VHF PLUS

This month I want to focus on FM simplex activity. This is not complicated… but it is different from using repeaters. Simplex requires line of sight (unless, of course, you get some enhanced propagation — more on that later) and thus will challenge you to implement the best setup you can from home, car, or portable locations.

Repeaters have their place, but all require power supplies and most digital activity will require internet access as well. Depending on the situation, repeaters may or may not be a suitable platform for communications in an emergency. Many nets that are regularly held on repeaters feature a “simplex night” once a month or so, to help their members assess their readiness for point-to-point communications on the band in question. While most nets are on the higher VHF and above frequencies, you will also find local nets on 6 meters and 10 meters. Our focus is on the use of FM on bands including 2 meters, 70 centimeters, and 1.25 meters. shows the simplex allocation suggestions from ARRL.