[600MRG] WAS Emergency Traffic on 630m NOW: I dunno - general complaining about the state of MF and LF???

[William Cromwell]

Hi Ken,

In reading the exploits of *really* OLD timers and talking to a few of 
them in nursing homes (many moons ago) 160 meter mobile AM filled the 
role that VHF-FM repeaters somewhat fill now. I haven't been on VHF-FM 
repeaters for long time - partly because there are none in my immediate 
area and we have some hills. The traffic on VHF-FM has rather 
deteriorated too.

**'really old timers' are ALL silent keys long ago. Otherwise not old 
enough to qualify:)

73,

Bill KU8H

bark less - wag more

On 12/1/21 12:36 AM, Kenneth G. Gordon wrote:
> On 30 Nov 2021 at 23:07, William Cromwell wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> QMN, The Michigan Traffic Net has occasionally moved to 160 meters as
>> propagation dictated. QMN claims to be the oldest CW traffic net still
>> on the air. 18:30 and 22:00 Eastern time weeknights on 3563 kHz +/- QRM.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Bill  KU8H
> I have tried for several years to get my CW net traffic-handling buddies to use 160 meters,
> and at one time had three of them, out of at least 50 hams, who did use it when 80 meters
> failed.
>
> When we did use it, in most cases, if we couldn't hear one another on 80, we were well over
> S-9 on 160 meters....not always, mind you, but very often.
>
> Many of the others told me that the antenna issues were their main stumbling block.
>
> I kept telling them that it wasn't all that hard. If they had an 80 meter antenna, then they also
> had an acceptable 160 meter one.....but most wouldn't even try.
>
> I still mention it whenever I have the opportunity.
>
> I still maintain that 600 meters would be ideal for EMCOMMS at particular times and
> conditions.
>
> Ken W7EKB