144 MHz SSB Talkback Freq for ATV

[G8GKQ]

Hi All

I mentioned in the last CQ-TV that 144.75 MHz FM was the primary talkback frequency/mode for ATV.

I would be interested to know what frequency operators use with SSB for talkback. We used to recommend 144.17, but this seems to have fallen into disuse. 144.39 is a possibility as it is also used by the microwave DXers.

So what SSB frequency have you used for ATV Talkback in the past 3 years?

Grateful for as many responses as possible - even nil returns.

Dave, G8GKQ

[radiogareth]

None, but would willingly as 144.750 is too busy on activity days if I'm out portable.
Gareth

[g0mjw]

SSB from home can be a problem for domestic interference but 144.174 is used for FT8 so keep away from there. 144.39 might work. We could expand a bit to 144.7375 and 144.7625 on FM is there is a congestion issue, but in my experience 144.750 is usually so quiet that moving anywhere else risks the currently very low levels of activity I can currently hear, not being heard at all. There are centres of high activity but over most of the country there is nothing.

Mike

[g0mjw]

I meant to add that with 146 MHz datv being so popular maybe we need an alternative band as it is often not possible to receive much on 144.750 while sending DATV on 146.500.

Mike

[g8gtz]

144.170 was historically used to be used for microwave and ATV talkback but as Mike said the microwave calling channel has moved to 144.390 due to the proximity of the FT8 channel, however, I believe the French still use 144.70 SSB.

As well as SSB on 2mts maybe we should be looking at alternatives such as digital voice - I know very little about it but I believe, depending on the standard used, equipment is not over expensive and I believe it is possible to set up rooms or groups so a dedicated ATV channel could be used.

Mike makes a very good point about the practicality of using 2mt talkback when transmitting on 146.5 so maybe we should consider 70cms talkback but it is yet another antenna and gear to take out portable.

And maybe we should look at using QO100 narrow band - I envisage a small 60cms dish on a ground mount, a dedicated transverter screwed on the dish and a 70cms transceiver in the shack....

73 Noel

[DL1BJV]

Hi,
just for info, in DL the 2 Meter Bandplan (DARC) has two ATV talkback frequencies:

- 144.525 MHz = ATV SSB callback and center of activity,

- 144.750 MHz = ATV FM call and callback.

In DL the 2 Meter Band covers 144 - 146 MHz and there is no ATV /DATV activity.

73 Wolfgang.