1.25 Meters: Full Details

Amateur use of VHF and UHF allocations exploded in the late 1960s and early 1970s as repeaters started going on the air. Repeater use sparked a huge interest in the 2 meter and 70 centimeter (420–450 MHz) bands, however this interest never fully found its way into the 1.25 meter band. Many amateurs attribute this to the fact that there was an abundance of commercial radio equipment designed for 136–174 MHz and 450–512 MHz that amateurs could easily modify for use on 2 meters and 70 centimeters. There were no commercial frequency allocations near the 1.25 meter band, therefore there was no commercial radio equipment available. This meant that amateurs who wanted to experiment with the 1.25 meter band had to do so by building their own receivers and transmitters for the band or by buying one of the few radios available from amateur radio equipment manufacturers.

Further, since the band is allocated only in ITU Region 2, the major equipment manufacturers (Kenwood, Yaesu and Icom), for the most part, do not often offer transceiver models which cover the frequency range. (see Novice Licensees Get Privileges). This helps to continue the lack of usage of the 1.25 meter band, though the equipment manufacturers argue that when they have produced equipment, it hasn't sold well as compared to other products. In recent years, Kenwood and Yaesu have both included the 1.25 meter band in some of their multi-band handheld transceivers. The Kenwood TH-F6A, the Yaesu VX-6R & VX-7R include coverage of the 1.25 meter band in addition to the more popular 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands. It is widely believed that these are two of the most popular handhelds available right now. The only 1.25 meter non-handheld widely available new today is offered by Alinco, another Japanese manufacturer. The Alinco 235T, a 25-watt FM-only radio intended primarily for mobile use, is quite popular. In the few regional pockets of heavy 1.25 meter activity, the 235T is the radio of choice.