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:
dxinfocentre.com/tropo.html
aprs.mennolink.org/map
Aurora:
www.swpc.noaa.gov/
www.spaceweatherlive.com/
Sporadic E:
www.dxmaps.com/spots/mapg.php...
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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!

[@pmodas]

Found your channel today because I have a few young Calico Princesses. Now I find Ham content too, subscribed!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@pmodas Is there anything better than Calico Princesses and ham radio?! I've had a bunch of my flock help me with antenna projects! 73!!

[@georgenaiser7694]

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

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If I can help you in any way, don't hesitate to reach out. Glad the videos have been of help!

[@ralphnunn3]

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...

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I just don't feel that it's a real contact if the computer is doing all the work. I just need to make sure I earn the grid. I know many don't agree. I guess I'm Old School! Cheers Ralph!

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

I’ll occasionally get out the laptop, but it’s going to be hooked up to something that is only working because I had a soldering iron in my hand. WSPR is a nice way to see what’s going on with your antenna and with the band on the day. That said, I’d rather pound brass than use a keyboard. To each his own. It’s a hobby, not a religion.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@MidlifeRenaissanceMan I hope I didn't sound like a snob. I just don't get into the FT8/FT4. I love the person-to-person contacts and enjoy trying to decode the weak signals myself. Personal challenge. To each his own. Thanks for stopping by to watch, Chris! 73!

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm not all all, And I haven’t done much with the wailing cats on FT8 myself. I’d rather use my ears, my brain and key. That said, looking at the callsigns as they scroll past you after each transmission period….has a certain appeal. My mate reckons it’s like playing the pokies / slot machines. If you want to move messages and free text around, JS8Call is a fun way to go. A keyboard to keyboard conversational protocol built on to of the FT8 protocol. I guess it’s the results you’re looking for that drives the tech. And thank you for your video. Well presented and stuff that I haven’t seen elsewhere. Sadly no VHF weak signal gear…..yet. I’m just on HF and really only set up for 20 and 40m. That said, I fix stuff, I get on the air and I have fun.

[@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

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Let me know when you're back on the air and I'll catch you on 2 meters! Let me know your grid so I know where I'll need to be looking. EN34 here. 73!

[@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 🌺

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The amateur radio videos are taking on a life of their own! One video has quickly become my top video. Thanks for stopping by. We need to line up a call to talk about next years challenge. Cheers!

[@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! 😅

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I was interested as a kid and used to listen to my AM radio and my shortwave radio. I got my license at 16. Such a fun hobby. If I can be of help, let me know. Cheers!

[@MinuteontheMountain]

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

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'm sure it is all Greek. It's like any hobby, there are so many facets and sub categories. I love my radio hobby and all the fun I can have on the air. Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@dalericketson6461]

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

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for stopping by to watch! I hope we can hook up on 2M some day! Es would be the easiest and I'll be looking your way! 73!

[@granitebuilt5836]

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

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

FM will work during tropo and E-skip. You can probably hear activity on 146.520 FM or 146.550, 146.580, etc. Hope this helps. 73!

[@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.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Really, really, really be careful with any tower you might get as scrap, etc. I've never used a second hand tower. I would recommend to save for a new tower. In the mean time, use wire dipoles in trees. If they were previously used incorrectly, towers may have defects or slight bends. Remember that you need to climb them to work on antennas, repair feedlines, etc. Your life is on the line. It's not worth saving a few hundred dollars! When it gets time to get a tower, let's talk. In the mean time, start a savings account. Hope this all makes sense.

[@northerngirlhobbies]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm you bet and thank you!

[@ronaldisom2190]

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

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

YES!!!! 73!

[@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! 😊❤

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Communication is very important. Having the right frequencies available to talk short, medium and long-range is more important. If I can help you in any way towards your ham license, let me know. Cheers Tammy!

[@user-ni1sw6rd8w]

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.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We worked a lot of Illinois multi-ops over time. I used to be at the WB0GGM and W0ZQ multi's in EN34. Great fun. The big multi that I remember was AA9D in IL. BIG signals! Hope to work you soon! 73!

[@davidthier7345]

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.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Dave - Our QSO's were amazing. You were so loud on Es and the tropo was so much fun. My only regret is that I didn't pull out my phone and record the events. I love VHF because I can do remarkable things with a minimal set-up. I'm working on getting up 80 feet of Rohn 45. I'll have the 2M set-up much higher soon! Look for you this summer on the various modes! 73 & thanks again for the fun QSO's!!

[@sm6ehy816]

Gather you spent some 10k hours operating vhf. We encounter just the same here in EU. If you observe short skip on 10m, go to 6m and work extended long contacts there. Statisticly 2 times during a decade (10years) the AU center is located down to some 53°N, and then we have to turn antennas to S in order to use the AU. The most sensative band for AU is 6m. Have used this mode with only 3 w of power. (We had a power restriction in the 1980th due to TV ch 2 remaining then). For VHF success go with Horizontal antennas and maybe stack a few vertically for enhanced performance. GL de Björn SM6EHY

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'm sure I have spent over 10k hours on VHF to achieve the results I have. I wouldn't trade it for anything. The thrill of making contacts out to 1200 miles is incredible! I once operated from Iceland and saw the aurora south of me. It was unreal to see the auroral curtains above my head (and south)! Hope to see you on HF or 6M soon! 73!

