Myke - M7TTT writes...

Ultra High Frequency.
The idea of being truly portable has always appealed to me. Although I'm working on my HF "Kit", I do love my Baofeng UV-5RH Handset, but when a couple of club members tutted and said, "Argh, you'll not get far on those squitty little things. Five Kilometres, if you're lucky!" (or words to that affect), it was like a challenge to me. 

I'm still learning, so the idea of experimenting seems quite exciting. But why only do the easy stuff, on HF with loads of help from the Ionosphere? That's way to easy for me. My Baofeng's putting out a solid 9.9 w on high power, so, as long as I solder cleanly and try not let any little Ohms escape the tubes, I should be getting out as well as my Antenna. 

My first Hand-held Dx was from "the highest Mountain in Norfolk". No, don't laugh, it's 433' above sea-level and is the Roman Camp at Sheringham. Using the same Radio, and a 3' Tactical Whip I got through to NR3GB 70cm repeater some 36 miles away; QSO with NARC's Martin - M7HSF. 

On Sunday the 13th of October, I drove to Lowestoft, and 'Ness Point'; the most easterly point in UK, but no official RSGB/Ofcom Map ref name. Using my newly modified 3-Element Yagi-style beamer, with 'Mil Grade' Coax, I managed a very clear QSO with NARC's Ian - M7DSX. This is a decent 22.9 miles! The little antenna was reaching above the cliffs and buildings which stand much higher by Lowestoft Lighthouse. 

It is way beyond my comprehension as to why 70cm is treated almost like... dare I say it? ... CB! A quick meet and chat frequency. It's not. It is a Ham band and a good one, and obviously, not just "line of sight". I shall continue to test and experiment with 70cm and maybe build up a small list of good spot/blind spot, and types of antenna used.  So far, I'm loving it; possibly a tad more than the "easy HF"!

UPDATE

Monday 14th October. From Venta Icenorum, using the Baofeng UV-5RH attached to a 2/70 Mag Mount Antenna, I activated Wells 70cm Repeater (51 Km away) and Ipswich 70cm Repeater a good 56 Km away! I also had a good 5/9+ mardle with Tony G0HUZ and Patrick G0NMP in the Dereham area via E. Bradenham Repeater which is a mere 31 Km away. Now that is Dx'ing! 

73/88 Myke - M7TTT

Tom G8XQD writes...

Here is an interesting video by friend of NARC Rob Howard...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWLqdaFF2gc

And from Practical Wireless, October 1957 - Page 526, as David mentioned at Wednesdays CNS social and informal evening (G7URP note - G3ASQ was Peter who was club President for many years).