Life above 1 GHz - Amateur Radio microwave - What's it all about?

We're all familiar with VHF and UHF bands, but there's another band even higher up... in the microwave spectrum. This is a special video of Tony Long, KC6QHP, who gave a presentation at a PAPA System Radio Network luncheon in San Diego, explaining what it's like to communicate via microwave, and what equipment is needed.

Tony has played with microwave communications in the ham bands for about 30 years and shared his experiences, the equipment needed, and the locations they set up at. He explained why it's popular and what it's all about.

Mentioned in the video is the Western States DMR talk group on DMR, used for coordinating dish antenna aiming and hilltop frequencies used.

For additional information, the website is: https://westernstatesdmr.com

If you are interested in further details, below is contact information as of this video recording on November 15, 2025:

* San Diego is home to one of the best microwave clubs, the San Diego Microwave Group (SDMG).

* Meetings are held monthly on the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the home of NIZW - 6026 Poppy Street, La Mesa, CA 91942

* SDMG Email: [email protected]

• I see they also have a Facebook Group at San Diego Microwave Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315794411928342/

* If you are willing to build gear, you can get on 10 GHz for pretty cheap.

* If you refuse to build anything, go buy an ICOM IC-905.

Also in the video is the Contest Information below:
Each contest weekend begins at 0900 UTC on Saturday and runs through 0759 UTC on Monday. Participation is limited to 42 hours of operating time in each of the two contest weekends.

NOTE: This is a change from the previous start and end times in local time. Participants are reminded to log all contacts in UTC time.

Contest Objective: For North American amateurs to contact as many amateur stations in as many different locations as possible in North America on bands from 10 GHz through Light.

Amateurs are encouraged to operate from more than one location during this event. See the detailed rules for restrictions.

Dates: Third full weekend of August and September (August 16-18, 2025
and September 20-22, 2025).

Contest Period: Each weekend begins at 0900 UTC on Saturday and runs through 0759 UTC on Monday.

Participation is limited to 42 hours of operating time in each of the two contest weekends.