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About eHam.net
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eHam.net Survey
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Survey Question
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Are you active on any of the VHF and /or UHF repeaters in your area?
Posted: Jun 02, 2008
(1835 votes, 67 comments)
by VK5LA
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Survey Results
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Daily...
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28% (512)
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Sometimes...
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30% (542)
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Hardly ever...
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26% (486)
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I'm listening but I don't transmit...
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9% (173)
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No active repeater in my area...
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1% (14)
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No equipment for those bands...
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6% (108)
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Survey Comments
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Highly Active
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I'm on one of the many in the area at any point of the day. (Sometimes) It helps the drive to and from work quicker. Before I know it I'm there. And to help check on my Old ham buddies.
w5kgt.com
Posted by
W5KGT
on July 7, 2008
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Not active
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Too many repeaters , which are very boring
to listen to .
More simplex channels are needed , not more
repeaters.
Repeaters = wasted band width .
Posted by
N0CRS
on July 7, 2008
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Former CBer
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Many years ago, I drove trucks for a living and would spend 24 hours of the day listening to the CB radio. More than once I have seen a driver swing at another driver for something that was said on the radio.
I was very happy to leave the 11 meters behind and move into Ham Radio. I will admit I am a former CBer. I would have moved over 10 years ago, but I would spend 363 days of the year on the road. Last year, I received my license. There are alot of things I do not know about Ham Radio, as the manual teaches you enough to obtain your license. The rest is up to you to learn.
I quickly joined a club and would listen on the repeater. I also would ask questions as it was a tech club and once a week they would have a net. I once asked a question about a certain topic and was basically told to read a book. I am not as active on that club net anymore. Yes I bought several books, as I have a library of more than 4,000 (computers, physics, mathematics, etc.) and I learned a little bit more about the topic. In my former CBer days, I would have replied back in a manner not consistent with good radio protocol. When I asked the question, I was hoping a more experienced ham would explain to me how they did it. There is alot of good information that is not written down and cannot be learned from reading, but experiencing it.
My wife is now interested in Ham radio, and we have become storm spotters. However, recently we have done more storm chasing. Using the radio, a laptop and a cloud filled sky, we have learned to appreciate Ham Radio even more.
I live in the Oklahoma City area, which is known for disaster preparedness. However, most of the repeaters are quiet alot of the time. If there is someone chatting away about day to day life on one of the repeaters, sometimes I join in, or move on to another repeater. At least the repeater and frequency are being used, even if the topic in question is not one you would prefer to hear. If we don't use it, we will lose it. Look at what happened to the 220 mhz frequencies.
Posted by
KE5MOJ
on June 28, 2008
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Huh?
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"All they want to do is talk, talk, talk about nothing that is relevant to the art of radio communication"
So now there are guidelines on what people
should discuss on public repeaters?
So what exactly should we talk about then?
Vince
N3VMC
Posted by
N3VMC
on June 28, 2008
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semi active
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maybe the cell phone did it too many repeaters are on the air. too many repeater owners in same area.
Posted by
WB4TGT
on June 27, 2008
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Repeaters
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It's sad that here on Long Island most of the many repeaters stand idle. 15 years ago they were very active during the commute,in the evening with club nets, general QSO's, CW practice, you name it. It's pretty much all gone now. We are a club with 3 repeaters, about 125 members and the club's repeaters are silent most days except for the I.D. every hour.
However, if the repeater is off line for more than a day the members gripe and complain ! How ironic it is, they never get on the air but want a 24-7-365 system that nevers hiccups !
de K2JX
Posted by
K2JX
on June 26, 2008
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Repeaters
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Since the advent of "No-Code and the "dumbing down" of the licensing procedures, many of the regular repeater users these days are not "hams" by the original definition. They have no interest in experimentation or the equipment. All they want to do is talk, talk, talk about nothing that is relevant to the art of radio communication. Some still cling to the jargon and culture of their 11 meter days which makes it easy to identify them. In my opinion they are no more than "enhanced CBers".
