Biggest Ever PMR446 Net - 40 Stations Worked In 25 Minutes!

[@tdcattech]

Love this. Such a large amount of traffic. This is everything that’s good about radio. Polite and respectful people all passionate about the same thing. I’m going to have to steal this idea for the South-West. 🙂

[@tamimaliraqii]

You 2 should do a collab video! That would be great :D

[@DrFod]

Drink every time Lewis says 'no worries' :D

[@smd-tech]

73 to your liver

[@angusgrier5677]

One way trip to A&E

[@TheTemporalAnomaly]

I have just given the 446 radio a try. I went to very high ground nr Hebden bridge. All I can say is that I am shocked by the number of contacts that I made, it was a pile-up for sure! Also, everyone was so friendly! I will definitely be trying this again. Thanks for opening my eyes, I thought radio was almost dead in the water. Great You-Tube content, by they way Lewis. I have sent you an email regarding Sunday 8pm net. Happy radio, Chris.

[@michaelcarey]

Great video and nicely executed net. I am impressed with the on-air behaviour of the participants. I can only imagine what would happen if someone tried the same thing in a metropolitan area in Australia on our UHF CB band. It would be full of farmyard noises and expletives! :-)

[@skysurferboy]

Lewis it might be a good idea to do a video on what is legal on PMR 446 ( ie the Ofcom rules about converted equipment etc) and something about power output and antennas. You have a big following on social media. It might be a good opportunity to educate some of your followers on how to increase the chances of a contact on 446 ie better antenna, high ground, decent line of sight etc etc You ran that net really well mate. It was busier than 2m/70cm (other than APRS) where I live. Everyone was really courteous and it was great to watch.

[@alexderpyracc4053]

Step 1 buy a Feng step 2 program it to the right frequencies step 3 ??? Step 4 profit

[@stokie21]

He did a few years back kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKGqdZKMa9xmjtU

[@alexderpyracc4053]

@devontodetroit yes you probably put some kind of offset in it accidentally

[@delboyonline]

Great stuff! PMR 446 is really popular here in the UK 👍

[@RingwayManchester]

Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@siobhansworld7054]

Wow certainly pmr 446 channel 8 is super busy. Great work .

[@RingwayManchester]

CHeers! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

really interesting, I used to have a CB radio (27mhz) in the 1980's I didn't realise this was happening, , what is the max power of a handheld and one you can fit in the car?

[@Samurai161177]

Max Power ist 0.5 Watt. In Germany and Nederlands you can use an Midland Gb-1 r for the Car. In Britain i don't now. 👍

[@tipstricksss1453]

I bet the 70cms 433.400MHz to 433.5750 MHz were like a grave yard while PMR446 is buzzing with activity. Brilliant band. R.I.P UK 70cms Simplex.

[@spotifygaming95]

Probably because PMR446 is license free yet the 2m and 70cm bands need a license to use!

[@Speedbird7771]

Baofeng BF-T1 set on low (0,5W), channel 8. From Santa Maria del Focallo Sicily, to Rinella Malta. Sea level, 97Km. That’s my personal record.

[@nicolalamotta9554]

Buono,non male... condizioni tempo? Soleggiato?

[@spotifygaming95]

Not bad! I now have a UV5RM from Baofeng, set to low, don't know what the output power is on low mode but shouldn't cause too much trouble.

[@colinohanlon9135]

Just got my M7, really good video. Will listen out nest Sunday.

[@RingwayManchester]

Congrats! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@dxscotland5901]

Bloody hell that was some pileup!,I’ve never tried pmr looks like good distance can be covered! Keep up the good work Lewis

[@RingwayManchester]

Cheers! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@2metercrew389]

Very well done 👍 amazing amount of stations!!!!

[@RingwayManchester]

Cheers! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@robertoellison348]

HELLO LEWIS, WHAT RADIO ARE YOU USING FOR NET?????? I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE LOOK/SEE OF IT.. THANKYOU.........07-06-2020-21:50HRS......

[@amateurspotter2656]

Hi Chris, great video, I wish I was nearer so I could join in. Nothing happening on 446 round here. I’ll have to find a high hill and transmit from there. Lol. Thanks 😊 Eamonn.

