[VHFcontesting] New Blood

[Howard Payne]

VHF/UHF New Blood!

I was a HF addict for many years. Ah the thrill of the chase and 80 was my favorite band. Big antennas and power why? In the fall and winter the bands were quite enough to work the world. In the evening work east, NE, and SE. In the morning work west, NW and SW. The south could be worked in the morning and evening.

Then I got into vhf. At first 2, then six and with the ts-2000 coming 432 will be up soon. Just like HF there are band plans for vhf and uhf. Then there are contests... My question is where in the heck is everyone that works these uhf and vhf bands? 

Most evenings I run 125 watts on 6 with a 7 el M2 at 60 feet and call cq on cw for ½ to 1 hour on the calling frequency 50.125. I am lucky if I get 1 response. Sometimes I switch to 2 meters and repeat the same thing on the calling frequency 144.200 again I am lucky if I get a response with the 19 element M2 at 70 feet and 100 watts. I spend approximately 8 hours a week on vhf and don't average 8 QSO'S for my efforts. When I'm not calling cq I am still monitoring the calling frequencies. 

I can get on HF and work the world or at least think I am trying to work the world. Why? There is plenty of activity on the HF bands. HAMS OPERATORS GET ON THE HF BANDS AND CALL CQ IN AN EFFORT TO WORK ANOTHER HAM. Should you want to increase the activity on the frequencies above 30 MC get on the radio and work others with the same interests. When a newcomer gets on the band they will hear activity and possibly work some one instead of finding a "dead band".

Regards,

Hal 

W4np EM 96ln.