Having said this over the years I have come to accept the fact that it is better to have these people on our bands in order to populate these frequencies than to lose them to commercial interests who cite non-use as a justification for wanting them.
73,
Michael, W1RC
Posted by
W1RC
on June 26, 2008
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repeaters
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we have a number of repeaters in aberdeenshire.
i can only praise the dedication and technical know-how of aberdeen repeater group.
Well done; keep up ther good work
Alex
Posted by
MM0GDG
on June 26, 2008
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Uhf/Vhf Repeaters
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Having a local repeater to chat on is essential in the 'short-distance' mobile community. Traffic and weather reports as well as friendly chit-chat helps keep us social and helps pass the otherwise mundane commute.
Posted by
NJ5R
on June 24, 2008
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Repeaters as a meeting place
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I love repeaters. When I first got my tech license back in '91 I would jump on the local 2m repeaters and talk up a storm. Over the last 17 years I've met numerous local hams and some have become almost like family to me. I think if we just throw out your callsign once in a while on a local repeater you just may end up meeting a new friend or neighbor. I've met technical guys, plumbers, electricians, teachers, delivery people, and numerous other trades. If we use repeaters as a medium to find or meet new friends the airwaves may become busier. I always try to answer a new person calling on my repeater or any repeater I am scanning. It is very disheartening to call and not get another ham answering. As hams, we share a common bond, we wish to communicate. Repeaters are great for chatting. If stuck in traffic, I find talking on the repeater with friends quite soothing and keep my mind off from the traffic mess in front of me. Stress relief? I think so. Let's keep the VHF/UHF spectrum busy. Otherwise, the FCC will have another excuse to take it back. If visiting the NYC area feel free to call me on 448.275- PL88.5
73's and enjoy this great hobby.
Ken
Posted by
K2MAK
on June 24, 2008
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Local repeaters "NO"
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But my repeaters yes. I am one of three owners of a UHF repeater. I have this repeater in my radio shack and of course the antenna up on a 30ft tower. I also use a VHF repeater that is owned by one of the three and is in his radio shack and the VHF antenna is up on a 100ft crank up tower. I got tired of the same people all the time and one that keeps asking me the same questions all the time, so I decided to quit the local repeaters. The only time I use one now is when my Good Sams camping group meet to caravan we all meet on the main local repeater and the reason for that is the antenna is up on top of Pikes Peak with coverage in five states. If your in the Colorado Springs area the repeater is 146.970, neg offset and 100.0hz tone. You can hit this repeater in Wyoming, Nebraska, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas all with high power. So you see what you say to one ham, your telling hams in other states what your saying, so if it is kind of personal then don't discuss it. As a matter of fact any thing personal just shouldn't be discussed on a repeater anyways, you never know who's listening.
Posted by
N0MUD
on June 23, 2008
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dead repeaters
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I have to agree with most of the posts not alot of active anywhere out here in the plains and that also happens to be the case here in AR. moved here in Feb. from Wichita,Ks. Back in doda it was dead. even here in AR.most of the time they use simplex. kc0lrp
Posted by
KC0LRP
on June 21, 2008
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dead repeaters
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I have to agree with most of the posts not alot of active anywhere out here in the plains and that also happens to be the case here in AR. moved here in Feb. from Wichita,Ks. Back in doda it was dead. even here in AR.most of the time they use simplex. kc0lrp
Posted by
KC0LRP
on June 21, 2008
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Not as much interest.
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When I first got my Ticket, I did attend a local club with a repeater. I found quickly that most of the people I found to be interesting at the club were rarely on the repeater. The point is that the "club" and the "repeater" were not one of the things that I enjoy about Amateur Radio. I like 2M SSB and the people I've met on this band are by far some of the most interesting and knowledgeable individuals that I know on radio.
I've found that making the 22 School net on 40M and listening to the Rotten Apples in the morning is better mobile entertainment. I used to also like to hear W1FDY's Southern Cross DX net on 20, but I'm now at work when that's taking place.
On the way home I might check for openings on the bands and work them if I can.
Repeaters to me were the training wheels of Amateur Radio.