[@timothybrown7792]

Its the same in Oxfordshire eamonn and many other areas of the UK too. people claim 446 is being used as a CB style service which maybe true in select areas and probably mostly in northern England! and the midlands. but I have seen zero evidence of that anywhere south of the midlands. in my area its businesses who obviously wont talk to you and kids on channel one. allegedly channel 8 is the calling channel! I've put loads of calls out on that channel in many areas south of the midlands and never had a single response ever.

[@RingwayManchester]

Cheers mate! Keep at it! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@PhotoBillyDoesYouTube]

are you going to give this ago again Lewis? there's a spot i go up Conwy mountain give me clear line of sight for winter hill, be awesome to see if i can reach over

[@RingwayManchester]

Possibly in the summer mate

[@crazynuggets8935]

Can you go anytime you wanted to reach out to people or is it preferred to only do it at 8pm on a Sunday. Sorry if it sounds like a silly question I'm new to this. Also do I have to do anything specific or do I literally just go onto channel 8. I have the RB615 and RB617.

[@g1fsh]

Great net very very well handled mate superb operator.

[@RingwayManchester]

Cheers Gary! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@nick1spain]

I know your on pmr446 and power down to .5w just a question can you also do this on a baufang,

[@Radionut]

I assume your PRS is pretty much like our FRS here in the colonies. I love listening to FRS especially at big events like carnivals and fairs etc. Wouldn’t mind getting my hands on a couple of PMRS radios but I wouldn’t know how

[@paganphil100]

Radionut R: There are usually plenty of PMR radios available on Ebay and Amazon.

[@m7cov]

Well done Lewis for keeping your cool with so much activity on PMR ch8 🤙

[@RingwayManchester]

Thanks Martin! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@johnbarrington4137]

Hi Lewis we have been using channel 6 to do the net. Is this something different.

[@LITTLEEXPERIMENTCHANNEL1]

I work in wireless networks and geography has a massive impact on range.

[@HoldFast-r7g]

Is that antenna strictly legal for 446? (not trying to be critical, just asking for learning purposes)

[@TRIPPLEJAY00]

Lewis as your making a big impact. Maybe call a National net accross the whole of UK be mad. May bring more people into radio hobby.

[@RingwayManchester]

Cheers mate! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@RevGunn-jq3cq]

That is a great idea for a neighborhood watch group

[@gringo1]

Is there much point getting a license then if pmr446 on 0.5w works great just a thought

[@spig021]

It’d be nice to see what radio each contact is using. Are they standard PMR446?

[@simonj48]

Going by the posts on the facebook groups, the majority are using standard retail PMR446 radios like Motorola t42, Baofeng bf-888s and of course there are people using the UV5R without a care.

[@skysurferboy]

@@timothybrown7792 do you actually know the rules for pmr equipment? Please post a link to the current Ofcom documents that say converted equipment is illegal or that external antennas are illegal

[@MeineVideokasetten]

Hello dr. op. Can you tell me what radio and what mic did you use please? Thx es vy 73.

[@NToombes]

Lewis, where is the place you park up, is it Warmouth Lowe. Just having a look round on Google Earth

[@RingwayManchester]

Hi Neil Werneth Low mate

[@NToombes]

@@RingwayManchester Cheers Lewis. Great video and good stuff on the PMR net thing. Will try to get some activity down this way next weekend.

[@simondavids9438]

Use to love listening in to the trafford centre on my PMR while the mrs shopped at asda trafford park.At night id listen in to the trafford centre security etc on a bao feng radio before sadly the trafford centre went digital .

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

Hi Lewis. Do the PMR 446 channels have any plan to them, either commercially or private ? I just wonder why you chose channel 8. Regards, Steve (G6JEF)

[@RingwayManchester]

Hi Stephen channel 8 is the unofficial calling channel, it’s been this way for many years now. Join the Sunday night PMR446 net group on Facebook :)

[@Ben-ww6po]

I could hear mick at matchmoor lane bolton in market drayton shropshire.

[@HarrySwettenham26]

I tried this evening while walking home along the promenade but I was only 10 to 15 feet above sea level using a standard Baofeng antenna and got some noise but no audible transmissions. I'm hoping to walk up next Sunday to the hill by my house (around 400 FT ASL) with a better antenna (standard Baofeng at the moment). I'm in North Wales between Llandudno and Conwy for any viewers from North Wales.

