Anyone using an FT-857D?

Anyone using a broadbanded FT-857D? I think I have picked one up for a reasonable price, via someone I know.  It will cover CB band for me & give both channels (memories,) plus a VFO. 

Does anyone use SSB on 446? I know these work on both 446 & light, as this radio has been used there, apparently both are within a American amateur radio band. But the idea of playing with some UHF SSB appeals.

446 is not within the US amateur radio band. 

Why not get your foundation licence then you can use it legally on a VHF/UHF band where you might be more likely to find someone using SSB?

Seasick wrote:

Anyone using a broadbanded FT-857D? I think I have picked one up for a reasonable price, via someone I know.  It will cover CB band for me & give both channels (memories,) plus a VFO. 

Does anyone use SSB on 446? I know these work on both 446 & light, as this radio has been used there, apparently both are within a American amateur radio band. But the idea of playing with some UHF SSB appeals.

Yes i have one its  an ok ish radio. Nothing special apart from the shack in a box small format / 100watts HF. The foundation is a lot easier to take these days you can take it online from your home. 70cm's can be a lot of fun and a good band to experiment with different antennas.

Northern Crusader wrote:

446 is not within the US amateur radio band. 

Why not get your foundation licence then you can use it legally on a VHF/UHF band where you might be more likely to find someone using SSB?

446 mhz is within the US 70cm band, which runs from 420 to 450 mhz & I think I could get my class A call sign back, if I asked.

Yes, I picked one up not so long ago its a great set and does narrow FM so you can use it on the PMR frequencies if you so wish. The previous owner had quite clearly been using it on 11m and PMR as quite handily they are stored in the memory.
I have never heard anybody using SSB on the PMR frequencies they are narrow FM and for all you could who would you speak to? Far better to stick to 70cm and 2m band for SSB where there is already a bit if a following and you have more chance of a reply of you put a call out.

There use to be a frequency, I forget what. But I think it was UHF & was used by numerous Dutch stations. It was always good for a QSO.  The Dutch have always been keen to use all available bandwidth to it's fullest potential. Be it X band at the top of the Medium Wave Broadcast band or any other.

There are a few bands around Europe that are emerging in popularity for unlicensed users, I am unsure which ones the Dutch use but having looked into this before I knew right where to go for some handy frequency listings:

PMR 446

PMR radios are by far the most popular license-free UHF HT walkie talkies in Europe, Mid-East, and Africa. They are also known as Personal Mobile Radio, UHF-CB, or European Bubble-Pack Radios. All the PMR channels are simplex. There are several different modes in use, including standard FM (NFM) and various types of Digital Voice modes. The most common is NFM (Narrow FM) Simplex. There are 8 official FM channels and another 8 to 16 channels which are mainly in use for Digital Voice. However, many UHF-CB free band operators use FM on the PMR Digital Voice channels (dPMR). The Digital Voice mode (4FSK) is not compatible with FM. Here we list only the FM channels, for best interoperability with most VHF/UHF HT walkie talkies.

PMR 466 CHANNEL FREQUENCY LIST (UHF-FM)

This is the primary PMR channel set worldwide. It is for NFM (Narrowband FM) simplex, similar to FRS. Coincidentally, the channels are within part of the UHF ham band in the USA/Canada. Coincidentally, the PMR3 channel (446.03125 MHz PMR Survivalist Channel) is equivalent, within about 1 kHz, to the USA/Canada Ham UHF survivalist channel 446.030 MHz FM Simplex.
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(PMR 1) 446.006250 MHz NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz Family/Prepper
(PMR 2) 446.018750 MHz NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 3) 446.031250 MHz NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz Survivalist
(PMR 4) 446.043750 MHz NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 5) 446.056250 MHz NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 6) 446.068750 MHz NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 7) 446.081250 MHz NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR  446.093750 MHz NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz Calling

PMR 466 UHF DIGITAL VOICE (DMR) AND FREEBAND FM

Digital DMR Tier I is 4FSK digital TDMA voice. Users of FM (NFM) also may free band on these same channels.
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(PMR 9) 446.106250 MHz DMR Tier I or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 10) 446.118750 MHz DMR Tier I or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 11) 446.131250 MHz DMR Tier I or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 12) 446.143750 MHz DMR Tier I or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 13) 446.156250 MHz DMR Tier I or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz Survivalist
(PMR 14) 446.168750 MHz DMR Tier I or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 15) 446.181250 MHz DMR Tier I or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMR 16) 446.193750 MHz DMR Tier I or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz

PMR 466 UHF DIGITAL VOICE (FDMA) AND FREEBAND FM

Digital dPMR446 is 4FSK digital FDMA voice. Users of FM (NFM) also may free band on these same channels.
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(PMRD1) 446.103125 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD2) 446.109375 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD3) 446.115625 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz Survivalist
(PMRD4) 446.121875 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD5) 446.128125 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD6) 446.134375 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD7) 446.140625 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD8) 446.146875 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD9) 446.153125 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD10) 446.159375 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD11) 446.165625 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD12) 446.171875 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD13) 446.178125 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD14) 446.184375 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD15) 446.190625 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz
(PMRD16) 446.196875 MHz dPMR or NFM Simplex TX PL 67.0 Hz

FREENET

FREENET is a set of European license-free VHF radio channels. It is popular with preppers. Freenet started in Germany and has recently spread to other European countries. It is like VHF CB. The potential distance range is generally more than PMR 446 or UHF CB.
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(FREENET 1) 149.025000 MHz NFM Simplex Family/Prepper
(FREENET 2) 149.037500 MHz NFM Simplex Repeater/Remote
(FREENET 3) 149.050000 MHz NFM Simplex Survivalist
(FREENET 4) 149.087500 MHz NFM Simplex
(FREENET 5) 149.100000 MHz NFM Simplex
(FREENET 6) 149.112500 MHz NFM Simplex Repeater/Remote
In some areas, users have built cross-band repeaters between FreeNet and 11 metre FM CB channels or PMR446 channels. Also, some internet-VOIP networks provide remote links similar to repeaters.

ALPS CHANNEL E (Canal E)

Alps Channel-E is an Emergency Search and Rescue (SAR) radio channel only used in the Alps mountain border region around Switzerland and France, where Mountain SAR and ski patrols monitor this emergency VHF channel.
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(CANALE) 161.300000 MHz FM Simplex PL=123Hz Survival
Note: Always transmit PL =123 Hz tone on Channel E.
The emergency radio channel (161.300 MHz) can be used by anyone throughout Switzerland in the event of an emergency, and emergency assistance can be directly requested on this frequency.
“If you wish to use your emergency radio in the Haute-Savoie region or in the Aosta Valley, it must emit a 123.0 Hz tone squelch (PL tone or CTCSS). You will not be able to contact the local rescue services in these areas without tone squelch.”
Rega and KWRO/OCVS, are some of the organisations partly responsible for monitoring emergency radio coverage on Channel E (Canal E).
( CANAL E) 161,300000 MHz FM Simplex transmit PL=123Hz
FM (not NFM)

KDR 444 (SRBR 444)

KDR 444 is a license-free set of UHF radio channels mainly active in Sweden and Norway. KDR is similar to FRS, PMR 446, or UHF CB and the potential distance range is about the same. KDR 444 also known as SRBR 444.
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(KDR 1) 444.600000 MHz FM Simplex
(KDR 2) 444.650000 MHz FM Simplex
(KDR 3) 444.800000 MHz FM Simplex Survivalist-Prepper
(KDR 4) 444.825000 MHz FM Simplex
(KDR 5) 444.850000 MHz FM Simplex
(KDR 6) 444.875000 MHz FM Simplex
(KDR 7) 444.925000 MHz FM Simplex
(KDR  444.975000 MHz FM Simplex

Jaktradio (Hunting Radio)

Jaktradio (Hunting Radio) is a popular license-free group of VHF high-band radio channels very active in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. It is similar to Freenet. The potential distance range with about 4  or 5 Watts FM simplex is about the same as Freenet, Marine VHF, or MURS. Inexpensive HTs (similar in form to PMR) are widely available. Some HTs are configurable for Norway, Sweden, and Denmark channels; other HTs may have only a one- or 2-country channel set. When all the jakt channels listed below are programmed into a conventional dual-band VHF HT or mobile radio, it enables communication with any VHF high-band jaktradio.
[size=33][/size]
SWEDEN Jaktradio
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(JAKSV1) 155.425 MHz FM Simplex Calling Channel
(JAKSV2) 155.475 MHz FM Simplex
(JAKSV3) 155.500 MHz FM Simplex Sweden Survivalist-Prepper
(JAKSV4) 155.525 MHz FM Simplex
(JAKSV5) 156.000 MHz FM Simplex (interoperable with Land Mobile)
(JAKSV6) 155.400 MHz FM Simplex
(JAKSV7) 155.450 MHz FM Simplex 
NORWAY Jaktradio
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(JAKNO1) 143.900 MHz FM Simplex Calling Channel
(JAKNO2) 139.400 MHz FM Simplex
(JAKNO3) 143.350 MHz FM Simplex Norway Survivalist-Prepper
(JAKNO4) 138.850 MHz FM Simplex
(JAKNO5) 143.250 MHz FM Simplex
(JAKNO6) 138.750 MHz FM Simplex
DENMARK Jaktradio
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(JAKDK1) 164.3500 MHz FM Simplex Denmark-Survivalist-Prepper
(JAKDK2) 154.6625 MHz FM Simplex Danish Hunting Club
(JAKDK3) 171.0500 MHz FM Simplex 4WD Jeep