I do intend to start listening to the Chicago FM clubs Tech net again (big fun and very helpful to us new guys), and I believe they also have CW practice there as well now that I'm trying to learn the code again.
Posted by
K9WJL
on June 21, 2008
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Too many Umms
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Repeater activity here in the Mid-Atlantic used to be good, but decline in activity over the past 10 years has gotten it down to only a few repeaters with constant activity. The one really good local repeater has been over run by a few with a case of the elite and a couple of other ops who you just can't stand to listen to their voice. The one who drives me the most crazy is a guy who (not kidding) says UHMMMMMMMM between every single word. It reminds me of the ops on HF SSB who take long pauses while using vox, trying for some reason to keep the rig keyed up.
If my wife is in the car with me and I have the radio on when this guy come on, she demands that I turn the radio off, and questions why doesn't anyone correct him.
I just laugh and tell her well UHMMMMMMM! She is not amused.
Posted by
AB4D
on June 19, 2008
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Sometimes
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Well i own 2 repeaters myself and maintain 2 others for the club but i rarly talk on any of them. i listen a lot.
I dont get any thrill listening to IRLP or Echolink users talking to Australia or any other place. I can do that without $10k worth of repeaters. I like working on the equipment but am bored to death with the hamshack on their belt folks. So I build them but hardly use them!! Silly huh!!!
Posted by
N0FPE
on June 19, 2008
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Dailey Active
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Well, I own and operate two repeaters in North Carolina, so that's where my HT and mobile hang out, so if you need to reach me, you know where to find me. Repeaters are great for meeting hams within your local area.
Posted by
N1RIK
on June 16, 2008
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Way Active !!!
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I run a NTS Net on Saturdays and sometimes Fridays when noone wants to...
We used to have a "die hard" group for AM and PM rush hour(s)on two meters but now things have changed..I got a used BB UHF-30w, and 6m BB 110w, that really have broadened my horizons...
It is amazing when I can talk over Echolink to Australia and Washington State, and other places-- easier than on HF.
But then again, Techs have 10 meters now, too!
(just remember to stay within band limits(28.300-28.500 Voice,SSB)
and NO FM !!!)
73,
Bob, KG4RRN
Flamers: (beware) IP address is recorded...
Posted by
KG4RRN
on June 15, 2008
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Never
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I was active on a repeater for a short time when living in Northern VA, but it was morning drive time and the same people said the same darn thing every freaking morning. How boring is that!? I did not need to know what light was red and if the road was wet from rain.
Stopped carrying the HT in the car and did not regret it a bit. Now 17 years later, no uhf/vhf rigs in the shack and the HT battery is long dead.
Posted by
W7IBI
on June 13, 2008
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Very Active and friendly
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In the far western suburbs of Chicago exists our clubs repeaters. 2m and 440 and almost always active, welcoming those new to the hobby and the old timers. Talking about everything from picking out your mobile 2m antenna to a discussion of running your favorite Windows/ham software under WINE on your favorite flavor of LINUX. There is something for everyone on our machines. Always busy in drive time, and often used for public service/safety net events.
We also sponsor a D-Star 2m/440 and I think 1.2g, again pretty active. Repeater activity probably directly relates to how ham friendly your club or the locals are. Your repeater can also be very active, if you get active and "talk it up". Get those inactive hams back involved in public service, or demonstrations of our great hobby.
Be part of the solution.
Posted by
K9FE
on June 13, 2008
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Very Active and friendly
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In the far western suburbs of Chicago exists our clubs repeaters. 2m and 440 and almost always active, welcoming those new to the hobby and the old timers. Talking about everything from picking out your mobile 2m antenna to a discussion of running your favorite Windows/ham software under WINE on your favorite flavor of LINUX. There is something for everyone on our machines. Always busy in drive time, and often used for public service/safety net events.
We also sponsor a D-Star 2m/440 and I think 1.2g, again pretty active. Repeater activity probably directly relates to how ham friendly your club or the locals are. Your repeater can also be very active, if you get active and "talk it up". Get those inactive hams back involved in public service, or demonstrations of our great hobby.
Be part of the solution.
