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

[Ernie]

If every group has a calling frequency, where do we work? That is what 
it is about. If there was one calling frequency on the band that 
everyone observed, that's one thing, but to have every little group 
keeping a calling frequency is another. Then we have to worry about 
stepping on someone's toes because they want to listen to a silent 
radio. How about just calling it "Fists - center of activity", instead 
of insisting that it is Fists private calling frequency. The private 
club calling frequency goes against standard amateur practice, doesn't it?

It is starting to sound like the old net wars on 20 &75 meter phone, and 
the reminders from the FCC that even the nets didn't own the 
frequencies. "You can't talk on here, I'm waiting for a net to start". 
How many times did Riley say in his speeches, ".... you have a knob on 
your radio, turn it."

Move around on the band, maybe it will give you a better outlook. :-)

Ernie


David Ring wrote:
> Paul,
>
> I might agree with you - but your thoughts are the official FISTS
> thoughts on the matter.  FISTS clearly lists the frequencies as
> calling frequencies and there have been requests made for years and
> years by Geo G3ZQS - founder of FISTS - and others for the members to
> use them as calling frequencies and not working frequencies.
>
> Never the less - no matter what you thing as it is not a matter of
> opiinion.  The benefits of a calling frequency are all but completely
> lost when a station uses the calling frequency as a working frequency
> - not to mention that someone else in another part of the world might
> use it to call someone and cause QRM.  But QRM on a calling frequency
> is usual.
>
> It does NOT help when FISTS has been trying to educate their members
> for 20 years or so when members say "go right ahead and talk on the
> calling frequency."
>
> Shift off the calling frequency after making a contact.  Either that
> or convince the FISTS powers that be to change their stand on the
> matter.  They want a calling frequency not a working frequency.  They
> want it to be kept clear of conversation, just calling and replying.
>
> It really works very well - which is why Geo G3ZQS kept banging the
> drum for it.  Try it.  It is a fabulous system that works very well.
>
> I've had people call me blind on that frequency and I've answered them
> within 30 seconds because I leave several FISTS calling frequencies in
> the loudspeakers.
>
> FISTS officially wants it this way and has been trying to educate
> members to use it this way for about 20 years or however long FISTS
> has been around.
>
> 73
>
> David N1EA
>