1.25 meters
Encyclopedia
The 1.25 meter, 220 MHz or 222 MHz band is a portion of the VHF radio spectrum internationally allocated for amateur radio
use on a primary basis in ITU Region 2
, and it comprises frequencies from 220 MHz to 225 MHz. In the United States
and Canada
, the band is available on a primary basis from 222 to 225 MHz, with the addition of 219 to 220 MHz on a limited, secondary basis. It is not available for use in ITU Region 1
(except in Somalia
) or ITU Region 3
. The license privileges of amateur radio operators include the use of frequencies within this band, which is primarily used for local communications.
gave U.S. amateurs privileges in two VHF bands: 2.5 meters (112 MHz) and 1.25 meters (224 MHz). Both bands (as well as 70 centimeters
) were natural harmonics of the 5 meter band. Amateur privileges in the 2.5 meter band were later reallocated to 144–148 MHz (becoming the modern-day 2 meter band
), and the old frequencies were reassigned to aircraft communication during World War II. At this time, the 1.25 meter band expanded to a 5 MHz bandwidth, spanning 220–225 MHz.
allocations exploded in the late 1960s and early 1970s as repeater
s started going on the air. Repeater use sparked a huge interest in the 2 meter and 70 centimeter
(420–450 MHz) bands, however this interest never fully found its way into the 1.25 meter band. Many amateurs attribute this to the fact that there was an abundance of commercial radio equipment designed for 136–174 MHz and 450–512 MHz that amateurs could easily modify for use on 2 meters and 70 centimeters. There were no commercial frequency allocations near the 1.25 meter band, and little commercial radio equipment was available. This meant that amateurs who wanted to experiment with the 1.25 meter band had to build their own equipment or purchase one of the few radios available from specialized amateur radio equipment manufacturers. Many of the repeater
s which have been constructed for 1¼ meter operation have been based on conversion of land-mobile base station hardware, often extensively modifying equipment originally designed for other VHF bands.
In the late 1980s, United Parcel Service
(UPS) began lobbying the FCC to reallocate part of the 1.25 meter band to the Land Mobile Service. UPS had publicized plans to use the band to develop a narrow-bandwidth wireless voice and data network using a mode called ACSSB (amplitude-companded single sideband). UPS's main argument for the reallocation was that amateur use of the band was very sparse and that the public interest would be better served by reallocating part of the band to a service that would put it to good use.
In 1988, over the objections of the amateur radio community, the FCC adopted the 220 MHz Allocation Order, which reallocated 220–222 MHz to private and Federal Government land mobile use while leaving 222–225 MHz exclusively for amateur use. The reallocation proceeding took so long, however, that UPS eventually pursued other means of meeting their communications needs. UPS entered into agreements with GTE, McCall, Southwestern Bell, and Pac-Tel to use cellular telephone frequencies to build a wireless data network. With the 220–222 MHz band now left unused, the FCC issued parts of the band to other private commercial interests via a lottery in hopes that it would spark development of super-narrowband technologies, which would help them gain acceptance in the marketplace.
In 2005 Industry Canada
decided to reallocate 220-222 MHz to land mobile users, similar to the US, but unlike in the US, a provision was included to allow the amateur service, in exceptional circumstances, to use the band in disaster relief efforts on a secondary basis. In addition, the band 219 to 220 MHz was allocated to the amateur service on a secondary basis. Both of these re-allocations went into effect January 2006.
There are pockets of widespread use across the United States, mainly in New England
and western states such as California
and Arizona
with more sporadic activity elsewhere. The number of repeaters on the 1.25 meter band has grown over the years to approximately 1,500 nationwide as of 2004.
The attention that 1.25 meters received in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to the reallocation of the bottom 2 MHz sparked a renewed interest in the amateur community. Many amateurs feared that if activity on 1.25 meters remained sparse, it would only be a matter of time until broadcast regulators reallocated the remaining 3 MHz to another service. Today, there are new handheld and mobile equipment being produced by amateur radio manufacturers. It is estimated that more amateurs have 1.25 meter equipment now than at any point in the past.
control or link purposes or to remotely control
another station, is limited in the United States to operation on frequencies above 144.5 MHz excluding 144.0-144.5 MHz, 145.8-146.0 MHz, 219-220 MHz, 222.00-222.15 MHz, 431-433 MHz, and 435-438 MHz. Operation of such control links in the crowded 2-metre band is problematic and on many frequencies in that band expressly prohibited, leaving 1¼-metre band frequencies (222.15 - 225 MHz) as the lowest suitable for remote control of repeaters and unattended stations.
