The AM Forum

Anyone have a theory on why Yaesu would include only 6 meter AM transmit capability in a NEW handheld mutliband portable ? Why not 2 meters also ? Very odd move.... Is 6 meter AM popular in Asia ?

Yes, I believe it is.

There are a few JA's that do a bunch of homebrewing that publish some scratched out schematics on the www.
Most any of them have done something for 6 meters AM, but I don;t recall seeing any 2 meter AM stuff.


But, I thinks they are more concerned with what they think we think...   :P

I'm sure they don't think 2 meters is good for anything but FeM...  err ..I mean FM.

Not a new concept. From the VX-7R brochure: "And for 6-meter AM enthusiasts, you also get 1 Watt of carrier power on the 50 MHz band!". VX-7R has been around for at least 5 years.

In Japan, according to the IARU Region 3 Band Plan, there is no 2M or 432 MHz "phone" operation. Band Plan only identifies  EME and Satellite operation for those frequencies. I suspect the 50 MHz AM inclusion on the VX-7R/8R was for mainly Region 1 and Region 2 countries. Many of the transceivers on the market over the last dozen years have included 6 meters and the AM mode along with their other features. Lots of popularity. There's only one current multi-mode VHF/UHF rig on the market today (Icom IC-910H) and it doesn't include AM. As far as I know, there are no band plans floating around the world around that include "AM" as an "active" mode on 2 meters, 222 MHz, or 432 MHz.

I thought the IARU so-called "bandplans" were only suggestions, Pete  ;D

Actually, in some countries in Region 1, 2, and 3, the respective "band plans" are intertwined with the rest of their actual amateur radio rules. Fortunately in the U. S., the FCC hasn't moved in that direction, at least, not yet.  ;D

Pete, I think you're mistaken. AFAIK, the Yaesu FT-817 5W "portable" and the FT-857 have AM TX & RX capability on HF and VHF. The now-discontinued Yaesu FT-100D that I have in my pickup truck also has AM capability on HF and VHF. I think the earlier IC-706 models also had AM TX on VHF, but I'm not sure. The current 706 iteration is AM receive only. These are all neat little radios. With the optional 6 KC AM filter, the FT-100D transmits AM DSB, without it, it's AM with one sideband.

Key descriptor >> "VHF/UHF"
Wasn't referring to HF/VHF/UHF all-in-one type rigs such as the 857 or 706 MKIIG.

Kindly do your part to keep it that way.
And encourage the same effort by any clubs you belong to.

I don't think AARP and AAA really care.

Actually, what a great idea -- AARP could fight proposals that encroach on the hobbies of old people. Like AM and radio hobbyists, especially the older ones like yourself.

AARP vs ARRL, I can see it now.

AAA vs ARRL, give me a little time, I'll come up with something there too.

Array all these powerful, healthy non-profits against... well you get the idea.

Just signal your chums in Newington that they're being watched for any post-Rinaldo boneheaded moves at the IARU.

Go Canada.

Good to see you've spent the time away developing some new ideas and approaches Paul.