Posted by
K9FE
on June 12, 2008
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Not anymore!
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When amateur radio was HF'centric, FM repeaters were useful adjuncts to amateur radio. Finally, FM repeaters and FM communications in general just lost its
appeal.
Posted by
WA4DOU
on June 12, 2008
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Repeaters
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If everyone who posted that they listen or are just scanners of repeaters would pick up the mike and throw out their call sign or answer someone who has done that and get into a conversation, the repeaters would be very busy. And you just might make a new friend in the process.
Posted by
N8MME
on June 12, 2008
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Occasionally...
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Here in Buffalo, there are quite a few repeaters, and there are many nets...actually there are several nets that can be joined daily. And, the previous comment about net participation dwindling to 10 or so users is partially correct: they check in, but then add "NO COMMENT" after the call. OK. Why bother then?
There is a Tech Net in my area that is actually pretty decent, and it has had a decent following for years.
My choice of repeaters? I choose 10 Meters...but that's just my preference.
John KB2HSH
Posted by
KB2HSH
on June 12, 2008
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Occasionally...
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Here in Buffalo, there are quite a few repeaters, and there are many nets...actually there are several nets that can be joined daily. And, the previous comment about net participation dwindling to 10 or so users is partially correct: they check in, but then add "NO COMMENT" after the call. OK. Why bother then?
There is a Tech Net in my area that is actually pretty decent, and it has had a decent following for years.
My choice of repeaters? I choose 10 Meters...but that's just my preference.
John KB2HSH
Posted by
KB2HSH
on June 12, 2008
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2 mtr and 440 fm
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Listening to the repeaters is really a bore .
No intelligent subject matter . Same people
all the time . etc.
Too bad all this spectrum is being wasted this way.
Posted by
N0CRS
on June 11, 2008
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Repeaters
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I have found that most people will follow examples of good radio operation. I am not afraid to talk to the "CB" types and correct them a little at a time till they get the idea that they are no longer on eleven meters. Don't tell me it does not work, I have done it and it does work. More need to speak up and set examples or Yes, we will lose our bands to the CB folks. Repeaters can do wonderful things for hams on a budget and a Technician ticket. I also use the IRLP to connect the local repeater with "NON-CB" type repeater systems for nets, this gives the locals a look at how things can be. Use your radios to correct the direction things are headed in your area, it only requires a little work to bring the fun back into the hobby. OK, now I am ready to take the flak. 73
Posted by
KB7WTO
on June 11, 2008
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Repeaters
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I have found that most people will follow examples of good radio operation. I am not afraid to talk to the "CB" types and correct them a little at a time till they get the idea that they are no longer on eleven meters. Don't tell me it does not work, I have done it and it does work. More need to speak up and set examples or Yes, we will lose our bands to the CB folks. Repeaters can do wonderful things for hams on a budget and a Technician ticket. I also use the IRLP to connect the local repeater with "NON-CB" type repeater systems for nets, this gives the locals a look at how things can be. Use your radios to correct the direction things are headed in your area, it only requires a little work to bring the fun back into the hobby. OK, now I am ready to take the flak. 73
Posted by
KB7WTO
on June 11, 2008
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Repeaters
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I have found that most people will follow examples of good radio operation. I am not afraid to talk to the "CB" types and correct them a little at a time till they get the idea that they are no longer on eleven meters. Don't tell me it does not work, I have done it and it does work. More need to speak up and set examples or Yes, we will lose our bands to the CB folks. Repeaters can do wonderful things for hams on a budget and a Technician ticket. I also use the IRLP to connect the local repeater with "NON-CB" type repeater systems for nets, this gives the locals a look at how things can be. Use your radios to correct the direction things are headed in your area, it only requires a little work to bring the fun back into the hobby. OK, now I am ready to take the flak. 73
Posted by
KB7WTO
on June 11, 2008
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Repeater activity
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I have been very active on repeaters for more than 25 years.
However, I too have grown tired of the total lack of intelligent conversations on repeaters in my area.
Local repeaters for the most part have no activity.
