An Introduction to the 1.25 Meter Band

 One of my educational missions is to introduce all of the VHF Plus bands and remind you that all these bands - all frequencies and all modes - are available to any licensed amateur.  This month, we will look at a band that has always interested me: 222 MHz.  That's going to be my short-hand for the 1.25 meter band, which in the U.S. is actually 222-225 MHz. 

 

By all reports, 222 MHz has many of the qualities of 2 meters, with the added benefit of less consumer electronics interference and generally a lower noise floor.   As you may know, in the U.S., the amateur service has had a 224 MHz allotment since 1934, with full access to the 219-225 MHz range beginning after WWII.  In the late 80s, a private company lobbied the FCC for part of our spectrum and was eventually assigned 219-221 MHz, leaving amateurs with 222-225 MHz.  Thus a portion of the bandwidth was taken from the Amateur service.  Sadly, the allocation was never used commercially in a significant way.  The lesson, however, is that lack of activity on any of our bands can threaten our access. In other words, use it or lose it!

 

With few exceptions, 222 MHz is a Region 2 band, especially as a primary service.  However, historically only a few radios have been developed for this band, especially for weak signal (CW/SSB and digital) work.   While the geographic restrictions make true DXCC virtually impossible, one can still work many countries in North and South America,  including the Caribbean.  WAS is possible, through a combination of terrestrial and EME (moon bounce), and VUCC on 222 MHz only requires 50 grid squares, so there is plenty of paper to chase if you are so inclined.

 

When FM repeater activity increased in the late 1960s and early 1970s, amateurs found commercial equipment readily available that could be converted for use on the 2 meter  (144-148 MHz) and 70 centimeter  (430-450 MHz) amateur bands, so the bulk of FM activity settled there.  Today, there are a few 222 MHz repeaters in various parts of the country, but 2 meter and 70 centimeter remain the workhorse repeater bands. 

 

On the other hand, for many the real attraction of 222 MHz is on the weak signal side.  Elements of several propagation modes, including tropospheric, Sporadic E, and TEP are all possible.   EME is also in play, and most serious 222 MHz operators try to be on that mode if at all possible.    As a side note, you will generally find that many serious EME operators have several bands available and will be glad to try to work you on any common bands once a contact is made.  

 

You should be aware, however, that 222 MHz suffers from two key obstacles.  First, it is not a plug and play band.  As mentioned before, few radios were ever made with SSB/CW capabilities, so hams must build or buy their equipment. Most popular today is the use of a transverter, converting a 28 MHz IF into the 222-225 MHz range (The photo shows my DEMI transverter connected to my IC-7700).  High power isn't essential, but certainly helps.  As a result of the switch from analog to digital TV, a number of Harris and Larkin amplifiers came on the used market, reasonably priced and easily modified for 222 MHz use.

 

Second, partly because of the first issue, there is a distinct lack of operators. A dedicated group of amateurs is out to change that however,  providing advice, equipment, and encouraging activity during contests and hosting activity nights or nets on 222 MHz. They are the front line in the battle of "use it or lose it."

 

On Thursday evenings, at 730 local time, the Southern Ontario net is active on repeater VE3RSB.  224.740 MHz, -1.6MHz, no tone required.  The main purpose of the net is to jog people's memories about this neglected and forgotten band. We'll try to have some fun too!  Chris Smart, VE3RWJ asks that we spread the word.  I'll also mention that here in the Memphis, Tennessee area (EM55), we have a good group on the 224.780 repeater (107.2 tone). There is no formal net, but feel free to throw out your call sign as many are listening. While these are FM contacts, it's a great place to get your feet wet on 222 MHz, and meet some knowledgeable folks.

  

An even larger effort happens on Tuesday evenings, around 7 local time in the east.  David Olean, K1WHS, has been promoting activity on 222 MHz weak signal by attempting to get as many folks on the air at the same time as possible.  These Tuesday evening get-togethers seem to be catching on, and offer access to expertise and experience for those new to the band.  On a recent Tuesday evening, Dave reported that from his Maine QTH he worked stations in Montreal, Richmond, Virginia, Connecticut, Vermont, and Long Island, NY.  In all he worked 13 stations - a good total.  The 222 MHz calling frequency is 222.1 MHz, and for digital activity you will find folks near 222.080.

Dave, K1WHS, is happy to correspond with hams interested in getting on 222 MHz, whether fixed or mobile. He is good on QRZ.