[VHFcontesting] [VHF] Use of 146.52 Simplex allowed in ARRL Contests

[Les Rayburn]

Dale,

That's a valid concern. In Alabama, we have a group of FM DX'ers who 
enjoy communicating over long distances on simplex. They use high power, 
large antenna arrays, etc. Here they use frequencies other than 146.520 
to conduct statewide nets, ragchew, and DX.

Occasionally, you'll find these operators monitoring 146.520, as their 
nets are confined to Sunday nights. But I've never heard them be 
anything other than kind, courteous, and professional.

During past contests, I've often checked into the simplex net, and asked 
net control to allow me to make contest contacts immediately after the 
net. These exchanges have always put a few new contacts, and sometimes a 
new grid into the log.

In metro areas like Chicago, it may be a bigger issue, but 146.520 is a 
ghost town compared to years gone by. I travel around the US 
extensively, and operate simplex often. Even with a 60 watt mobile rig, 
it can be difficult to raise anyone, especially outside "drive times".

I think the main responsibility lies with operators trying to initiate 
contest contacts, as Dale suggested. Be brief, and don't monopolize the 
frequency with endless CQ's. Fingers crossed that we don't hear of any 
problems come the January event.

Or as Steely Dan put it  best, "FM-No static at all...."


--
73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf

6M VUCC #1712
AMSAT #38965
Grid Bandits #222
Southeastern VHF Society
Central States VHF Society Life Member
Six Club #2484

Active on 6 Meters thru 1296


On 10/30/2015 9:46 AM, Dale wrote:
>
> Les,
>
>
> To be honest, I cringed when I saw that announcement.  Yeah, I know 
> that .52 goes unused during contests, and I have been glad for that.  
> A major reason for my saying this is that back in pre-historic times 
> (1970s and '80s), I lived and operated in the Chicago suburban area.  
> I really did not do contests then, except for Field Day with the local 
> club.
>
>
> Contesting on '52 is OK as long as everyone keeps a level head, keeps 
> the contacts short, and goes to other simplex freqs to find more 
> contacts.  The problem around the Chicago area was that there were a 
> few, very few (but that's all it takes) lids who would get on '52 and 
> fire up their high power amps, calling CQ to rag chew and not contest, 
> thus blocking the frequency for a 50 mile radius (or more) and killing 
> contest contacts.  That went away as soon as the "no contesting" rule 
> went into effect.
>
>
> So, maybe the lids have moved on or become SKs by now, but let us hope 
> that such antics do not return.
>
>
> 73, Dale
>
> WA9ENA
>
> EN-42
>
>

-- 
--
73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf

6M VUCC #1712
AMSAT #38965
Grid Bandits #222
Southeastern VHF Society
Central States VHF Society Life Member
Six Club #2484

Active on 6 Meters thru 1296