[@RingwayManchester]

Keep at it! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@HarrySwettenham26]

@@RingwayManchester Will do, cheers Lewis.

[@EmperorMingg]

I remember the days of widespread PMR, bloody good times at the back end of the 2000’s . I thought about getting a GB1R or something more mobile that I can have in the car, mag mount etc. Do you have any other recommendations that I can get and use, considering I’m not a HAM? Cheers mate!

[@stokie21]

Thanks for the video Lewis, would love a see a video about mobile antenna's that can be used in a mag mount on the 70cm band. I have an old mag for the CB, if i could use this on 70cm would be good to know how and what the best antenna is for it

[@alexderpyracc4053]

What's the radio you are using in the car?

[@Tom_2E1FUE]

Wow it's like old times as CB radio nice, PMR 446 sound better than 70cm 2m might have a go on this DE M3FUE brilliant stuff.

[@mikevandebunt811]

Impressive, Lewis. You're basically doing the job of net control station, but I suspect only the licenced hams know how net control is supposed to work. 😀

[@RingwayManchester]

Cheers Mike! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@mikevandebunt811]

@@RingwayManchester Even if PMR446 were legal here in the US, I don't think a half watt would reach across 6 time zones! 😁 I'll just have to stick with my local 2m nets. 73, N9KHZ

[@sotetsotetsotetsotetsotet2379]

@@mikevandebunt811 Do you call them 6.56168ft nets over there?

[@mikevandebunt811]

@@sotetsotetsotetsotetsotet2379 Ham radio is about the only thing we do in meters here, unfortunately. 😁

[@g7puw]

Wow amazing Lewis loved the video

[@g7puw]

Have you tried dpmr yet ?

[@morethan4mph]

Well I wasn’t expecting much from 446 - how wrong I was, that was fantastic. I think I will dig out my old handies and listen out from Warrington

[@michaelloughlin734]

That was interesting they do the same every Sunday up in Northumberland I haven't heard anyone yet this was a great video post loads of good contacts nice one mate.

[@RingwayManchester]

Nice one Michael! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@michaelloughlin734]

@@RingwayManchester I've joined .

[@mcjjordan]

Never heard anyone on where i am down south. Only got handheld though , which antennas can you use?

[@simonj48]

You can use any antenna for 446MHz, a 70cm antenna would work.. but the ERP should still be less than 0.5w.

[@simonj48]

@@timothybrown7792 That's not true. It was changed in 2018. www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/85156/ir_2009_analogue_and_digita1.pdf Last page talks about 'Converted radio equipment ', "such as adding an antenna connector".

[@paganphil100]

@@simonj48 :It also says you must not exceed the other permitted technical parameters......see quote below from Ofcom. "If modifications are made to the equipment, such as adding an antenna connector, the overall maximum ERP or other technical parameters must not exceed the permitted levels set out in the Interface Requirement".

[@Gsavell]

what is the channel spacing your using are you on 12.5Khz or 25Khz?

[@RingwayManchester]

12.5

[@Gsavell]

@@RingwayManchester cool thanks. I bought 4XBF T1's for walks and had to program with PMR446. Funny thing is that up until a few months ago OFFCOM website described only 8 channels for analogue license free with 25Khz spacing, but now recently they have changed the channel spacing to allow for 16 channels. I was concerned that I was doing something wrong. But looks like I'm OK. Thanks for replying.

[@micknolan9929]

can i do this on basic PMR

[@dazednconfused31337]

Could hear you great this week (2-3 bars signal), even downstairs. A bit better than the GB3KU repeater. Sounds like I'll have to drill the mic hole out on my 5RTP, the vox/gain mod looks too difficult to solder.

