Giving PMR 446 Another Whirl

Evening All,

Another enjoyable evening on PMR. No long distance contacts, just a very relaxed evening of rag-chewing.

73s John.

I'm thinking about doing the same with giving PMR446 another whirl...

At the moment all's I've been getting are crane operators, workmen & skip hire company then it goes totally dead once all the workmen go home.

I will try on Sunday evening at 8:00pm I think there might be some nets about. CB has been banging tho so I expect because of conditions on CB being so fantastic in recent months that everybody is on CB.

Hello,

When I listen in, when driving around town it is the same for me. Basically commercial users. However, when I get up on some high ground I hear lots of radio enthusiasts. 

My local "perch" is over 500m asl. So, I have direct line of site with some big towns and cities. Manchester, Stoke, Liverpool, Warrington, Blackpool, Southport to name but a few. Getting into a good location is definitely key to enjoying pmr.

My setup is modest and realively cheap, although not legal. I use a CRT Space U (programmed specifically for pmr) and a dual band vhf/uhf magmount and antenna bought as a package from Knights.

I had an enjoyable hour on pmr this afternoon after working on 11m.

Good luck with giving it another go.

73s John.

The PMR net on Sundays I only hear one station in London and that is it, all the rest are in Kent and surrounding counties I can't hear or reach. I'm in a part of London that is in a dip so unless I get at least 300 foot ASL on a hill top its impossible to get UHF over the hills.

PMR446 and Freenet in Germany: Applications and the Role of Relays and Crossband Repeaters


In Germany, PMR446 and Freenet are two widely used license-free radio communication systems designed for private and professional users. While both systems offer reliable communication solutions, their regulations and technical characteristics, particularly regarding the use of relays and crossband repeaters, differ significantly.

PMR446 operates in the UHF band at 446 MHz and is limited to an effective radiated power (ERP) of 500 mW. Its compact design and fixed antennas make it ideal for short-range communication, typically ranging from 3 to 10 kilometers, depending on environmental conditions. However, the use of relays or repeaters is strictly prohibited for PMR446 in Germany. This restriction ensures equitable access to the frequency for all users and avoids interference. The fixed antenna requirement also prevents modifications to extend the device's range.

Freenet, on the other hand, operates in the VHF band around 149 MHz and allows for a higher ERP of up to 1 W. Freenet provides slightly better range and signal penetration, particularly in open areas and urban environments. Unlike PMR446, Freenet permits the use of external antennas, provided that the ERP does not exceed regulatory limits. This flexibility makes Freenet a more adaptable system for users requiring extended coverage or enhanced signal quality.

The concept of crossband repeaters, which link communication across different frequency bands, is technically feasible for Freenet. Crossband repeaters could connect Freenet to other systems like amateur radio bands, facilitating broader communication networks. However, such setups must adhere strictly to German telecommunications regulations to avoid unauthorized frequency use or interference with licensed services. 

In conclusion, PMR446 and Freenet provide accessible and efficient communication solutions tailored to different user needs. While PMR446 focuses on simplicity and accessibility with strict regulatory constraints, Freenet offers greater flexibility for extending range and integrating with other systems, provided all legal requirements are met. Users considering the use of relays or crossband repeaters must carefully navigate these regulations to ensure compliance.

Hello All,

I nipped up to my usual spot and called into the Sunday night PMR Net on ch6. It starts at 7pm. 

I had some good contacts into Bolton, Blackpool, Southport and Warrington. I tuned around and had a few more contacts on the other channels.

I only stayed there for about 40 minutes as it was perishing and the car started freezing up (oh how I love Winter). The Net Controller had 63 stations in the log and counting at that point.

73s John.

Great to hear you enjoying your PMR activities there John and for being such a brave soul to face the winter weather for such.

It's enthusiasts like yourself that keep the airwaves alive and well for all to enjoy.  


All the best,
Victor

Hello Victor,

Thanks for the kind words.

The PMR band seems to have a great mix of operators on it. I reckon it might be due to the fact that handhelds for that band are readily available. People hear other activity and it maybe sparks their interest.

73s John.

Credit where credit is due John and I do love to hear of those that make a success  of such ventures.

You're right in that the PMR band is so easily accessible to many so in some areas it is a popular radio pastime with a blend of operators as well as operation style as can be seen here at CT.

Long may it be so.

I spoke to a couple of station in the Manchester area, who worked into France today and fellow CT member in the London area, who worked into Belgium.

VHF/UHF conditions look very favourable at the moment.

73s John.