Since the band is allocated mostly in ITU Region 2 (Somalia, in Region 1, being the only exception thus far), the major equipment manufacturers (Kenwood, Yaesu, and Icom) do not often offer transceiver models that cover the frequency range. (see Novice licensees get privileges). This exacerbates the lack of usage of the 1.25 meter band, though manufacturers argue that what equipment they have produced hasn't sold well compared to other products.
In recent years, Kenwood and Yaesu have both included the 1.25 meter band in some of their multi-band handheld transceivers. The Kenwood TH-F6A, the Yaesu VX-6R
, VX-7R
& VX-8R
(USA and Canada version) include coverage of the 1.25 meter band in addition to the more popular 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands. Wouxun now has the KG-UVD1P in a 2 meter/220 model, legal for USA use. However, in the 1980s, ICOM offered the IC-37A which was a 220mhz, 25 watt FM transceiver and can still be obtained as used equipment from various sources. Even though this radio is 30+ years old, it is highly collectable and many are still in service to this day.
Aside from handheld transceivers, the only two 1.25 meter transceivers widely available today are offered by Alinco
(the DR-235T) http://www.alinco.com/Products/DR-235/ and Jetstream (the JT220M) http://www.jetstream-usa.com/jt220m.shtml, both Japanese manufacturers.
The Chinese company Wouxun is marketing a 2M-220Mhz dualband HT, the KG-UVD1P. http://www.wouxun.com/Two-Way-Radio/KG-UVD1P.htm These transceivers have received FCC Approval in the USA; but are awaiting Industry Canada approval in Canada. They can be purchased from a USA seller, with the appropriate FCC ID label from: http://www.wouxun.us. With low-cost radios available now, there are hopes to revive this band.
Elecraft offers an all mode (CW, FM, SSB) transverter for the 220-225 MHz band compatible with their popular K2 and K3 transceivers.
ITU Region 2
Amateur radio
Amateur radio is the use of designated radio frequency spectrum for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication...
use on a primary basis in ITU Region 2
ITU region
The International Telecommunication Union , in its International Radio Regulations, divides the world into three ITU regions for the purposes of managing the global radio spectrum...
, and it comprises frequencies from 220 MHz to 225 MHz. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, the band is available on a primary basis from 222 to 225 MHz, with the addition of 219 to 220 MHz on a limited, secondary basis. It is not available for use in ITU Region 1
ITU region
The International Telecommunication Union , in its International Radio Regulations, divides the world into three ITU regions for the purposes of managing the global radio spectrum...
(except in Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
) or ITU Region 3
ITU region
The International Telecommunication Union , in its International Radio Regulations, divides the world into three ITU regions for the purposes of managing the global radio spectrum...
. The license privileges of amateur radio operators include the use of frequencies within this band, which is primarily used for local communications.
Amateur radio
- The Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union allows amateur radio operations in the frequency range from 220.000 to 225.000 MHz.
History
The 1.25 meter band has a very long and colorful history dating back to before World War II.Pre-Cairo Conference
Some experimental amateur use in the U.S. was known to occur on the "1¼-meter band" as early as 1933, with reliable communications achieved in fall of 1934.The Cairo Conference
In 1938 the FCCFederal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
gave U.S. amateurs privileges in two VHF bands: 2.5 meters (112 MHz) and 1.25 meters (224 MHz). Both bands (as well as 70 centimeters
70 centimeters
The 70-centimeter amateur radio band is a portion of the UHF radio spectrum. This band is used by amateurs engaged in emergency communications where portable and mobile radios are frequently used. Many such radios have dual-band capabilities, operating on both the 70-centimeter and 2-meter bands.-...
) were natural harmonics of the 5 meter band. Amateur privileges in the 2.5 meter band were later reallocated to 144–148 MHz (becoming the modern-day 2 meter band
2 meters
The 2-meter amateur radio band is a portion of the VHF radio spectrum, comprising frequencies stretching from 144.000 MHz to 148.000 MHz in International Telecommunication Union region Regions 2 and 3 and from 144.000 MHz to 146.000 MHz in ITU Region 1...