[@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.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It's the same as HF. CW doesn't have to be fast on VHF to get through. If you can send 10 wpm, you'll be fine. Most time (other than aurora), conditions will be good enough for voice. Hope this helps. 73!

[@Brauma54]

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

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Anyone can listen. You got your license to talk!! Let me know when you get an antenna in the air for 20 meters. Let me also know what state you're in. Let's get you on the air and I'll make your first contact. Drop me a note at [e-mail]. 73!

[@Brauma54]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm I’m in Virginia. I’ve got a Gap Challenger vertical antenna up. I think I need to lengthen my ground radials a bit. It seems to be receiving just fine. I’ve also got a wire antenna up but not hooked up or tuned in yet. My biggest problem is my hearing. I’m very hard of hearing, borderline half deaf, from too many years of working on industrial machinery. People say their call signs so fast and I don’t hear it. It’s embarrassing to ask over and over. I’ll send you an email the next time I get on air. Thanks for the reply!

[@Wugawamp]

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

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We all wish we'd started earlier. I hope to hear you on VHF sometime soon! Have a great week!

[@YogiHollowFarm]

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

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for watching Lisa! I know these aren't homesteading videos but there is a certain group that really likes them. My ham radio geek side gets to come out in these videos! Cheers!

[@cucvfarmer]

Very good video Rich!!! Don't have a licence yet but trying to learn everything I can about Ham radio and how things work.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for stopping by to watch! Let's get you licensed so you can join in the fun! As a Technician, you have full VHF/UHF privileges and can also operate on 10 meters. Cheers!

[@waakca]

This might seem obvious to people but just in case.... I assume you can work meteor scatter and aurora during the daytime hours. Meteors and aurora can happen 24hr/day 365; its just that during daytime hours you can't see it happening.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

It can happen at any time. It seems that the aurora usually happens on the nighttime side. Meteors can happen at any time. The best time is the early morning as the earth turns into meteors, the meteors are sped up and leave a better trail. I have worked some great meteors later in the morning. Thanks again for watching!

[@janiceemery2008]

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.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I love the challenge of what I can do with my radio and antenna. I'm going to stay with my "human decoding" forever. It's such a fun challenge! 73 Janice!

[@janiceemery2008]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Well I have to say you have provided a lot of options when it comes to antennas. I don't see myself putting up a tower but, I do have a detached two car garage with a metal roof which I think will possibly be an added radiator. I think I explained that right. Anyway, I have some power poles that were used to support the roof one side of the garage, overhang. The power poles should provide a stable attachment for putting up a pole high enough to use the metal roof. Time will tell. Thank you again OldSwede. 73

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@janiceemery2008 You will have better results if you can get the antenna a wavelength above the metal roof. If you can get the 2 meter beam up about 6 feet above the roof, you'll be good. A small rotor is all that is needed for the antennas. VHF beams are smaller. Hope this helps.

[@janiceemery2008]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Thank you.

[@nateitkin8279]

Thanks Rich. Another great video! I hope you do more. How did you decide on the 991? That might be a good video topic. I'll probably buy a radio this month and I would like to know what hams with a boatload of experience look for. 73.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'll try to come up with a way to review the 991A. I need to come up with something that would be entertaining for more than just one person. Maybe we just need to chat on the phone. If you want, you can drop me a note at [e-mail].

[@ARC3333]

I cant get enough of these videos, you are amazing at explaining things, just listening now but you should do a "getting you're license" course. Id also be interested in how you run you're cables to antennas and in you're house. My current setup is like the corn crib but mine is against the side of my house with a metal roof, its about 10ft above the roof line, how bad is that? and how to improve it. Thanks

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I'm not sure I could teach a license course. I will continue to make videos on various topics. I'm thinking grounding, cable management, etc. If there are specific topics you'd like to hear about, let me know. While I'm not good at an overall license course, maybe specific topics I could attack. I would put an SWR meter on the cable attached to each antenna. Rotate them and watch the SWR at different headings. You will quickly learn about how the antenna is interacting with the roof. I know my 6 meter antenna is affected by the roof of the corn crib. Usually antennas will interact if they are within a wavelength of the object. Try this and see what you find. Keep me posted.

[@ARC3333]

Thanks for the reply, id also like to know about cables and signal loss, plus what are all the programs and apps people use in their shacks@@TheOldSwedesFarm

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@ARC3333 Great ideas.

[@Porco_Utah]

I used to have FT 280, 144MHz SSB, CW, FM radio. I could not find much person to talk to on SSB, so I sold it. may be my antenna was bad, just vertical 6 dBi 15 Ft high. AG6JU

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

If you were working weak signal modes, and were vertically polarized, you won't work much. All SSB/CW is done horizontal polarization. FM is vertical. Unless you're close, it just won't work. Thanks for stopping by to watch! 73!

