I'm excited about the new "FM Only" category that is scheduled to debut in this January's VHF Sweepstakes Contest. I hope that other weak-signal VHF operators are also looking forward to this develop
For most of us, it may mean adding a higher gain vertically polarized antenna, more power on FM, etc. My only concern is that it may be difficult for newcomers to "find" weak signal operators who are
Years ago a few of us in the greater Houston area were trying to get newbies into contesting VIA FM. Because the contesting structure / community didn't whole heartily support it it died. Here was ou
Modern V/U FM rigs have enough memories and selective scan modes that allow one to program in a cadre of locally active (or potentially active from afar) frequencies and place them on continuous scan
I like the idea of the FM-only category... it won't make a huge difference in activity but it opens up the contest for people that don't have limited vhf stations. But here's what happens next (based
There seems to be so little activity on FM simplex and on VHF FM anyway, I personally would just call on the calling frequency and not worry about it too much. I believe the argument you presented ho
The contest rules explicitly state that you cannot use the national simplex calling frequencies. I think it's a dumb rule, but it is a rule. 73, Paul, N8HM ___________________________________________
I have to admit I haven't read the rules. It sounds pretty short sighted to me as well. Would that be 146,520,001 Hz that I am calling on? ;) The contest rules explicitly state that you cannot use th
True but it depends on what the contest sponsor puts in their rules. The ARRL always says that "146.52" is not allowed in their contests. John Taylor,K0QH PB #174 SLQS 4SQRP www.stgdxcc.webs.com Ther
One minor modification to Paul's statement. The rules only prohibit contest QSOs on ONE national calling frequency (and adjacent frequencies): 146.52 MHz. Contacts on other national calling frequenci
Author: Keith Morehouse <w9rm@calmesapartners.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:11:08 -0600
I believe the "52" rule was written to get "buy in" from the FM crowd back when that mode was popular. There had been many complaints about certain contest stations monopolizing the calling frequency
Totally agree ... and with some mono band radios being inexpensive enough you could almost buy one and set it up strictly for FM contesting. Until a year ago my job kept me on the road almost as much
Seriously ... 30 kHz spacing ... that is kind of antiquated isn't it? Actually I think that is probably written as an example and not saying that those are the only frequencies you can use. And what
I have had numerous occasions when I ask a 'New Ham' to QSY to .52 Simplex to explain things, etc... rather than tie up the local Rptr.. and get 'What is That ?' in response ! I have Rx e-mails and t
That is correct, 146.52 was set aside at a time when it tended to be very active daily in order to 'protect' the activity there. Time to remove the prohibition on .52 along with the requirement to on
I have mixed opinions about .52, I office out of the house and I use to leave an old radio that didn't have a tone board on a separate antenna on .52 on just to monitor for a calling station when in
Similar thing going on in West Central IL. I no longer monitor 52 because of that. John Taylor,K0QH PB #174 SLQS 4SQRP www.stgdxcc.webs.com I have mixed opinions about .52, I office out of the house
Happens on 50.125 and 144.200 'All the Time' as well Mike ! Like I said.. 'Common Sense..or I guess the 'Gentleman's Agreement' come into Play Now ! But we sorrta Teach 'Neither' ! Would a 'Newbie' (
Here in Badger Contesters-land (WI/IL) we tend to use 146.55 and 146.58 the most. We steer new folks to those freqs to get started. I suppose 146.49 and 146.46 would be the next two to offer. And I'v
We use 146.46 n 146.42 almost regularly in mid EN43, and some of the guys have decent beams vertical, but nada horizontal, a couple have both. I try to mine 2m FM in the tests, but rarely get a bite.