What little activity that does take place either involves driving to and from work or endless discussions over the same subjects I've heard for 20 years!
What ever happened to nationwide teleconferences on technical topics?
It's easier now than ever before with echolink.
Local repeater nets that used to draw 70-80 check ins now consider 10 good night!
I for one am looking for INTELLIGENT conversations that will GROW the grey matter NOT shrink it!
Bring back the technical forums!
Posted by
N8EKT
on June 11, 2008
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repeaters
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As a relatively new ham,I want to thank all the daily users of repeaters in the Atlanta area.Listening to them for a short while gave me just the incentive I needed to upgrade to General for the HF bands. I have also found on many trips outside of my home area,people are hesitant to talk to call signs they do not recognize. I do enjoy the weather info when possible bad weather approaches......
Posted by
W4DOK
on June 11, 2008
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Simplex
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146.52 active in the Denver area; can't stand repeaters as a rule. May go all SSB when I get the 857 put in the truck...
Posted by
K0ZL
on June 11, 2008
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Now I'm Interested
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My son is graduating from High School tomorrow. The school had a BBQ on Sunday and the Student Body President confided in my son that his father is a ham and he is so embarressed when the OM gets in to technical talk. Guess what? Me too! says the son. I hope to meet my fellow ham tomorrow and ask his advice on an HF vertical. I haven't been on VHF in eight years but I will be back on by this weekend.
Posted by
WN2RUJ
on June 10, 2008
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Sad to say....
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If I need local directions, I can't depend on the 2 meter repeaters any longer. Nobody seems to be on them.
So I went to a truck stop and bought a little 40 channel, five watt CB walkie-talkie with a portable antenna. If and when I need directions or local information, I am more apt to get assistance via this little CB radio....
Bill
Posted by
WA8MEA
on June 10, 2008
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VHF/UHF repeaters
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Our club has one of the most active UHF repeaters in the Chicago area. It also has one of the best attended weekly nets. We recently installed a D-star system and it has a growing number of users as more people get D-Star radios. The commute to and from work is much more pleasant when you can talk to friends on the way, especially as traffic jams get worse and worse. This is all nice to see when you hear so much about declining repeater usage around the country.
Posted by
KK9H
on June 10, 2008
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Vhf/Uhf
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I have an Icom IC-O series lineup from the 80's and a Kenwood F6A.My favourite bands are 220,440 and 2m respectively.Love 6m when the band opens and even though i live in an apt,i try to work 20m and 440 ssb qrp when possible.
There seem to be just as many repeaters now as when i took a break from hamming in the mid 90's,especially in the Portland,Oregon area.
Jim
N7MYW
Posted by
N7MYW
on June 10, 2008
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VHF/UHF use
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I listen often (when I am home) but prefer to be on HF. I appreciate all those repeater owners letting us use their equipment. HF is a lot more fun for me so that is where I spend most of my time.
Posted by
AC0IV
on June 9, 2008
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VHF And UHF
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I use VHF more than UHF ! afer i get off from work , The only time i'll get on UHF is bike race or any thing.but the rest of time is chatting on 2 meter !
73
Jackie
KG4ORX
WEBSITE htpp;//webpages.charter.net/kg4orx/
Ham Radio Since Aug 2001
General Lic Since March 17,2007
Posted by
KG4ORX
on June 8, 2008
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I listen on 2 meters "occasionally when i want some noise in the shack. Most of the time though there is very little activity on anything other than 34/94 so i shut it back off. The radio is programmed for all the repeaters within 70-100 miles, all the Phoenix area stuff and days go by with no activity on most all the systems. They still show up in the ARRL directory and the Frequency coordinator web site. Guess it's a" it's mine and no one else can use this frequency" type thing. Private, no outside access operation. What's the purpose? So many not being used. 440 is getting to be the same way. HF and 6 are still fun.
Posted by
W0OGH
on June 8, 2008
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Active
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I try to use our local repeater during my commute to work. Sometimes I'll try it during my lunch break (from car in lot).
I'll also monitor the repeater on my HT while working around the house.
