[VHFcontesting] [VHF] FM Contest Frequencies

[Les Rayburn]

Jay,

I'm not trying to make any rule change. Rule 1.9 currently lists ten or 
more suggested simplex channels, and was drafted well before the 
creation of the new "FM Only" category.

I'm simply trying to consolidate that list into two "calling channels", 
with the hope that at least one of them will work nationwide. This 
allows the activity to be concentrated, increases the odds of successful 
contacts, and increases the fun for everyone.

Can you imagine being a newcomer to VHF Contesting? You hear something 
on the local net, or club newsletter about the new "FM Only" category, 
and then you spend all day calling without an answer on ten different 
channels? Frustrating and not likely to be something you repeat.

In some areas (like Alabama) simplex activity is almost entirely on 
146.520. I think it's far better to promote two frequencies, than an 
entire group. K-I-S-S should be the rule when trying to attract newcomers.

Also, I've routinely made early morning contacts on simplex on .52 out 
to 200+ miles. The "local" simplex frequencies that are popular can vary 
quite a bit even in that distance. I think having nationwide watering 
holes makes more sense than simply "scanning" ten + channels.

I've got to program my FM rig to scan the simplex channels on a 
time-based basis (rather than looking for a broken squelch) as I expect 
many signals to be too weak to break squelch.

I'm going to encourage local ARES and CERT groups to mobilize their 
membership and use this as an opportunity to test out their simplex 
capabilities.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF




On 12/13/2012 6:47 PM, Keith Morehouse wrote:
> ..and the rules already permit and suggest those freqs.  So, I ask once
> again, you're simply proposing a more targeted 'suggested frequency' rule
> to replace Rule 1.9 in the General rules ?
>
> Jay W9RM
>
> Keith J Morehouse
> Managing Partner
> Calmesa Partners G.P.
> Montrose, CO
>
>
>
> On Thu, Dec 13, 2012 at 6:26 PM, Les Rayburn <les at highnoonfilm.com> wrote:
>
>> It seems clear that everyone agrees that contest activity on 2 Meter FM
>> could be increased by the use of two "watering hole" frequencies that
>> would be promoted for use during VHF/UHF Contests.
>>
>> 146.550
>>
>> 146.580
>>
>> These are both recognized simplex frequencies, and don't appear to
>> conflict with other ham usage. Are there any objections to allowing
>> VHF/UHF hams to begin to promote the use of these frequencies during
>> VHF/UHF Contests?
>>
>> All hams would also be encouraged to promote that contest activity must
>> not occur on the 146.52 National Simplex Frequency.
>>
>> --
>> 73,
>>
>> *Les Rayburn, N1LF*
>> EM63nf
>> 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114
>> 6M VUCC #1712
>> Grid Pirates #222
>> Life Member Central States VHF
>>
>> WPC4LF Popular Communications Monitor ID
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