The 50-54 MHz band is one of those quirky things that will let you talk to other states and countries only when particular conditions occur. It has to do with ionisation of certain layers of the atmosphere.dxermouse wrote:I think I want to try and communicate with people in say USA and Europe would I need 50mhz for that what is so special about 50 to 54 mhz that requires a different license?
One reason that band is different for each licence type is the same reason some other bands are different. If they gave everything to the basic level amateurs then nobody would bother attaining a higher level.
Also, some amateur bands are shared with other radio services so it's assumed you need more experience to deal with the issues involved. If you download the PDF document at the very bottom of this page it tells you what bands are available and what ham licence you need to use them. You can more or less assume that the lower the frequency, the further you are likely to go overseas. The lower frequencies are at the start of the document and they progress as you read on.
There's also another document which tells you what types of transmission each licence is allow to use (eg digital modes, computer controlled modes, automatic stations, beacons, repeaters etc)
Getting back to 50 MHz, the VX7 and VX8 series handhelds aren't going to get you distance contacts. The just don't have the power or a suitable antenna, plus they don't do SSB which is what your more likely to make a contact with.
Of course there are always exceptions with the right conditions and when people set their mind to it.