To those who complain that the repeater is basically VHF "CB", maybe it is in your area. I've seen no problems in our area. I would be sad if it was true, I used the 2m band to learn basic procedure & get over "mic fright". Everyone was decent to me when I was just starting out. Hate to think that the old guard wrote off 2m because they couldn't tolerate new guys getting experience.
Posted by
KI4WGI
on June 8, 2008
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VHF/UHF Repeaters
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Living in the K.C., MO area we have lots of repeaters available (both VHF and UHF) but most are rarely used other than weekly nets and special event support (like bike rides, horse shows, MS walks, etc.). We have plenty of storm events in our area, so the SKYWARN system becomes active during these events and serves a great purpose.
When I travel, I try and monitor 146.52 simplex but rarely find anyone monitoring that frequency other than during the big Dayton hamvention week - then it is great talking to others going to and from the hamfest.
I'll second the statements about the ARRL repeater atlas being way out of touch - it still lists repeaters that have been "dead" for years in our area! All the tones do make it rough for travelers - you can't be digging around in menus trying to put in a tone even if you can find what it is, while your driving!
I still enjoy the repeaters though and support several clubs that keep them going.
Paul KØSEP
Raymore, MO
Posted by
K0SEP
on June 7, 2008
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Idiot Sysops
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Ok, so let us put in a repeater and lock it! Oh! We can make an internet portal and call it ours. Here is my new 2 meter radio. How does it work through it's 4 layer menu of goo? I wonder why repeaters here in Denver pretty much turn 99.9% of hams off to using using smoke signals instead.
Posted by
N0AH
on June 7, 2008
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I used to be active talking on repeaters, until I became active building repeaters. Now all I do is listen to repeaters and fix repeaters.
Posted by
N3EG
on June 6, 2008
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lots of silence
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when I got into ham radio in the mid 70's there was lots of activity, in fact it was an adult local ham talking into his HT220 that I as a 14-year old met at Radio Shack that got me into this game (he's now K4PB) Around that era eventually every pair was assigned and they went to 15 KHz splits and 20 KHz and added 145 MHz and there was daily club activity into the 80's, our club repeater had some very interesting on-the-air games and quizes that lasted for hours and involved dozens. I spent some time away from the radios but these last coupla years have started turning them on again, very very very little activity. I thought IRLP would bring huge new life into FM repeaters, especially in light of all the new techs and antenna restrictions, wrong, it seems IRLP just allows you to link 2 silent repeaters. I have about 50 freqs for phoenix repeaters programmed into my dual band mobile rig and can put it on scan and hear NOTHING for the entire drive to or from work.
AA4Q
Posted by
AA4Q
on June 6, 2008
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Waste of bandspace in DFW area, TX
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90 percent of the folks around here on 2m FM belong on CB, and/or GMRS. Full of sad, lonely souls that are impaired mentally, physically, financially, or newly licensed operators just getting on the air ( I feel for them having to be exposed to the non-sense right off the bat ).
A world of thanks for 2m/70cm SSB & CW, and HF SSB & CW (also 6m when its open). There are still plenty of folks left there that are into the technical aspect of the hobby.
When I want to appreciate 2m/70cm/6m/HF SSB & CW a little more, I just listen to (not for long though!) to the local 2m/70cm repeaters. So really, it's all good.
A world of thanks for variety, freedom of choice, and the on/off switch on the radio.
Amateur Radio......."there's something in it for everyone".
How true!
Enjoy!!!
Posted by
AE5EH
on June 6, 2008
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Mostly active in SE MN
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Our club owns two 2m repeaters and one on 440, there is also a county owned civil defense repeater used for skywarn. We have a very active club of over 100 members and even HF guys like me tend to listen on the main 2m unit during drive times and sometimes with a handheld around the yard. I find in the warmer months when I tend to be on HF less (except maybe QRP outside or some 10m sporadic E) I do -more- on 2m FM than in the winter when it's harder to operate "through the gloves". Our locals all tend to be friendly and good operators and we use it train our recently growing number of new hams to get over their "mic fright". We also have an active 9pm Sunday net that passes along various announcements. So while I still favor HF modes 2m FM and repeaters have their place for communications beyond public service and storm spotting.
