It used to be sitting up all night talking to people on the other side of the world for free was a big deal. Now, here we are.
Yep, it used to be something amazing, but I don't think young people today would consider it anything all that great. We've kinda got into that before in this thread. Of course I can't do that on 2m or 70 cm, but even using repeaters and HTs it's not anything better than what cell phones can do around town with less equipment (no mobile ant. or installation required). In fact it's LESS capable than a cell phone because I can't send pics, take pics or video, send texts, make calendar entries, use a calculator, play a game ... I suppose in some sense a ham HT would work in an emergency, provided the repeater had power of course.
If the repeater had no power an HT theoretically could talk to someone else - if anyone was listening that could do anything to help you. Right.
If there was that kind of emergency, the answer back would probably be something like "We hear you and we'll get to you after we get the power back to the cell towers"
If I go on trips around town what do I make sure not to leave behind - my cell phone or my HT? There's you answer.
But, it's a hobby so I'll press on because I remember when it really was something few people could do any other way. Oh the memories.
Have you tried it on 70cm? Probably works just as well as 2m.
Only receiving. I should have the whole setup working by the end of the week.