[@RingwayManchester]

Great stuff! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@1234mattyman]

Can't believe you heard my my antenna isn't outside yet, so was having trouble hearing you. M7AQI Matthew in Warrington. Nice to hear you. That's amazing that you got that many contacts. Speak soon hopefully I'll get my antenna sorted soon

[@RingwayManchester]

Nice one Matthew! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@1234mattyman]

@@RingwayManchester thank you mate I hope to chat with you soon once I get my antenna sorted cheers Pal

[@TheChristeepher]

Hi. As a new by that doesn’t do Facebook or have a club near me, can anyone suggest a mobile set I could get together for my dog walking van? Don’t get too technical, I’m just a old guy trying to get into this hobbie. Many thanks. Chris & Mo the Weimaraner

[@mikekelly7138]

Hi Lewis. Thank you for the contact tonight. Mike, Newton le Willows. Can I ask, which model Simoco are you using? And what mic is that? 73s

[@RingwayManchester]

Nice one Mike! I can't remember the model number it's an old set! The Mic is off a Retevis radio, it's a good quality mic with the same pinout.. well RJ connector. I'll have to check on the Simoco. Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@pauledwards7544]

Good video, I got about 25 contacts tonight, good to speak to you Lewis, Paul in Failsworth.

[@RingwayManchester]

Amazing Paul nice one!

[@fcf-frequence-citoyenne]

THE FUTUR IS NOW

[@sadface]

I wish there was something like this in scotland, I am studying for my licence but would be good to get some air time beforehand and make some contacts.

[@sadface]

just tuned into 446.09375 and its just full of non stop high strength noise 😫

[@carlashby6174]

Great video Lewis

[@nwxbasestation]

Nice work.

[@kentprepper6392]

What are your average numbers on your network?

[@RingwayManchester]

30-50 every Sunday

[@christophersmith1155]

I WISH WE HAD SUNDAY GMRS/FRS NETS HERE IN THE USA .

[@silverscooby09]

Can you share more info about your car setup, great videos am enjoying watching your channel.

[@r188ops8]

Good stuff Lewis, I might kick one off up here in the nort east 🤣👍🏻👍🏻

[@footynutguy]

After watching your videos I am going to get my license back. I am blind so I was wondering if there are any radios with speech?

[@RingwayManchester]

Icom 5100 is a great vhf and uhf radio with speech.

[@tonybalm1513]

QRP just love it had loads of fun on H.F. Lewis you ever done any simplex on UHF DMR. Never gets used much here in Nottingham which is a real shame. PMR sure is popular up where you are maybe it's the new C.B?

[@RingwayManchester]

Hi Tony yes I’ve done DMR simplex, there’s a few vids on the channel :)

[@budrekot]

Put another couple of zero's on. Nothing heard in Burnley, but I hear the burner brigade from Salford here on the 27 Mhz CB 19.

[@rayhunter7371]

We are a little bit better off in New Zealand. We use PRS 476-477MHz, 80 channels. It used to be 40 channels at 25kHz wide, doubled 10 years ago and went 12.5kHz narrow with channels in between. We can run up to 5W and can legally modify antennas as long as we fall at or below equivalent power threshold. The Amateur clubs etc were given a time limit to change the NZ repeaters to narrowband but the RSM relaxed this with no date as it was found the wideband repeaters were not causing an issue on the narrowband system. You do need an Amateur license to run a repeater on PRS though. What we cannot do is import radios that are open to being programmed outside of the PRS frequencies. So Baofengs etc are out, unless one has an Amateur license. A lot of people are running higher wattages I am guessing but they mostly get left alone if they don't attract attention to themselves. In the major centers there is a little bit of activity.

[@desbelfastireland9982]

belfast had 5 contacts, on the pmr channel 8 ,

[@RingwayManchester]

Awesome Des! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@billy007rodaway]

Great work sorry I missed it, I'll try get you tomorrow at 8 pm but I'll be in Blackpool so don't think I'll make it but it's worth a go.

[@RingwayManchester]

I struggle with Blackpool because winter hill is in the way but you never know :)

[@simonj48]

Wow - how fast are those horses in the fields!

[@tegrqbruh4158]

Pmr446 here in tallinn, estonia is quite active escpecially on ch 3,4,5 and 8

[@Elfnetdesigns]

PMR is like the US FRS or MURS bands but thing is in the states ham operators HATE those bands because they are no license required and not considered "Real Radios" but rather "Toys"

[@KarlHobson]

Well Done dude maybe try get up Holme Moss one weekend soon, We are fairly busy over here on Sundays 8@8 Speak Soon

[@RingwayManchester]

Great Karl! I MIGHT get you from HM, I can see the top of the TX from Werneth believe it or not

[@BrianCT-um7tk]

Stubshawcross my roots! :)

[@CSA-Speer]

Wow it's only after 6pm here in Ga USA

[@fyrtiotva]

Fun initiative, is this common or did you come up with it?

