What are some good frequencies to program.

[WSAA635]

Just passed my Tech License test, now I need to set up a couple of my radios for HAM use. With GMRS it was easy, 22 channels plus 8 Repeaters. I add MURS and I've got all the channels I'd want to talk on.

What are some common/popular channels to program into an HT for 2M/1.25M(yes, I know it's not used much but I'd still like them just in case)and 70cm that I should have? 

[UncleYoda]

146.520 2m National Calling Frequency (simplex)

446.000 70cm National Calling Frequency (simplex)

For repeaters in your area, you have to listen and/or look them up (one good site I'm not sure if OK to post here).

You should also find the band plan for your region (I only use Southeast.)

And search for ham clubs in your area.

There's a lot of info to get you started at arrl.org

[WRYZ926]

Repeater Book is a good place to look for local repeaters in your area.

[BoxCar]

17 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

Repeater Book is a good place to look for local repeaters in your area.

But you need your call sign before using the site. You can use the ARRL website to find local clubs and they often list repeaters and nets on their sites as well.

[WSEZ903]

If you are in Phoenix, I gather you are as you posted about Shaw being down, there are tons of 70 cm repeaters in the county.  I think like 237 statewide.  Another 1oo plus in  2m.  If you want to dip your toes in Digital, there are a lot of "System Fusion" repeaters in the area.

 

KM7BQP/WSEZ903

[BoxCar]

There are 9 DMR repeaters in the area also.

[WSAA635]

I went on Repeaterbook and wow, I've never seen so many Repeaters.  I just when with the ones on my side of town that I think I might be able to reach and so far I have 6/2M, 2/1.25M and 4/70cm(I could have gotten more but only wanted my list on one sheet of paper) but there's dozens, especially 70cm.  Way more than we've got with GMRS.  I have a 2M, 144.200 SSB National Calling, can my "normal" radio do the SSB stuff? Anyway, looks like more to learn just like when I first jumped into GMRS a year ago. 

[WRYZ926]

1 hour ago, BoxCar said:

But you need your call sign before using the site. You can use the ARRL website to find local clubs and they often list repeaters and nets on their sites as well.

No you don't. Anyone can look up repeaters without having to log in or have a call sign. You only need a call sign if you manage a listed repeater.

[WRYZ926]

41 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

I went on Repeaterbook and wow, I've never seen so many Repeaters.  I just when with the ones on my side of town that I think I might be able to reach and so far I have 6/2M, 2/1.25M and 4/70cm(I could have gotten more but only wanted my list on one sheet of paper) but there's dozens, especially 70cm.  Way more than we've got with GMRS.  I have a 2M, 144.200 SSB National Calling, can my "normal" radio do the SSB stuff? Anyway, looks like more to learn just like when I first jumped into GMRS a year ago. 

I am not aware of any mobile VHF/UHF radios that have SSB capabilities. You would have to get an all band/all mode radio AKA "shack in the box" that does HF, VHF, and UHF to get SSB capabilities on VHF/UHF. The other option is the Icom IC-9700 VHF/UHF all mode base radio but that is expensive.

I would love to use 2m SSB but I don't need or want a shack in the box radio as I already have 4 HF radios as it is. And I can't afford the Icom IC-9700 at $1900.00

[WSAA635]

Ahh, so I'll take the SSB channel off.