Simplex Operations and Equipment
Power Management
Stress the use of minimum power needed for reliable communication, but remember that with simplex, the emphasis must be on RELIABLE!
New operators of driving age should buy 50w mobiles as first rigs. Today they cost no more than an HT, but they have better simplex performance. When you can afford a spare rig, then buy a sturdy dual-band HT! A portable is always useful to have as a backup, loaner and for use on solo foot assignments, such as damage assessment.
Guidance is necessary on appropriate battery power for working simplex versus local or distant repeaters.
If a repeater goes off the air, your HT battery will run down more quickly, due to making higher-power transmissions. For EmCom your HT should be able to operate from its original rechargeable battery pack, a AA battery case, an auto cigarette lighter, or external gel cell battery.
If you have trouble getting through, improve your antenna system first.
Mobile/portable VHF operators for county-wide nets need 25watts output and a mast clamp to elevate a mobile 5/8wave (3db) gain antenna 15ft. or more above ground elevation. Hand held users in fringe areas need external battery power to maintain 5winto an elevated antenna with at least unity gain, such as a ½ wave J-pole, or better, a 3-4 element Yagi.
HT users may augment their HT with a 25-30w brick amplifier.
Use enough transmitter output to get your traffic through the first time, but don't waste your batteries with inefficient use of excessive power which causes interference to distant stations you can't hear! Home fixed stations should have an elevated antenna such as a discone in the attic, or an outdoor dual-band vertical at good height, and adequate battery power to last a minimum of 24 hours.