Mars Frequency questions.

[KC2NIK]

I am aware that the frequencies cannot be listed so I am not looking to obtain the frequencies just more of a will my scenario work type of thing.  

I am interested in joining the MARS program.  Everywhere I look the requirements are "an HF rig capable of transmitting on MARS frequencies"  So with that said, I have an IC-718 transceiver with which I can perform the mod to allow extended transmit.  I also have a dipole and MFJ VersaTuner.  I seem to have no problem tuning and making contacts on the 40, 20, and 17 meter ham bands.  I have not been successful on 80 meters.  With that in mind would I be able to tune the "MARS frequencies"?  I would hate to find out after I join that all the MARS frequencies are near 80 Meters and I cannot transmit due to my antenna.

Thanks a million

KC2NIK

[K3WVU]

Many of the frequencies are just above 80M and 40M, as well as around 60M.  A few are below 80m, but there is a good chance that most of the frequencies on which you'll operate are between 4-5 MHZ and just above 40M.
I used a 718 on all frequencies with the help of an ICOM AH-4 autotuner with a 60' piece of wire and an equal length counterpoise, and always had great results.

Good luck.

Dwight NNN0TPR

[KC2NIK]

Great!  Thanks for the info.  So if I can get the frequencies around 40M I should be fine.  For all intesive purposes I should be able to get around 80M as well.  Just not as efficient.

I look forward to MARS.  Of course not to spark huge debate and cause an argument but to me the hardest part will be choosing a group I would like to join.  Thanks again, I appreciate the response I get on a regular basis here on eham.

KC2NIK

[W3LK]

Jean-pierre:

Ditto on the previous posting. As a general rule, daytime nets are held on the 5-meg or just below frequencies and just above 40m.

Evening nets are generally found on both sides of 75/80m as well as just below 40m. It all depends upon what has been allocated to each particular state.

There are a multitude of other allocations, but they may or may not be used in your area.

As for what group to join? There's only ONE!!!

Lon - NNN0OOR/NNN0GAW THREE (W3LK)
MDE Navy-Marine Corps MARS
Proudly serving those who serve!

[W3LK]

Jean-Pierre:

Missed your other question the first time around.

If your present antenna won't load AND radiate (not the same thing) on 80m now, it won't do it on the MARS frequencies on either side of 80m. You are going to need an antenna that's resonant on 80m.

As for the 5-meg frequencies (if you need to transmit there), you will probably a separate antenna cut for the frequency. Trying to load a 40m antenna on 5-megs is an iffy proposition. The antenna may load and not radiate worth a darn.

Lon

[KC2NIK]

Good point Lon.  Thanks.  I was successful at loading the antenna with my tuner.  It showed 1.5:1 SWR but that does not mean individuals would be hearing me anyways if the antenna is not radiating.  I am learning this stuff, reading what I can and trying new things.  I promise I will get better hehe.  Thanks again for everyones help as always.  

PS.  I would owe a lot of money if everyone here were consultants LOL.

JP
KC2NIK

[W3LK]

Glad to be of help!

Lon - NNN0OOR / NNN0GAW THREE
MDE Navy-Marine Corps MARS
Proudly Serving Those Who Serve

[K3CGA]

Your right Lon.  Only ONE..........Air Force MARS.