), and the old frequencies were reassigned to aircraft communication during World War II. At this time, the 1.25 meter band expanded to a 5 MHz bandwidth, spanning 220–225 MHz.
The VHF/UHF explosion
Amateur use of VHF and UHFUltra high frequency
Ultra-High Frequency designates the ITU Radio frequency range of electromagnetic waves between 300 MHz and 3 GHz , also known as the decimetre band or decimetre wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decimetres...
allocations exploded in the late 1960s and early 1970s as repeater
Repeater
A repeater is an electronic device that receives asignal and retransmits it at a higher level and/or higher power, or onto the other side of an obstruction, so that the signal can cover longer distances.-Description:...
s started going on the air. Repeater use sparked a huge interest in the 2 meter and 70 centimeter
70 centimeters
The 70-centimeter amateur radio band is a portion of the UHF radio spectrum. This band is used by amateurs engaged in emergency communications where portable and mobile radios are frequently used. Many such radios have dual-band capabilities, operating on both the 70-centimeter and 2-meter bands.-...
(420–450 MHz) bands, however this interest never fully found its way into the 1.25 meter band. Many amateurs attribute this to the fact that there was an abundance of commercial radio equipment designed for 136–174 MHz and 450–512 MHz that amateurs could easily modify for use on 2 meters and 70 centimeters. There were no commercial frequency allocations near the 1.25 meter band, and little commercial radio equipment was available. This meant that amateurs who wanted to experiment with the 1.25 meter band had to build their own equipment or purchase one of the few radios available from specialized amateur radio equipment manufacturers. Many of the repeater
Repeater
A repeater is an electronic device that receives asignal and retransmits it at a higher level and/or higher power, or onto the other side of an obstruction, so that the signal can cover longer distances.-Description:...
s which have been constructed for 1¼ meter operation have been based on conversion of land-mobile base station hardware, often extensively modifying equipment originally designed for other VHF bands.
US Novice licensees get privileges
By the 1980s, amateur use of 2 meters and 70 centimeters was at an all-time high while activity on 1.25 meters remained stagnant. In an attempt to increase use on the band, many amateurs called for holders of Novice-class licenses (the entry-level class at that time) to be given voice privileges on the band. In 1987, the FCC modified the Novice license to allow voice privileges on portions of the 1.25 meter and 23 centimeter (1.24–1.30 GHz) bands. In response, some of the bigger amateur radio equipment manufacturers started producing equipment for 1.25 meters. However, it never sold well, and by the early 1990s, most manufacturers had stopped producing equipment for the band.US reallocation
In 1973, the FCC considered Docket Number 19759, which was a proposal to establish a Class E Citizen's band service at 224 MHz. The proposal was opposed by the ARRL and after the explosive growth of 27 MHz Citizen's Band usage, the FCC dropped consideration of the docket in 1977.In the late 1980s, United Parcel Service
United Parcel Service
United Parcel Service, Inc. , typically referred to by the acronym UPS, is a package delivery company. Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States, UPS delivers more than 15 million packages a day to 6.1 million customers in more than 220 countries and territories around the...
(UPS) began lobbying the FCC to reallocate part of the 1.25 meter band to the Land Mobile Service. UPS had publicized plans to use the band to develop a narrow-bandwidth wireless voice and data network using a mode called ACSSB (amplitude-companded single sideband). UPS's main argument for the reallocation was that amateur use of the band was very sparse and that the public interest would be better served by reallocating part of the band to a service that would put it to good use.
In 1988, over the objections of the amateur radio community, the FCC adopted the 220 MHz Allocation Order, which reallocated 220–222 MHz to private and Federal Government land mobile use while leaving 222–225 MHz exclusively for amateur use. The reallocation proceeding took so long, however, that UPS eventually pursued other means of meeting their communications needs. UPS entered into agreements with GTE, McCall, Southwestern Bell, and Pac-Tel to use cellular telephone frequencies to build a wireless data network. With the 220–222 MHz band now left unused, the FCC issued parts of the band to other private commercial interests via a lottery in hopes that it would spark development of super-narrowband technologies, which would help them gain acceptance in the marketplace.
