[VHFcontesting] FM-Only Frequencies?

[Darryl Holman]

On 12/12/2012 8:41 AM, Paul Stoetzer wrote:
 > The contest rules explicitly state that you cannot use the national
 > simplex calling frequencies.

One minor modification to Paul's statement.   The rules only prohibit contest 
QSOs on ONE national calling frequency (and adjacent frequencies): 146.52 MHz. 
  Contacts on other national calling frequencies (52.525, 223.50 and 446.000 
MHz) are specifically allowed.

An additional restriction on 2 meters is that contest QSOs MUST be made on 
_recognized FM simplex frequencies_ other than 146.52.

Here is the relevant section from the ARRL's "General Rules for ARRL Contests on 
bands above 50 MHz (VHF)":

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.8. Use of the national simplex frequency, 146.52 MHz, or immediately adjacent 
guard frequencies, is prohibited.

1.8.1. Contest entrants may not transmit on 146.52 for the purpose of making or 
soliciting QSOs.

1.8.2. The intent of this rule is to protect the national simplex frequency from 
contest monopolization.

1.8.3. There are no restrictions on the use of 52.525, 223.50 or 446.000 MHz.
Participants are, however, encouraged to not monopolize the calling frequencies 
throughout the contest period.

1.9.Only recognized FM simplex frequencies may be used, such as 144.90 to 
145.00; 146.49, .55 and .58, and 147.42, .45, .48, .51, .54 and .57 MHz on the 
2-meter band.

1.9.1.Local-option simplex channels and frequencies adjacent to the above that 
do not violate the intent of the above rules, or the spirit and intent of the 
band plans as recommended in the ARRL Repeater Directory, may be used for 
contest purposes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

  I think it's a dumb rule, but it is a
> rule.
>
> 73,
>
> Paul, N8HM
>
> On Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 11:34 AM, Paul Decker <kg7hf at comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>> There seems to be so little activity on FM simplex and on VHF FM anyway, I personally would just call on the calling frequency and not worry about it too much. I believe the argument you presented holds and it's not against the law.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Bob K0NR - email list <list at k0nr.com>
>> To: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
>> Sent: Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:50:22 -0000 (UTC)
>> Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] FM-Only Frequencies?
>>
>> I like the idea of the FM-only category... it won't make a huge difference in
>> activity
>> but it opens up the contest for people that don't have limited vhf stations.
>>
>> But here's what happens next (based on many actual conversations):
>>
>> Me: Hey, Charlie, there's an FM category in the VHF contests. You should give it
>> a try.
>>
>> Charlie: OK, sounds great. I'll look for you on 146.52 MHz, right?
>>
>> Me: Well, no, you can't use the FM calling frequency for calling in the contest.
>>
>> Charlie: Really? If I was operating SSB, can I use the SSB calling frequency?
>>
>> Me: Well, yes, that is allowed. But for some reason FM is treated differently.
>>
>> Charlie: Wow, that seems dumb.
>>
>> Me: Correct.
>>
>> On Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 6:46 PM, Les Rayburn wrote:
>>
>>> so what frequencies will you be monitoring in your area? For distant
>>> questions, it's really necessary to monitor with the squelch off--meaning
>> _______________________________________________
>> VHFcontesting mailing list
>> VHFcontesting at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting
>> _______________________________________________
>> VHFcontesting mailing list
>> VHFcontesting at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting
> _______________________________________________
> VHFcontesting mailing list
> VHFcontesting at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting
>