing sure grows on ya pretty quick... the more I learn the more I want to learn. Kinda like my cruiser addiction.

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by brokenparts

I hope I have some time tonight to get it installed.

Thanks everyone.

Congratulations on getting your license.

Suggestion: Before you install the radio in your truck, consider getting a cheapie AC/DC converter and set up the radio close to wherever your inside "computer shack" is located. This will give you some quality time with the radio so you can learn how to use it. It also makes things easier if you get the programming software for your radio.

Like you, I bought a mobile radio right after I got licensed and very shortly installed it in the truck. It takes time to get proficient with the operation plus the little things you need to know about how to use your local repeaters and your local protocols. I couldn't invest the time because the radio was not convenient for me.

You don't need to set up for Xmit, just to receive so even a home-made J-pole antenna will serve you well while you are learning the radio.

-B-

[e9999]

that is a very good suggestion. Much nicer to spend the time in a comfortable chair with a good beverage while slogging through the menus. Plus you could get the software and have it all preprogrammed.

[brokenparts]

awesome, thanks guys... just kinda learnin as I go. Pretty cool hobby though.