Long distance contact question

[tango1179]

This is my first post on this forum, and please forgive me if I have posted in the wrong section.

My question is, operating mobile with a Yaesu FT-8900R or equivalent and with a Technician class license, what is the furthest contact that I could expect to make on either the 2m or 70cm band, with or without the use of repeaters?

Specifically, I am wanting to know if I could contact Hawaii' using either of those 2 modes.

Thanks, in advance.

[M0TTB]

Hi,
2m FM, a few hundred miles if you're up high, you could maybe stretch that to 1000miles given terrific and very rare propagation. SSB with the right equipment may be a slightly different matter, EME (moonbounce) with lots of power for example.

You don't say where you are, but KH6 on 2m FM from anywhere would be next to impossible, even if you are west coast (2.5k miles). Repeaters would be out of the equation as KH6 is so far from any mainland repeater,
On the whole 2m FM is going to be around 50 miles or so.
You may want to investigate echolink.

[tango1179]

I am in Gainesville, GA, in Northeast GA.

For my first radio would you suggest a dual bander 2m/70cm like a Yaesu or Icom?

Ordinarily I wouldn't think of trying to talk that long of a distance on a 2 way radio, but I had a friend that's a ham and he's going to HI, so I thought I would ask the question.

Thanks.

[5B4AJB]

Using a satellite (AO7) and reasonable antenna setup, you can go halfway round the world.

Low Earth Orbit satellites are easier to work and will give you up to 3500 km.

There's no limit to distance using Echolink

[M0TTB]

GA? Yes, you're closer to the U.K. than Hawaii, and there has never been a confirmed transatlantic qso on 2m... so you can see you'd be up against history with your mobile set-up
Of course Hawaii isn't a big problem on HF bands, 6m (50Mhz about the highest amateur frequency you could work Hawaii from GA, and that would be very good going even with ideal propagation)

Yep, a 2/70FM mobile radio from any of the major manufacturers would be a good start, they all have quite high output power these days. Not sure if you intend operating from home as well as mobile, but for home, concentrate on getting a good vertical 2/70cm dualband colinear type antenna outside and at good height, that will make a huge difference in your range.... antennas are everything!

[M0TTB]

Using a satellite (AO7) and reasonable antenna setup, you can go halfway round the world.

Low Earth Orbit satellites are easier to work and will give you up to 3500 km.

There's no limit to distance using Echolink

I thought about sats, but I think that's a bit more specialised than the o.p. has in mind Still, GA-KH6 is pushing it no matter what you use other than internet assisted.

[kd0bik]

I don't think you'll reach Hawaii on 2m/70cm without the help of satellite or EME. The FT-8900R does have 10m...but even that with recent band condx will be a stretch.

If you really want to operate Hawaii and beyond, study for and get your general ticket and then get yourself an HF rig capable of 100w and you'll find 20 and 40m to be prime operating bands with occassional openings on 15 and 17m.

Jerry

[tango1179]

I looked at the Kenwood D710 today, and although pricey, seems to have everything that I would ever want in a mobile, especially since I am just starting out.