Posted by
K0VH
on June 5, 2008
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Mostly mobile rush hour
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My typical routine is to use our local repeater to make contact with two friends whose travel time is the same as mine and then move to a simplex frequency. My problem with repeaters is that they do not lend themselves to conversation due to their timers and need to use a round table discussion approach. Usually by the time it is my turn again I have forgotten what I wanted to say or the subject has changed a few times or the person I want to talk to is fifth in the rotation so I have to wait 8 minutes to get an answer,etc.. Repeaters have their uses but regular conversation is not one of them nor do I think they were meant to be used in such a manner or else they would not time you out so soon. :)
Posted by
K2ID
on June 5, 2008
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Weather / Ducting and more
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Back in the mid to late 90's repeater activity was on a sharp decline here in The S.W. Ohio area. I still listen to a couple VHF repeaters in this area. During severe weather the X-WARN and SKY WARN networks become pretty active. Other than that the VHF and UHF repeaters in this area are pretty much non active most times.
The best part of VHF, to me, is the tropospheric ducting and weak signal cw and ssb worked at the bottom of the 2 meter band. That is a lot of fun when conditions warrant.
Most of the technician class ops that were new in the 80's to 90's around here have upgraded to at least General class license holders. This really increased when the Morse code requirement was dropped. Along with the upgrades the 10 meter band has become really active here in S.W. Ohio as well.
VHF and UHF were very good to grow with for me personally in 1996 when I first got in to amateur radio. The upgrade to General in 1997 put me where I wanted to be though. It is much more fun making the contact on just the rig, some home brew stuff and a home brew antenna than it was using repeaters.
Posted by
KC8BYF
on June 5, 2008
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Occasionally
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I thought it was reserved for truckers!
Posted by
K8GVK
on June 4, 2008
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Repeaters
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Now a redundant item, except for, in the main, the 11Mtr. "Good Buddy" brigade.A very few sensible Mobile users but also here in the UK the VHF and UHF Bands have been almost taken over by..Rigs..Twigs..Personals...BBC quality..Your giving me 9Lbs..ete..etc..
Posted by
GW1MCD
on June 4, 2008
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Why keep them running. ?
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If there are such great swaths of inactive repeaters what is the point of keeping them up ( Emergency nodes excepted ) since the annual 24/7 power bill is not insignificant ?
Posted by
G3SEA
on June 4, 2008
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Occasionally....
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Like NG1L, N3MMH and several others said, it mostly drives me nuts-annoying ....
Our local machine is too much like "HAM" CB around here !!
"10-4", "Back on the side" "what's your 20", etc, etc......
Also plenty of "one upmanship" to go around......but usaully very little technical knowledge offered(except from a select few who are only on once in a while).
I like(not really) the popular saying "works/worked great!", but is never compared to any benchmark....hear that one all the time.....LoL
The HF bands are where ham radio is still alive, at least in my opinion.
73,
Chuck
Posted by
KB3MMX
on June 4, 2008
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Occasionally....
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Like NG1L, N3MMH and several others said, it mostly drives me nuts-annoying ....
Our local machine is too much like "HAM" CB around here !!
"10-4", "Back on the side" "what's your 20", etc, etc......
Also plenty of "one upmanship" to go around......but usaully very little technical knowledge offered(except from a select few who are only on once in a while).
I like(not really) the popular saying "works/worked great!", but is never compared to any benchmark....hear that one all the time.....LoL
The HF bands are where ham radio is still alive, at least in my opinion.
73,
Chuck
Posted by
KB3MMX
on June 4, 2008
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waste of time
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With the need for tone access and the fact that most of the people operating flunked out of the CB channels it is a waste, besides there is very little on the 5 or 6 in the area. Might hear one or two stations on all day. Last time I heard something techy, antennas, rigs or otherwise was about 1970.
Posted by
K8KAS
on June 4, 2008
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waste of time
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With the need for tone access and the fact that most of the people operating flunked out of the CB channels it is a waste, besides there is very little on the 5 or 6 in the area. Might hear one or two stations on all day. Last time I heard something techy, antennas, rigs or otherwise was about 1970.
