The focus will be on the bands 222 MHz and above when the ARRL August UHF Contest gets under way August 1-2. During this time of year in North America, there is a greater chance of enhanced tropospheric propagation that can extend the usable range of UHF+ frequencies from line-of-sight to several hundred miles. William Hepburn’s Worldwide Tropospheric Ducting Forecast website is an excellent resource.

Many radios now include the 70 centimeter band, and antennas are small and easy to make. Easy homebrew UHF antenna plans are in the ARRL Antenna Book and The ARRL Handbook. Rovers are always welcome too, for those who enjoy getting out and about.

New rules for VHF+ contests allows all entrants to use assistance, including the use of self-spotting, to find other stations. The contest exchange is your Maidenhead grid square.

Full information is on the ARRL website.