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Getting Started with VHF: Basic Equipment for Ham Radio Operators in Southern Ireland

If you’ve recently become a licensed amateur radio operator—or you’re thinking about taking the plunge—VHF (Very High Frequency) operation is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to get on the air. In Ireland, VHF activity is lively, thanks in part to the Southern Ireland Repeater Network, which covers large areas of the country on the 2 m and 70 cm amateur bands. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.

Understanding VHF for Amateur Radio

VHF generally refers to frequencies between 30 MHz and 300 MHz. For amateur radio operators, the most common VHF band is 2 metres (144–148 MHz). Alongside this, the 70 cm band (430–440 MHz) falls into the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) category, but it’s often mentioned alongside VHF because many radios cover both.

These bands are ideal for local and regional communication, especially when you can access repeaters—radio systems that listen on one frequency and retransmit your signal on another, greatly extending your range.

The Southern Ireland Repeater Network

The Southern Ireland Repeater Network (SIRN) is a linked system of repeaters operating on both 2 metres and 70 cm, allowing operators to cover much of the southern half of the country. By connecting through one repeater, you can often be heard hundreds of kilometres away, making it a perfect entry point for newcomers.

The Basic Equipment You’ll Need

Operating VHF doesn’t require a shack full of expensive gear. Here are the essentials:

1. A Dual-Band Handheld Transceiver (HT)

For beginners, a small handheld radio is the easiest way to get on 2 m and 70 cm. You can operate from home, in the car, or while hiking. Popular, budget-friendly options include:

  • Baofeng UV-5R / UV-5R+ – Perhaps the most widely known entry-level HT. Covers both 2 m and 70 cm, simple to program (especially with free software like CHIRP), and costs around €30–€40.
  • Anytone AT-D878UV – A step up in build quality, with both FM and DMR digital capability.
  • Yaesu FT-4X – Reliable, compact, and with better audio quality than many budget models.
  • TYT TH-UV88 – Affordable and easy to use, similar in features to the Baofeng but often with slightly better audio.

All of these can hit local repeaters if you’re within range. The Baofengs are an unbeatable value for getting started, though more premium brands like Yaesu or Icom offer better durability and performance if you want to upgrade later.

2. A Suitable Antenna

The stock “rubber duck” antenna that comes with most handhelds works—but it’s not great. An inexpensive upgrade like the Nagoya NA-771 or Diamond SRJ77CA can significantly improve range, especially for repeater access.

If you’re operating from home, consider an external VHF/UHF base antenna mounted outdoors or in the attic, connected with low-loss coax cable.

3. A Power Source

Most handhelds come with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. For home or car operation, you can get:

  • Spare batteries for extended trips.
  • 12 V car adapter for mobile operation.
  • Desktop charger for quick top-ups.

4. Programming Cable & Software

While you can manually program repeaters into most handhelds, it’s much faster to use a USB programming cable and free software like CHIRP. This lets you load in all the Southern Ireland Repeater Network frequencies in minutes.

5. A Repeater Directory or App

Knowing the repeater frequencies, offsets, and CTCSS tones is essential. You can find up-to-date info for the SIRN on the Southern Ireland Repeater Network website or through ham radio apps like RepeaterBook.

Putting It All Together

With a €35 handheld radio, a €15 upgraded antenna, and some freely available repeater info, you can be active on the Southern Ireland Repeater Network in less than an hour.

While VHF operation won’t typically get you across the Atlantic, it’s a fantastic way to:

  • Meet other hams in your area.
  • Join local nets and emergency comms exercises.
  • Learn good operating practices before moving into HF or digital modes.

The low cost of entry means there’s little barrier to getting started, and the friendly community around the repeaters will be glad to help.