Jay,
I'm not trying to make any rule change. Rule 1.9 currently lists ten or
more suggested simplex channels, and was drafted well before the
creation of the new "FM Only" category.
I'm simply trying to consolidate that list into two "calling channels",
with the hope that at least one of them will work nationwide. This
allows the activity to be concentrated, increases the odds of successful
contacts, and increases the fun for everyone.
Can you imagine being a newcomer to VHF Contesting? You hear something
on the local net, or club newsletter about the new "FM Only" category,
and then you spend all day calling without an answer on ten different
channels? Frustrating and not likely to be something you repeat.
In some areas (like Alabama) simplex activity is almost entirely on
146.520. I think it's far better to promote two frequencies, than an
entire group. K-I-S-S should be the rule when trying to attract newcomers.
Also, I've routinely made early morning contacts on simplex on .52 out
to 200+ miles. The "local" simplex frequencies that are popular can vary
quite a bit even in that distance. I think having nationwide watering
holes makes more sense than simply "scanning" ten + channels.
I've got to program my FM rig to scan the simplex channels on a
time-based basis (rather than looking for a broken squelch) as I expect
many signals to be too weak to break squelch.
I'm going to encourage local ARES and CERT groups to mobilize their
membership and use this as an opportunity to test out their simplex
capabilities.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
On 12/13/2012 6:47 PM, Keith Morehouse wrote:
..and the rules already permit and suggest those freqs. So, I ask once
again, you're simply proposing a more targeted 'suggested frequency' rule
to replace Rule 1.9 in the General rules ?
Jay W9RM
Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Montrose, CO
On Thu, Dec 13, 2012 at 6:26 PM, Les Rayburn <les@highnoonfilm.com> wrote:
It seems clear that everyone agrees that contest activity on 2 Meter FM
could be increased by the use of two "watering hole" frequencies that
would be promoted for use during VHF/UHF Contests.
146.550
146.580
These are both recognized simplex frequencies, and don't appear to
conflict with other ham usage. Are there any objections to allowing
VHF/UHF hams to begin to promote the use of these frequencies during
VHF/UHF Contests?
All hams would also be encouraged to promote that contest activity must
not occur on the 146.52 National Simplex Frequency.
--
73,
*Les Rayburn, N1LF*
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114
6M VUCC #1712
Grid Pirates #222
Life Member Central States VHF
WPC4LF Popular Communications Monitor ID
------
Submissions: vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu
Subscription/removal requests: vhf-request@w6yx.stanford.edu
Human list administrator: vhf-approval@w6yx.stanford.edu
List rules and information: http://www-w6yx.stanford.edu/vhf/
------
Submissions: vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu
Subscription/removal requests: vhf-request@w6yx.stanford.edu
Human list administrator: vhf-approval@w6yx.stanford.edu
List rules and information: http://www-w6yx.stanford.edu/vhf/
_______________________________________________
VHFcontesting mailing list
VHFcontesting@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting
|