Amateur Radio VHF Propagation Modes | How Far Can I Talk On VHF?

Amateur Radio VHF Propagation Modes | How Far Can I Talk On VHF? I've been on the VHF/UHF weak signal modes for decades. Here are the various propagation modes that show you how far you can talk on the amateur radio VHF/UHF bands.

Links to help you are:

Tropospheric Ducting:

Aurora:

Sporadic E:

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[TheOldSwedesFarm]

If you're interested in VHF weak signal operation, I hope this will show you what can be accomplished on the amateur radio VHF bands with a small station. Let me know if you've got questions. 73!

[georgenaiser]

Thanks for the explanations. I got my technicians license a week ago and still haven't talked to anyone. I realized I did not fully understand a lot of the material even though I bought the ham radio prep course and studied for six weeks before testing. After watching many videos and getting more confused I found your channel. I appreciate the way you explain things and find you much easier to understand. Thank you

[ralphnunn]

I had to laugh. 'I don't do FT8, FT4...' I don't believe in that stuff...' 'I believe in EARNING my contacts.' Yeah. Couldn't agree more...

[stevebowers]

At around time stamp 2:01 in this video you mention the FO12 for 2 M. I am having a difficult time in reaching our local repeater which is about 18 miles away. I only have HT for the 2 M and 70 CM so I built a dipole built around the frequency of the local repeater. Came up with 18.98 inches for the 1/4 wave segments. Using a nano VNA initial SWR was 2.8 and the Smith chart showed 105 uH and 106 pf. Using a volt meter as a cheap RF strength meter I showed about .3 uV at peak. Because the VNA showed more inductance (above the zero line on the smith chart), I decided to try getting that mismatch better so I just took a test lead and clipped it to what the shield of a coax would fasted to. Basically adding a counter poise of that same length of the 1/4 wave. The SWR dropped to 1.5 and I had a 63 uH and 14 pF showing on the smith chart. Using the volt meter as RF meter, I was able to get .6 peak uV indication. I guess what I am asking is simply by adding a length of wire to the "negative" side (what would be considered the shield of a coax connected via a 239 flange mount connector) would change the Smith chart to bring the high uH down more towards the zero line on a Smith chart. Thanks.

[Gunsmokefarmstead]

Interesting stuff and great job explaining some of it in layman’s terms. We have one kiddo who may be interested in eventually getting into this. We’ll be in touch if he does cuz we know nothing about it! 😅

[TheCowEmporium]

I think you have found a new niche for your channel Rich. That’s awesome.
I know you need to earn your new contacts, it’s time consuming for sure but you will get there. 🙌✅
Take care!
Annette 🌺

[dalericketson]

Great video,
I use aprs and dx maps to keep up with band openings.
I am a big fan of ssb cw on uhf vhf weak signal work. Tropho and E skip on 2m is a blast, I don't get to work aurora down here in south Texas though.
73 from EL07

[granitebuilt]

Fascinating video! I currently do not have the equipment to try 2m ssb but I have been very interested in FM simplex.

[MinuteontheMountain]

All of the radio talk is Greek to me, but it's cool to see your passion and knowledge.

[Thomas-ZET]

Great video, My fist radio was a 6 meter kit, first contact was a station in TX on 5 watts from MN, ever since then I have loved 2 and 6 ssb, unfortunately had to take down my antennas and hopefully will get them back up this summer at the new place

[JKFlipFlop.]

Great explanations of why and when these conditions exist. You mentioned cw, I would love to see a video on that subject as well. I have used it on HF, but my words-per-minute is not very good. In the scouts, long ago, we did morse via flashlights; but I find listening more difficult for some reason.

[Brauma]

Great video. Thanks. I got my General during covid but I’m just getting around to setting up my shack and starting to listen. I’ve been listening on 20 meters lately but haven’t talked or made a contact yet. Still so much to learn. This was great info. 73

[YogiHollowFarm]

Interesting stuff. Don’t know much about it but interesting for sure

[MtnGrandma]

I’m going to be watching all these videos because the comms are moving up our priority list over here! Thanks for sharing all the info! 😊❤

[GaylandGrant]

You are mu kind of Ham. I like the VHF and UHF work. We do the weak signal stuff here. We have also done the VHF contest in the past. There were four of us that did the contest in the past. On 6m, 2m, 432mhz, 220mhz, 1296mhz, and a few more. We were 5th in the 9th call district. Also we have scored up around 10th in the nation. We run a KW on 6m and 2M, and some lower power on the other frequencies. Yep if you had your antennas up tp about 60 or 70 feet and Hard line feeding them you would be cooking good. Gayland W9AKW in Southern Illinois. Yes it is fun to work the LIGHTS up north and it whispers to you.

[davidthier]

Hi, my friend, AE4JC, sent me the link to your video. What a thrill to work you on long haul tropo and Es! My antennas are less than optimum as well, my 2 meter beam at 35 feet. Hope to get some great tropo or Es this summer. Will look for you. Dave WA3GWK EM60.

[northerngirlhobbies]

Learning and this is totally awesome Rich. We have friends that are scrap dealers and will try to get hooked up with at least the tower for the time being. Awesome that you learned at such a young age. Great timeless video. Shared also. You’re in your element on this topic.

[Wugawamp]

Informative and well done. Man, wish I had started earlier. Good stuff, Rich!

[ronaldisom]

I’m with you on no digital or FT8. Real radio 100%

[janiceemery]

Very interesting and educational thank you for sharing. I agree with you, using digital is not really ham radio. I think the fun of ham radio is making contacts with a radio and antenna and seeing how far you can reach. Thank you for sharing this video. I still have a lot to learn.