70cm - times they are a changing

When I was first licenced here in the UK there was a class A licence and a class B licence.  Class B licencees were only allowed on 432MHz and above and did not need a morse test. My first call was without CW and 432MHz and above. Class B operators could operate a Class A station under supervision. I remember doing this at the QTH of the late G4PJ.

My first activity on 70cm was with the transverter shown. In those days nearly everyone was crystal controlled and we tuned the whole band listening for replies. Out /P with 100mW one could just about guarantee a QSO. Most people were on AM back then.

These days there is far less activity on 70cm sadly. Those that are active come on mainly in contests usually on FM or SSB. This is pity as often 70cm tropo can be better than 2m. I remember years later having loads of fun working FM DX on 70cm simplex with 4W from an FM321. Often lifts on 70cm were more localised.

Times they are a changing...