Canadian reallocation
Until January 2006, Canadian amateur radio operators were allowed operate within the entire 220-225 MHz band. Canadian operations within 120 kM of the United States border were required to observe a number of restrictions on antenna height and power levels to coordinate use with non-amateur services in the United States.In 2005 Industry Canada
Industry Canada
Industry Canada is the department of the Government of Canada with responsibility for regional economic development, investment, and innovation/research and development. The department employs 6104 FTEs across Canada....
decided to reallocate 220-222 MHz to land mobile users, similar to the US, but unlike in the US, a provision was included to allow the amateur service, in exceptional circumstances, to use the band in disaster relief efforts on a secondary basis. In addition, the band 219 to 220 MHz was allocated to the amateur service on a secondary basis. Both of these re-allocations went into effect January 2006.
Canadian band plan
| License class | 219-220 | 220-222 | 222.00-222.05 | 222.05-222.10 | 222.10-222.275 | 222.275-222.300 | 222.31-223.370 | 223.39-223.490 | 223.49-223.590 | 223.59-223.890 | 223.91-225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic(+), Advanced |
| = Available on a secondary basis to other users. | |
| = Available only to assist with disaster relief efforts. | |
| = Reserved for EME (moon bounce) | |
| = Continuous wave (CW), 222.1 calling freq. | |
| = SSB, 222.2 calling freq. | |
| = propagation beacons | |
| = FM Repeaters (input -1.6 MHz) | |
| = High speed data | |
| = FM simplex |
Scope of operation in North America
Today, the 1.25 meter band is used by many amateurs who have an interest in the VHF spectrum.There are pockets of widespread use across the United States, mainly in New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
and western states such as California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
with more sporadic activity elsewhere. The number of repeaters on the 1.25 meter band has grown over the years to approximately 1,500 nationwide as of 2004.
The attention that 1.25 meters received in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to the reallocation of the bottom 2 MHz sparked a renewed interest in the amateur community. Many amateurs feared that if activity on 1.25 meters remained sparse, it would only be a matter of time until broadcast regulators reallocated the remaining 3 MHz to another service. Today, there are new handheld and mobile equipment being produced by amateur radio manufacturers. It is estimated that more amateurs have 1.25 meter equipment now than at any point in the past.
Auxiliary stations
An auxiliary station, most often used for repeaterAmateur radio repeater
An amateur radio repeater is an electronic device that receives a weak or low-level amateur radio signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power, so that the signal can cover longer distances without degradation...
control or link purposes or to remotely control
Remote base station
A remote base station is a common name for an amateur radio auxiliary station that is controlled and operated from a remote location. Most remote base stations have similar features to any other Amateur radio station but can be controlled over a direct wired connection, the internet, or by radio.In...
another station, is limited in the United States to operation on frequencies above 144.5 MHz excluding 144.0-144.5 MHz, 145.8-146.0 MHz, 219-220 MHz, 222.00-222.15 MHz, 431-433 MHz, and 435-438 MHz. Operation of such control links in the crowded 2-metre band is problematic and on many frequencies in that band expressly prohibited, leaving 1¼-metre band frequencies (222.15 - 225 MHz) as the lowest suitable for remote control of repeaters and unattended stations.
List of transceivers
A full list of new and used 220 MHz tranceivers is available. http://members.shaw.ca/francislyster/220/index.htmlSince the band is allocated mostly in ITU Region 2 (Somalia, in Region 1, being the only exception thus far), the major equipment manufacturers (Kenwood, Yaesu, and Icom) do not often offer transceiver models that cover the frequency range. (see Novice licensees get privileges). This exacerbates the lack of usage of the 1.25 meter band, though manufacturers argue that what equipment they have produced hasn't sold well compared to other products.
In recent years, Kenwood and Yaesu have both included the 1.25 meter band in some of their multi-band handheld transceivers. The Kenwood TH-F6A, the Yaesu VX-6R
Yaesu VX-6R
The Yaesu VX-6R is a triple band handheld amateur radio transceiver with extensive receive coverage, and leading-edge features. The radio is designed to operate in extreme conditions, and is sealed at all openings to permit underwater submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes...
, VX-7R
Yaesu VX-7R
The Yaesu VX-7R is a handheld transceiver for use on the amateur radio bands. It is a "quad band" transceiver, capable of transmitting and receiving on the 50 MHz , 220 MHz , 144 MHz & 440 MHz bands. It also features a general-coverage receiver, meaning it can operate as a...
& VX-8R
Yaesu VX-8R
The Yaesu VX-8R is a handheld transceiver for use on the amateur radio bands. It is a "quad band" transceiver.The radio is designed to operate in extreme conditions. It is designed to be shock-proof, and is sealed against water and chemicals, making it well-suited for emergency-services duty...
