[VHFcontesting] 2 meters

[Herb Krumich]

I would like to throw this around and see what others might feel about my idea.
As everyone knows, our six meter band is segmented and we know exactly what mode to use and where. The last several years have been very effective when we go below 50.100 to do CW, and move up to do digital near 50.260. All SSB contacts are between 50.127 and 50.180, unless the band is open. EME is done around 50.200
Now lets talk about two meters. Most SSB activity is from 144.170 through 144.230. Rovers hang out a bit higher.
This past contest, there was quite a mix up in the lower area. Stations trying to do scatter while others were trying to do EME. It can't work. The sequences are totally different and you can't work both modes in the same area. 
Most digital EME is between 144.110 and 144.130. I totally suggest using that area for EME and from 144.135 to 155 for scatter FSK. Everyone will be in the same sequence, and contacts will be made QRM free. On FSK stations to the east always transmit second, so you would have no QRM from other local stations.
As for CW. I am told by some that it's an old mode no longer used.
I don't buy it. If we would all go to the same area, your grid totals would swell. We have below 100 on two meters to enjoy some nice long distant contacts. It's being done on six meters, why not two meters. I suggest 144.080 to 144.100 to do battle. No SSB splatter and plenty of filters on our radios to make some great contacts.
If a plan is gotten, I believe our enjoyment of the two meter band will be doubled
Let's throw it up in the air. 
Herb K2LNS
Stn mgr for the WA2FGK station