[VHFcontesting] calling freq

[Rick R]

The calling frequency is best used when there is NOT a contest activity, and 
there are few stations on the air, allowing the calling frequency to be 
monitored for someone seeking a QSO.

Admittedly, I have operated largely on the East Coast for 45 years. During 
contests, the larger stations always seem to spread out from 144.150 to 
144.250. If all the big guns sit on 144.200, even if they are 100-200 miles 
apart, the little guy can rarely be heard thru the QRM on that frequency.

On Tues night's sprint, some of the "big guns" were well spread out--K3TUF 
was down around 144.170, Dave K2??(I forgot his call) was around 144.190WZ1V 
was somewhere near 144.195, K1TEO was about 144.205, I was around 144.213 
(OK, not really a big gun-300W 15 el), and K1WHS was around 144.215.