Posted by
K8KAS
on June 4, 2008
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Rarely
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The local 2m machine is occupied by too many 11m people that still are incapable of leaving the 11m crap where it belongs. Sad.
Cheers! N3MMH
Posted by
N3MMH
on June 4, 2008
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Active
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Chicago repeaters are active.
I myself more active on hf,
Posted by
KC9MAV
on June 4, 2008
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VHF/UHF REPEATERS
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Here in the Louisville KY area, there are about 25 working repeaters. You RARELY hear a QSO on one, and not much luck trying to get one started either. Even the nets don't get much participation anymore. In my opinion/experience two things are causing this. #1 People controlling people. Always someone telling you "don't do that"! My own Club put into their rules if you used "Q" codes on the repeater, you would be denied use or banished. I left the Club and the repeater. #2 Tone codes - while great for keeping out signals from ducting conditions, they also prevent traveling mobiles from access. You can't very well program in Tones while driving, and it's really a pain to do this before each and every trip using the ARRL Guide which is NEVER accurate. We have repeaters in our area which made changes years ago, but they have never changed in the ARRL Repeater Directory. That's my say.
Posted by
K4SFC
on June 4, 2008
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Big Gap In Choices!
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Daily...
Sometimes...
Hardly ever...
Large gap between daily and sometimes! Choices like, more than "x" per week, month
seem more fitting.
Posted by
N4CQR
on June 4, 2008
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VHF/UHF Repeaters
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Mostly on 440 daily here in NYC. 2m not as active as it was ten years ago. But unfortunately it's mostly the same folks on 440 daily. It used to be fun to work foreign stations on IRLP/Echolinked repeaters, but those repeaters linked too infrequently. Ken in Flushing, NY
Posted by
K2JLK
on June 4, 2008
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VHF/UHF Repeaters
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Mostly on 440 daily here in NYC. 2m not as active as it was ten years ago. But unfortunately it's mostly the same folks on 440 daily. It used to be fun to work foreign stations on IRLP/Echolinked repeaters, but those repeaters linked too infrequently. Ken in Flushing, NY
Posted by
K2JLK
on June 4, 2008
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VHF & UHF
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I use 2M when I am home, but rarely access repeaters while
traveling. When away from home I do more HF. Love 40 and
20 during the day and 80 at night.
W3LAR
Posted by
W3LAR
on June 3, 2008
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Monitor when needed
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I listen to the local 2M repeater when the weather forcast cautions serious storms, rain or snow, on the way. It gets active in an emergency.
Otherwise the 817 is in the HF mode.
Posted by
N2UGB
on June 3, 2008
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Drives me nuts!!!!
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I usually unless I have a sked with someone...All I hear is AM/PM commuters trying to outdo the others in their knowledge of ham radio or their personall health problems ad naseum! Some nets OK...SKYWARN a definate plus to be active on VHF. And 440? If it weren't for working the satellites, I would have even more limited use for it..if at all.
My 2 cents,
Respectfully,
Frank
Posted by
NG1I
on June 3, 2008
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Hardly ever
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I was on VHF repeaters in the mid-sixties, and was a repeater owner/trustee for repeaters on both coasts for many years.
Gave it all up, pretty much, as my curiosity fell and boredom increased. There's nothing left to do, it's all been done.
From my perspective, VHF repeaters "peaked" in the mid-80s, when almost everybody used one or more daily.
Hasn't been like that since.
WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK
on June 3, 2008
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also semi active
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I listen more than I chat - There are some 40-50 V/Uhf repaters that I can hear or hit in the Portland,Or/SW WA area so Im more of a "scanner".... Good topic - Eric
Posted by
KJ7XJ
on June 3, 2008
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Semi Active
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Semi active both VHF & UHF but I have noticed activity on VHF has dropped to less than half from what it was 25 years ago. Can not comment on UHF licensed in 1983 did not get on UHF until 2006.
Posted by
KA5ROW
on June 3, 2008
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