"stan" wrote in message
...
hi, I'm still in process of designing some little tracking
transmitters (10-50mw) for model airplanes ( take my tech test on
Saturday!! ) and I'm trying to decide if to go the 400 or 800MHz band
approach. The higher frequency would allow a little shorter antenna
.. but would be a little more directional (?) ... considering what
I'm trying to locate may be out in the weeds somewhere does anyone
have any experience which one would be better and why ? TIA stan



800MHz? That's one question you'll miss...

They'll both be line-of-sight, 900MHz will theoretically have a bit more
absorbtion by the vegatation and the circuit will be touchier, but 900MHz is
less used -- the ARRL will thank you for populating the band better, and the
70cm crowd will thank you for not adding to the band congestion.

If you can design transmitters you should be taking the Extra. 5WPM is a
joke to learn, too. My kid is studying for the tech, since the speed
requirement is so absurdly low I'm thinking of upgrading to Extra myself.

-------------------------------------------
Tim Wescott, KG7LI
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com