VHF PLUS

For years, 1.2 GHz or 23 centimeters (cm) as we will call it, has been a forgotten band. However, several popular VHF / UHF radios have offered this band as an option or as a standard feature. Some of them include the Kenwood TS-2000, the ICOM 820H and 910H, the venerable Yaesu 736R, and more recently the ICOM 9100 and 9700 feature this band. Yet, few hams know much about it, and even fewer have made a contact on it.

This month, I want to feature 23 cm and encourage you to consider expanding your horizons into the gigahertz range. Before we are through, you’ll find that this band can serve as the “gateway drug” to a whole world of microwave operations.

One of my favorite things about our hobby is the willingness of most hams to help other hams. Whether it is expertise, equipment, or just encouragement, most hams are more than willing to invest in the education of the “next guy” and take joy in seeing them progress in the hobby.

Recently, I hosted a Zoom roundtable with a group of guys who absolutely embody that spirit of this