(USA and Canada version) include coverage of the 1.25 meter band in addition to the more popular 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands. Wouxun now has the KG-UVD1P in a 2 meter/220 model, legal for USA use. However, in the 1980s, ICOM offered the IC-37A which was a 220mhz, 25 watt FM transceiver and can still be obtained as used equipment from various sources. Even though this radio is 30+ years old, it is highly collectable and many are still in service to this day.
Aside from handheld transceivers, the only two 1.25 meter transceivers widely available today are offered by Alinco
Alinco
Alinco is a Japanese manufacturer of radio and amplification equipment, and in the Japanese market, metal products, construction equipment, and exercise equipment....
(the DR-235T) http://www.alinco.com/Products/DR-235/ and Jetstream (the JT220M) http://www.jetstream-usa.com/jt220m.shtml, both Japanese manufacturers.
The Chinese company Wouxun is marketing a 2M-220Mhz dualband HT, the KG-UVD1P. http://www.wouxun.com/Two-Way-Radio/KG-UVD1P.htm These transceivers have received FCC Approval in the USA; but are awaiting Industry Canada approval in Canada. They can be purchased from a USA seller, with the appropriate FCC ID label from: http://www.wouxun.us. With low-cost radios available now, there are hopes to revive this band.
Elecraft offers an all mode (CW, FM, SSB) transverter for the 220-225 MHz band compatible with their popular K2 and K3 transceivers.
Countries with known allocations
ITU Region 1- SomaliaSomaliaSomalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
(220–225 MHz)
ITU Region 2
- ArubaArubaAruba is a 33 km-long island of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea, located 27 km north of the coast of Venezuela and 130 km east of Guajira Peninsula...
(220–225 MHz)
- BermudaBermudaBermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
(220-225 MHz)
- BrazilBrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
(220-225 MHz)
- CanadaCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
(222–225 MHz amateur primary exclusive; 219-220 MHz secondary and shared; 220-222 MHz, only for "disaster relief" )
- French Overseas Departments and TerritoriesOverseas departments and territories of FranceThe French Overseas Departments and Territories consist broadly of French-administered territories outside of the European continent. These territories have varying legal status and different levels of autonomy, although all have representation in the Parliament of France , and consequently the...
in Region 2 (220-225 MHz)- Overseas Departments:
- French GuianaFrench GuianaFrench Guiana is an overseas region of France, consisting of a single overseas department located on the northern Atlantic coast of South America. It has borders with two nations, Brazil to the east and south, and Suriname to the west...
- GuadeloupeGuadeloupeGuadeloupe is an archipelago located in the Leeward Islands, in the Lesser Antilles, with a land area of 1,628 square kilometres and a population of 400,000. It is the first overseas region of France, consisting of a single overseas department. As with the other overseas departments, Guadeloupe...
- MartiniqueMartiniqueMartinique is an island in the eastern Caribbean Sea, with a land area of . Like Guadeloupe, it is an overseas region of France, consisting of a single overseas department. To the northwest lies Dominica, to the south St Lucia, and to the southeast Barbados...
- French Guiana
- Overseas collectivities:
- Saint BarthélemySaint BarthélemySaint Barthélemy , officially the Territorial collectivity of Saint Barthélemy , is an overseas collectivity of France. Often abbreviated to Saint-Barth in French, or St. Barts in English, the indigenous people called the island Ouanalao...
- Saint MartinSaint Martin (France)Saint Martin , officially the Collectivity of Saint Martin is an overseas collectivity of France located in the Caribbean. It came into being on 15 July 2007, encompassing the northern parts of Saint Martin island and neighbouring islets, the largest of which is Île Tintamarre...
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Saint Barthélemy
- Overseas Departments:
- JamaicaJamaicaJamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, in length, up to in width and 10,990 square kilometres in area. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about south of Cuba, and west of Hispaniola, the island harbouring the nation-states Haiti and the Dominican Republic...
(220-225 MHz)
- MexicoMexicoThe United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
(220-225 MHz) (Band is channelized in some segments.)
- Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago officially the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying just off the coast of northeastern Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles...
(220-225 MHz)
- United States of America (222–225 MHz amateur primary exclusive; 219-220 MHz secondary, shared and limited)