Using VHF

Essential Skills Setting Up Any VHF/UHF FM Amateur Radio Transceiver

Two meter FM is the backbone of all local amateur radio networking. If you cannot do these things with proficiency, you will be a hindrance, not a help with communications!

Basic:

• Adjust Squelch level (For many handheld radios this is a menu, not a knob.)

• Adjust Power output level

• Monitor input frequency of a repeater to see if simplex can be used between stations.

• In VFO mode, know how to enter frequency, offset, and PL tone.

Advanced:

• Set up a memory bank with all local repeaters

• Set up a memory bank with all approved local simplex frequencies.

• If radio has extended receive coverage, set up memory bank with local emergency dispatch frequencies.

• Know how to set your radio up for a dual watch or priority watch on two channels, so you can listen to an active channel, but don't miss a call on your assigned simplex channel. That way if net control wants you to stay on a certain channel, you'll be there, even if you get bored and go listening to some other channel.