145 alive

If you’re a UK amateur radio operator and you have tuned across the 2m band lately, you may have noticed long stretches of silence. That is exactly what 145 Alive aims to change.

145 Alive is a UK wide amateur radio activity event designed to get people back on the air using 2 metre FM simplex, no repeaters, no competition, just friendly voices and simple contacts. It is run by volunteers through the Facebook group “145 ALIVE Activity Event Group”, which now has thousands of members.

This event has become one of the most enjoyable ways for radio amateurs of all licence levels to meet on air, test their gear, and rediscover the fun of 2 metres.

What’s It All About?

At its heart, 145 Alive is not a contest it’s a community activity day. The goal is to encourage more use of the 145 MHz frequency by giving amateurs a reason to switch on, call CQ, and make local or even long distance simplex contacts.

Each event typically runs for 3 hours, often on a weekend afternoon. The UK is divided into regions, and each region has an assigned frequency along with a Net Controller a volunteer operator who helps manage activity, invites calls, and keep things running smoothly.

You simply tune to your region’s frequency during the event, listen for the Net Controller, and check in. There’s no registration or special setup needed, just your licence, your 2 metre radio, and a bit of enthusiasm.

Why 145 Alive Matters

145 Alive was born out of a simple observation that many licensed amateurs own VHF radios, but few use them for simplex communication. Repeaters are popular, but they don’t show the full potential of 2 metres. By running a national event focused purely on FM simplex, the organisers hoped to prove that the band is far from dead, it’s just waiting to be used.

The benefits are wide-ranging:

  • More activity on 2 metres: Suddenly, the band comes alive with callsigns, chatter, and friendly voices.
  • Accessible to everyone: It is ideal for newly licensed operators who might feel nervous joining formal nets or contests.
  • Hands-on learning: It is a perfect opportunity to experiment with antennas, handhelds, mobile rigs, and portable setups.
  • Social and fun: Whether you are calling from your shack, your car, or the top of a hill, there’s always someone new to meet.

How It Works

Before each event, the organisers publish a list of regional frequencies on the 145 Alive Facebook group. On the day, participants simply call into their local net and exchange greetings, signal reports, and locations.

Because it’s not a contest, there are no points or prizes, just the satisfaction of making contacts and maybe learning a thing or two along the way. Many operators enjoy comparing notes on antenna performance or testing how far their handheld will reach from different spots. Others bring a flask of tea and treat it as a portable day out.

Some operators even report working stations hundreds of miles away when propagation conditions are good. For many, it’s the most fun they’ve had on 2 metres in years.

How to Join In

  1. Check the schedule: Visit the 145 Alive Facebook group to find the next event date and your regional frequency.
  2. Get your gear ready: A handheld, mobile rig, or base station on 145 MHz FM is all you need.
  3. Tune in and say hello: Listen for the Net Controller, wait for a gap, and give your callsign.
  4. Be patient and polite: The bands can get busy, but everyone’s there for the same reason, to have a good time.
  5. Try more than one net: If you can hear activity from another region, why not join in there too?

There’s no need to log contacts unless you want to, though many do, just for the fun of seeing how far they reached.

A Growing National Event

Each round of 145 Alive draws more participants, with clubs and individuals joining from all over the UK. Even the RSGB has supported it, with special 145 Alive nets operating during the RSGB Convention at GB3HQ.

The event has helped create new friendships, revive local VHF activity, and show that you don’t need expensive gear or exotic modes to enjoy amateur radio, just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to call CQ.

Details of the February 2026 event are Here

In Summary

145 Alive is exactly what its name suggests, a celebration of the 145 MHz band, keeping it alive through regular activity, friendly voices, and good-spirited radio fun.

Whether you’re brand new to the hobby or a seasoned operator with decades of experience, 145 Alive offers a chance to reconnect with the joy of local FM, to turn on your rig, call out on simplex, and hear the UK come to life on 2 metres again.