Topband: Proposal: Off-Frequency CQ Calling on 160 m

[Mpridesti]

Funny how the new ops think in terms of channelized frequencies (like the CB guys)!

Regards,

Mark, K1RX


> On Nov 21, 2025, at 2:49 AM, Frank W3LPL <donovanf at starpower.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi Jim,
> 
> I'm one of the the W3AO Field Day 20 meter SSB operators. Of course
> I use your tried and true method to find a clear frequency, but some
> newbie operators occasionally call me to complain that I'm transmitting 
> off frequency...
> 
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "K9YC" <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com>
> To: "topband" <topband at contesting.com>
> Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2025 10:07:50 PM
> Subject: Re: Topband: Proposal: Off-Frequency CQ Calling on 160 m
> 
>> On 11/20/2025 8:07 PM, Karel Matousek wrote:
>> I would like to make a small suggestion regarding CQ calling practices 
>> on 160 meters. Many stations tend to call CQ exactly on whole-number 
>> frequencies, such as 1812.0 kHz, 1822.0 kHz,
> 
> Hi Karel,
> 
> Only running on round number frequencies seems crazy to me. In my 68 
> years of contesting, I've NEVER done that intentionally. Rather, I 
> ALWAYS find an operating frequency by probing for open spots between 
> whatever stations I can hear.
> 
> The only time I set my rig to a round number frequency is to work one of 
> the WSJT modes, but I'm never transmitting on that frequency, but rather 
> at some offset above that frequency that looks open.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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