UHF

UHF bands, while used somewhat for FM repeaters, are great bands for weak-signal work and extra-terrestrial activities such as the amateur radio satellites (more information for amateur radio satellites here: AMSAT). The antennas are somewhat smaller in size so they can be built several wavelengths or more long. Many amateurs use parabolic dish antennas of various sizes for better gain (along with powerful amplifiers) as well as reception (which is also improved by pre-amplifiers). A word about pre-amps at these frequencies: they are generally mounted as close to the antenna as physically possible. It does little good to have an in the shack as it will be prone to introducing noise into the receiver.

Here is an example of a UHF parabolic antenna used for amateur radio:

The UHF amateur radio bands are also used to make EME (moonbounce) contacts and also with amateur radio satellites (primarily the 70cm band). Contesting using the various UHF bands is quite popular. Many amateur radio operators participate in UHF contests (and VHF as well) through the use of ‘rovers’ which are vehicles outfitted with antennas and radio gear for the various bands they plan to operate in. Most rovers operate several bands using a variety of antennas:

Many amateur clubs will have members running these rover operations through the counties of the their states so those working them can have more multipliers in their logs. Contacts are needed in a contest or QSO party but multipliers determine whether someone wins or loses. As far as Sumter County goes the only state-wide QSO party is the Florida QSO Party which is sponsored by the Florida Contest Group. Unfortunately the FQP as it’s known does not allow the use of any digital modes or the VHF or higher bands.