[Fists] QSY'ing away from a calling freq.

[David Ring]

Hello Paul,

FISTS has long had a calling frequency - NOT a suggested working
frequency.  Although FISTS cannot enforce the clubs wishes, there are
a long list of editorials and letters written by Geroge, G3ZQS on the
subject.

The calling frequencies are to be used to call and establish a contact
and move off.

Just like the national simplex calling channels on VHF and VHF SSB.
Can and shift off frequency for the conversation.  it is a very good
system when it works.  Hams historically have a great resentment with
calling frequencies even though they work very well.  The FCC gets
complaints about people sitting on the SSB calling frequencies or
146.52 MHz for hours chatting and can do nothing about it though.

However all the good instruction from Geo G3ZQS (now a silent key) and
others has little good effect when there are others saying "just go
ahead and have a QSO on the frequency".

If that is what FISTS wants, then they should change "Calling
Frequencies" to "Suggested Operating Frequencies".  It is clear
historically that FISTS wanted calling frequencies.

You may disagree with that wish, and you may even disregard it without
any penalty, but haiving a QSO on the calling frequencies destroys
their effectiveness.

What people should be getting is familiarity with a sound proceedure
of shifting off frequency.

73

DR

David Ring, N1EA


On Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 2:41 PM, Paul Carreiro, N6EV
<N6EV at montecarloss.com> wrote:
> Sending CC's may delay your post. If you feel that your post needs to go to
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>
>
> At 02:56 AM 8/15/2008, David, N1EA wrote:
>>
>> Even if 14,058.0 isn't active where you are, having a QSO there will
>> annoy those who are monitoring 14,058.0 kHz and cause them to turn off
>> their radios.  (snip)
>
> I'm sure this is a topic on which we'll never obtain consensus.  I do think
> the above line of thinking is a little over the top though.
>
> We're not talking about 500Kc where some important traffic may pop up any
> second.  .058 isn't an active net frequency 24/7.   We have no more right to
> it than anyone else.  QSYing simply moves you to "someone else's frequency"
> because I'm sure no matter where you go, someone has claimed it.  David
> mentions .050, .056 (not .055) and .060 as good examples.  There are many
> more I'm sure.  Every year it seems more frequencies are considered sacred
> ground by individual groups.   It's compounded by encroachments by data and
> voice transmissions as well as the loss of band segments to voice.  It's
> ridiculous that you have to tip-toe your way around the band.  Be respectful
> of established frequencies (especially in the case of QRP) of course...  but
> if it's open, use it.
>
> In my book.. if .058 is clear.. have a QSO there.  If you don't want to
> listen in, QSY or turn the radio off.  If you want to make a call and .058
> is busy, QSY up for down slightly, or (gasp) switch bands.  That's how other
> groups work.  I don't know why some in this group continue to fanatically
> hold .058 sacred.  It's a focal point, but it's not the only frequency you
> can contact a fellow FISTS member.  Spread out for gosh sakes if the
> frequency is in use.  There is no protocol that says you must QSY from .058.
>  Perhaps we should just stop calling it a calling frequency.  That term
> seems to be the root of the confusion and fanaticism.
>
> Just my 2 cents.  I certainly don't expect everyone to agree, and I won't be
> so presumptuous to expect anyone let alone everyone to comply.
>
> Paul  N6EV  #1407