Sweden 69 MHz (4 metre)

Sweden 69 MHz is a license-free set of mid-band VHF radio channels, mainly active in Sweden for base, mobile, or handheld units. With 25 Watts of FM simplex available, there is potential for greater groundwave distance range than a 5Watt 27 MHz AM-FM CB. This is a very attractive new radio service, with the added convenience of better antenna efficiency for a small antenna, combined with good local propagation over water, hills, and mountains.
(CHANNEL) FREQUENCY MODE
(69SVK1) 69.0125 MHz FM Simplex TX PL=88.5 Hz
(69SVK2) 69.0375 MHz FM Simplex TX PL=88.5 Hz
(69SVK3) 69.0625 MHz FM Simplex TX PL=88.5 Hz  Survivalist-Prepper
(69SVK4) 69.0875 MHz FM Simplex TX PL=88.5 Hz
(69SVK5) 69.1125 MHz FM Simplex TX PL=88.5 Hz
(69SVK6) 69.1375 MHz FM Simplex TX PL=88.5 Hz
(69SVK7) 69.1625 MHz FM Simplex TX PL=88.5 Hz
(69SVK8) 69.1875 MHz FM Simplex TX PL=88.5 Hz  Calling Channel
Note: The normal standard is for users to always transmit PL Tone = 88.5 Hz, but other PL Tones may be used for other purposes, or by sub-groups. The use of this 4 metre band by Public Safety radios in Sweden has been common for many years, and this new 69 Mhz license-free service is in the middle of many other channels in the 68-69 MHz range, providing interoperability with first responders in case of emergency. It is anticipated that most early adopters of 69 MHz will utilize existing public service radio models, but there is potential for future CB-like radios to appear on the market. More info: see Svenka privatradioklubben Tellus (Swedish Private Radio Club).

SWEDEN 31 MHZ LAND MOBILE AND JAKTRADIO

31 MHz is popular in the northern areas of Sweden for hunting radios and CB-like operation, mainly using 5 Watt FM Handheld Transceivers (HT) or vehicle mobiles.
(CH) FREQUENCY, MODE
(01) 30.930 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(02) 30.940 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(03) 30.950 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(04) 30.960 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(05) 30.970 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(06) 31.030 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(07) 31.040 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(08) 31.050 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(09) 31.060 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(10) 31.070 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(11) 31.080 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(12) 31.090 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(13) 31.100 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(14) 31.110 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(15) 31.120 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(16) 31.130 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(17) 31.140 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(18) 31.150 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(19) 31.160 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(20) 31.170 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(21) 31.180 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(22) 31.190 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(23) 31.200 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(24) 31.210 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(25) 31.220 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(26) 31.230 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(27) 31.240 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(28) 31.250 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(29) 31.260 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(30) 31.270 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(31) 31.280 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(32) 31.290 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(33) 31.300 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(34) 31.310 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(35) 31.320 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(36) 31.330 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(37) 31.340 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(38) 31.350 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(39) 31.360 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
(40) 31.370 MHz FM Simplex No PL Tone
The original source of this article is the RadioMaster Reports blog.
Many small inexpensive HTs, such as Baofeng, are sold without suitable default programming. To use these radios, as well as similar Ham radios, it is necessary to either program them manually using the keypad, or to use software to load the desired channel frequencies into the radios.

PROGRAMMING YOUR RADIO

The type of radio you have determines how you program it. You may have a mobile, base, or handheld (HT) radio. Some radios require manual programming. Most modern radios have the capability of programming via a cable adapter between your computer USB or serial port, and the microphone or data jack of the radio. Please see your instruction manual or user guide for your radio, for information about how to program it.

PL TONE

All channels in the list are default Carrier Squelch Receive with PL Tone Transmit.
For interoperability, the Transmit PL is set to default to the most common tone frequency for each channel and type of service.
The original source of this article is RadioMaster Reports.

Thanks Alan- Mirror Man, they are interesting, but it was certainly not 446 or an authorised band.  I have a feeling it was up around 8 -900 mhz. And I know there was a VHF frequency  close to the TV frequencies. Under 70 mhz.  

The Swedish 69 & 31 mhz bands looks interesting. 31 mhz especially.