2 METER HAM Radios

JustRuns participants using HAM radios use the 2 meter band.  JustRuns’ Primary Simplex frequency is 146.550 MHz.  The 2 meter band covers from 144 to 148 mhz. It is a VHF (very high frequency) band.  Many of the local Ham Radio Clubs support repeaters on the 2 meter band and access to most of those repeaters is FREE to any licensed HAM.

Repeaters consist of a transmitter and receiver, with an antenna mounted as on a tower, usually a mountain.  Since vhf radio signals are mostly "line of site", the repeater site's high location enables the equipment to "see" farther than it would if it was located at ground level.  This allows the repeater to receive weak signals and retransmit them over a broad area.

On the 2 meter band, the input and output frequencies of the repeater are normally separated by a spacing of 600 khz. Which can be either plus or minus the repeater output frequency. Usually everything is minus 600 khz. Up to 147 mhz. Where it changes to plus 600 khz.  The original signal is transmited on one frequency ( the INPUT )...the repeater hears it....and repeats it on a different (OUTPUT) frequency.

Two meter equipment is readily available and the cost is modest, starting at about $125 for the radio. 

For our application, mobile rigs are suggested over handheld radios (HTs) because a mobile rig’s transmit much more powerful than a handheld.  Mobile radios normally transmit 50 watts to 75 watts when on full power where as a handheld is normally less than 5 watts at full power.

JustRuns recommends anyone interested to obtain their HAM radio license and install a 2 meter radio in their vehicle.  However, for safety convenience JustRuns participants must still have a CB radio as well.