[VHFcontesting] Calling Frequency Proposal

[W9SNR - Jim]

IMHO, staying off the calling frequency in a contest is a non-starter.  As a
rover with limited antennas and power, the best way to get attention is to
call CQ on or near the calling frequency, with one twist.  I now use CW
almost exclusively.  I notice several other veteran ops in the Midwest have
also been doing this, some for a long time.

I propose that CW be used for all CQ calls within +/- 5 kHz of the calling
frequency on 2M thru 70 cm.  (I’m not including 6M because I’m not a big 6M
operator).  This would allow many more stations to call CQ near the calling
frequency with much less interference then we have today.  I don’t see so
much problem with answering a strong CW CQ on SSB, so long as both operators
"instantly" move off to another frequency.

Those without CW capability could use 144.205 and .105 on 222 and 432 as the
SSB "calling frequency".  Digital mode CQ's could be in the within +/- 5 kHz
of the calling frequency if their bandwidth is comparable to, say 30 WPM CW.

73 - Jim
W9SNR/R