why no 2m ssb rigs?

[Bearcat]

I agree 2 meter SSB or weak signal is not nearly as active as it used to be. However amateur radio has a lot of different niches for people to enjoy.

Personally I have no use for HT's and working through a repeater. But for some people they have a blast and that is their thing.

I like working DX on HF. But at the same time 2m SSB can be a lot of fun as well. You have to be a lot more patient as it is not like HF with signals popping in from all over.

With a 12 element antenna at 25 feet and a few hundred watts I can hear and talk to guys 100 to 200 miles away on a regular basis.

Then when conditions open up it can get interesting. Just a few weeks ago I had a 2 meter SSB contact that was over 650 miles.

That's what I'm talking about ...those long ssb contacts might be interesting...but damn ssb rigs are expensive

 

[6meter]

That's what I'm talking about ...those long ssb contacts might be interesting...but damn ssb rigs are expensive

I've seen Icom 271's at hamfests for under $300. Also watch for Kenwood TS711 or the TR751. The Icom 275 and Kenwood TM255 will usually be above $300.

If you don't mind the age there are older Icoms that pop up.

If you like HF and are looking at radios there are IC746 Pro's with 2 meter SSB.
The Kenwood TS2000's are popular with some people, but I briefly owned one and wasn' t impressed with it on either 2m or HF.

Whatever route you go just don't expect 2m weak signal to be wall to wall action like you can get on HF. You need good coax and a good antenna that is horizontal. It will work best if you can get the antenna above the top of your house ideally 35 or 40 foot.

For antennas watch for something like an M2 12m2 or Cushcraft 13b2. Both of those pop up an hamfests for reasonable prices.