[@MayfieldRanch]

So interesting! It sure looks like you can talk to so many people. Why is it mostly towards the east coast? Just more interest or you can’t connect as well towards the west coast?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

The grids that I've worked seem to show where the main population is. Not a lot of people west of us, until you get to the coast. Lots of open space so not too many people to talk to. Thanks for stopping by to watch. I appreciate the support!

[@waterfaucet9926]

If I get my station rigged out, maybe I can be one of your Nevada grid squares. Though my QTH is in Western NV. 73 K6HTD

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Let me know. I'm always looking for NV!! I've got 400 watts and 12 elements! 73!

[@2metercrew389]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Thanks for stopping by to watch. I can tell by your channel name, you're perfect for this video! Cheers!

[@MatthewAE4JC]

Love your video. I'm in EM60. A few of my buddies are big into VHF propagation. I'm wondering if you've worked WA3GWK, W4ZWW, or W4EFT? 73 from South Alabama, AE4JC.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Funny you saw my video. WA3GWK was the station I worked on tropo. He was in all night. I had worked him the previous summer on Sporadic E. He must have a great station! Pass this video to him so he can see the little station in Minnesota that he worked on 2m! Thanks for stopping by! 73!

[@MatthewAE4JC]

​@@TheOldSwedesFarmShared the video and information with WA3GWK and others around here. We're all thrilled with your video and operation. You've done a great job! 73 from South Alabama!

[@nicklewis7291]

I love radio stuff. I'm a CBer myself. I'd like to get into 10 meters eventually because my antennas should work with adjusting for SWR. In the 11 meter world, everything is quarter wave length. The antennas on my car and my trucks are quarter wave length. The one on the house is five eighths wave length. With two meters, would you use a full wave length because they're so small when compared to 11 meters? If you ever feel like going in depth with antennas on a video, that would be awesome.

[@nicklewis7291]

Apparently, I missed the video you did on antennas. I'll definitely check that out.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I would just look at some of the site. You can find the M-Squared antennas at several places. DX Engineering has a bunch of 2 meter antennas. I'd get one that is at least 6 or 8 elements. I love this small 12-element yagi for 2 meters. Works great!

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@nicklewis7291 I made two videos about how far can you talk on the various HF frequencies. Each shows the antennas I use. Hope that helps.

[@janiceemery2008]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm Can you get the small rotor at DX Engineering also?

[@RRinTN]

I have the B-Tech UV 25x2 which operates on 2 meter and I'm trying to figure out a decent antenna setup. My normal areas of operations are within 150 miles. Is there an antenna setup and mode that would allow for those ranges. Or do I need to use another band? My goal is to have a mobile or portable setup and a base station setup that can talk to each other reliably.

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

This looks like an FM-only rig. FM is a much wider signal and travels a shorter distance than I can achieve on SSB or CW. I believe this gives you 25 watts output on 2 meters. With a beam antenna, you could reach out to a similarly equipped station at 150 miles. Usually, people have a vertical whip antenna for FM work on 2 meters. I do not think you could communicate most days out to 150 miles on FM with a vertical antenna. If the mobile station took a beam antenna, you probably could make it. That set-up really isn't very mobile though. If you're going to have a base station and mobiles, and you want to talk 150 miles consistently, I would recommend 80 meters. I have my Yaesu 991A and a mobile whip antenna (see my other video on antennas to see the mobile magnetic base and the verticals I use for 80, 40 & 20 meters). With the 991A and the 80M whip, I can talk all over Minnesota (and the region) on 80 meters. I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

[@RRinTN]

@@TheOldSwedesFarmthanks for the reply... my goal is to have reliable coms for under 100 miles. My current radios are great up to about 5 miles line of sight. I want to fill the gap.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

Have you tried any EME on 2m ??

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

I have worked one station off the moon on 2M on CW. This was with a HUGE station and the moon was on the horizon. I also made a Q on 432 off the moon with a single yagi. The other station had a 40 meter dish near Montreal. Both stations were worked on CW. Really cool but I don't have the antennas (or the az/el) rotor for EME. 73 Chris!

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm that’s one hell of a distance to pull that one off. EME would be nice, but I live in a close to the city 1900s built corner shop terrace. No room in the back yard for a 4m dish let alone a 40m dish On a side note, I’ve ordered some Meshtastic gear. One unit for 433MHz and one for 915MHz. They’re only LoRa and not actual Ham stuff so maybe 100mW out, but I’m keen to see how they go both out of the box and then with some “enhancements”.

[@rickyn420]

hello

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

Hello Ricky. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment. Cheers from Minnesota!

[@user-pg1rt8yx6f]

VART ÄR DETTA?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

We're located in Minnesota.

[@user-pg1rt8yx6f]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm ok är det svensk by?

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

@@user-pg1rt8yx6f Just a small village. All nationalities. I'm half-Swede and I may be the only Swede in our small town. 73!

[@user-pg1rt8yx6f]

@@TheOldSwedesFarm ok då vet jag