To respond to earlier comments on the benefit of having 223.5, I offer the
following:
At least 3 years ago, I obtained an old Icom IC-3 HT for 223.5 with frequency
changing wheels on the top. Along with this unit was a Mirage C22A mini brick
amp, 20W, including preamp for $50 Canadian in total. One of the best
investments per dollar that I have ever made. I also have a Pryme PR-222 HT 5W
that is left on 223.5 as a spare or loaner.
Running barefoot on the rubber ducky, I scratched out a qso from FN13ax across
Lake Ontario to the Rochester area. Then hooked it to the K1FO 16 elmt beam
with 6 feet of coax and we were both strong, with no amp.
The HT - amp - K1FO combo has seen qso's from EN94xa to W2SZ FN32jp, on 223.5,
plus FN04xa to K1TEO FN31 full quieting on 222.200 horizontal polarization, and
more. Takes only 30 seconds to flip from V to H.
If you don't have 223 FM you may be missing some good qso's, points and mults.
Watch for bargain gear for sale. Alinco has a DR-235TG 25 watt mobile rig and
a DJ-296 5W HT. There may be older rigs available that I am not familiar with.
Hope to work you on 223.5 and yes this includes MO base stations not yet
equipped.
73,
Bill VE3CRU
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