[VHFcontesting] Banning The Use Of 144.200 MHz During Contests

[wbr/wf4r]

I don't often have much to say, but this seems to be a very troubling issue.

 Sometimes when conditions are poor or very poor it seems that this may be
the only place you can hear anyone at all.  Especially if you're in the
boondocks.  When condx are poor it is sort of a safe haven to call cq and
expect to hear someone you have not worked.  If you're one of the "big guns"
there is no need to tie up 144.200 people will hear you when tuning.  Not
every station tunes the band to cull contacts because they have a big enough
station that others seek them and hear them well.  I personally like to stay
away from the calling frequency because sometimes you can get tied up there
longer than you'd like and before you know it someone complains that you're
tying up the calling frequency.
     I don't believe that there is any way to keep people from tying up the
calling frequency during a contest other than disallowing it all together.
So, to make it "fair" for everyone the calling frequency could easily be off
limits to all during a contest.  But what if you're not interested in the
contest?  Does that mean that someone not in the contest could not call cq
on the calling frequency?  And if they're not in the contest how do you keep
a contester from answering and counting them as a point?  One does not need
to specify what frequency was used to make the contact.  Maybe one could
answer a call on the calling frequency but be required to make the required
exchange on another frequency.(?)  There is no provision in Cabrillo format
to state what specific frequency was being used.
    I suppose as time goes by, contesters would get used to not using the
calling frequency much like ignoring 146.52 because of it being the national
calling frequency on fm.  But really, how many VHF contesters utilize the FM
mode?  I dare say not many.  So it would be a little difficult at first to
get used to.  But then, how close can one get to 144.200 and still not be on
the "calling frequency"  If you're more that 100 Hz off frequency it's very
difficult to understand someone on SSB.  Would guard bands need to be in
place? + /- 5 KHz?
    What? don't tell me, I'm guessing that we have another "Pandora's Box"
situation here?  73, Bill, WF4R

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Worsham" <wa4kxy at bellsouth.net>
To: "'Svhfs at Svhfs.Org'" <svhfs at svhfs.org>; <fourlanders at contesting.com>;
<vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:07 AM
Subject: [VHFcontesting] Banning The Use Of 144.200 MHz During Contests


> Hello everyone.  I am the Southeastern Division representative to the
> recently formed VHF UHF Advisory Committee (VUAC).  The VUAC was formed to
> provide a resource of experienced VHF/UHF/Microwave hams to advise on
> VHF/UHF/Microwave contesting and related matters.  The VUAC has received
> it's first assignment which I have copied below verbatim:
>
> Is there a rationale to change the VHF/UHF contest rules to not allow the
> use of 144.200 (the 2 meter SSB calling frequency) during ARRL contests?
>
>    A.  Is there sufficient reason for change?
>    B.  If not a rules change...is there adequate motivation to take other
> action?  Such as
>         a FAQ page on using calling frequencies during contests, or the
> creation of a page on
>         "Best Practices" for contest operation on the two meter calling
> frequency.
>
> What I am looking for are rational arguments for or against the question.
I
> am not looking for long diatribes about the evils of the ARRL or whatever
> your pet peeve is.  This is not really my preferred method for getting
input
> on something like this but I couldn't think of any other way to get a
quick
> snapshot of what my constituents think about this.  I am mostly interested
> in input from folks in the Southeastern Division (Florida, Georgia and
> Alabama).  I encourage everyone else to contact their representative on
the
> VUAC and let them know what you think.  There is no need to tie up the
> reflector with this so please respond directly to me.  Thanks.
>
> 73
> Jim, W4KXY
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> VHFcontesting mailing list
> VHFcontesting at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting
>