[@simonj48]

It's been on the facebook PMR groups for a few months now.

[@wisteela]

Fantastic

[@AmboscottUK]

Not quite a PMR radio but good QRP fun.

[@glengraham7080]

I was on CB in the early early days before 27/81 and it was like this. Then after starting off well 27/81 & what came after was muppet heaven and sensible types fled again to "other" channels. Dug out my old legal FM sets a couple.ofbyears ago and it was unusable with the family as every other word seemed to be an expletive. Packed it all away into the loft again. But this looks more like those early days of CB and really good.

[@wesyjam]

I wish it was that busy where I am

[@RingwayManchester]

Make it busy mate :)

[@asystole_]

Lewis telling another user off for using his callsign and not a minute later using "QRZ" 🤣 Great video though.

[@RingwayManchester]

QRZ isn’t a just an amateur radio term

[@silverismoney]

I never pick up anything on PMR446. Then again I live in semi-rural Cambridgeshire.

[@stephengunrunnerhanson3550]

Very underrated Freq PMR is a great way to make some contacts never seen it like this but it's there and just been used as it should be great video but hight is might good one let's have more

[@RingwayManchester]

Cheers Stephen! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@M7XCB]

I had a good day today am from Stoke and made contact to Bolton and Manchester on 446.025

[@RingwayManchester]

Nice one! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@peterbaines1964]

Superb

[@RingwayManchester]

Cheers PEter! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@amateurspotter2656]

Sorry, Lewis!! 🥱😬👍 not Chris! I keep calling him Jeff! Lol 😂 Eamonn.

[@26CW128Jake]

PMR is my favourite band but it's completely dead here! :'(

[@studentpilotjones2087]

Where about are you?

[@jonathanwarner1844]

@@timothybrown7792 LOL Channel 1 is the kids' calling channel round here as well!

[@jonathanwarner1844]

I'm guessing you mean PMR446? PMR covers a lot of bands, and apart from a few unlicensed bands, frequencies have to be allocated by Ofcom and paid for, or accessed via a general business licence, which also has to be paid for.

[@RingwayManchester]

Get a youtube vid done mate and drum up some activity! Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@stakkerhmnd]

Have you tried turning your radio on?

[@myscifichannel3606]

In the United States and Canada, 446.000 Mhz is in the 70 cm amateur radio band.

[@shaungilmartin1505]

it's like your frs here

[@myscifichannel3606]

@@shaungilmartin1505 I know.

[@davidsaunders1125]

Unfortunately, it is illegal to have a detachable antenna on a PMR radio, despite only running 0,5 Watts! But the net is a good idea!

[@RingwayManchester]

Cheers David. It’s not illegal to use an external antenna if you look at the latest ofcom IR :)

[@MarcoMariani]

@@RingwayManchester also in Europa?

[@lifes_purfect_adventurezil4001]

Was dead in Hull tonight hopfully next week

[@RingwayManchester]

Keep at it mate Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@paulclark7664]

I think 446 is fine if you live near a big city...

[@studentpilotjones2087]

Any PMR users in Wales?

[@HarrySwettenham26]

I'm in North Wales, in between Llandudno and Conwy.

[@H.Sturdy]

I'm in Flint

[@studentpilotjones2087]

I'm in Caernarfon area

[@pjst101]

I’m in greenfield

[@RingwayManchester]

Check out the PMR 446 Channel 8, 8PM UK net group I've set up! Let's see if we can get some PMR446 activity going! facebook.com/groups/1476579085858318/

[@charlieminaj2]

PMR446 is underrated because all people get when they try to use a radio? And or join the community? Is “YOU NEED A LICENSE” It’s you people who are killing amateur radios and radios in general🤷🏼‍♂️ You don’t need a license unless you are using it for nefarious reasons? People who have a license for radios tend to be the nobheads who are abusing the system🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Rays_World_Offical]

No license necessary for 446 and plenty of hams do use 446 and 11m. Anyone who says's you need a license on 446 just tell them they are a "Cockwomble".

[@skysurferboy]

@@timothybrown7792 Yawn