[ILQSO] Rover Freq.

[Jim Funk]

Good points, Craig!  The only station I have worked on 146.52 in the last couple of years was a mobile in the Yukon (when I was mobile in the Yukon) this summer!  It doesn't hurt to monitor there when driving just in case.  But I digress....

Mobiles who work primarily CW may find it easier to get a single antenna to cooperate when operating low in the SSB portions of 20 and 40 meters. I tend to stay down between 7178 and 7198.   Note that there are still emergency nets operating (at last report) on 7188 for Puerto Rican support.  On 20 SSB, I tend to try somewhere around 14.180, though I'll admit I have spent so little time on 20 SSB lately that I am no voice of experience.

There are often mobile nets on 7182 and 14324.  Mobiles who land there (in ILQP) and find it free are likely to be welcomed to "run" for a few minutes.  I'd limit myself to 10 minutes if there are others waiting. You are more likely to get spotted there than if you try to camp on a random frequency.

Mobiles and rovers, don't be bashful about asking stations to spot you.  I noticed that a couple of recent QSO parties now allow self-spotting.  We haven't gone there yet, but that may be in the works.  The idea is to keep everyone busy and happy.  It's not like we are giving away something of monetary value.  My own preference for spotting is still W6RK at  ch.w6rk.com   Or use DX Summit, but I think W6RK will get more county hunters calling you.

I operated from a state park in MO yesterday morning in the Parks on the Air program.  My results were pretty good on CW, working a lot of the "usual suspects".  However, when I went to 40 SSB, I was just floored by the number of stations coming out of the woodwork, most of whose calls were completely unfamiliar to me! That band was just a bottomless pit of callers.  I think I also recruited a Wabash County station who was unaware of ILQP. We'll see if he shows up on the 22nd.  

It's time to be urging all of your casual acquaintances in the ham community to get on the air on the 22nd.

73, Jim N9JF



-----Original Message-----
From: ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:ilqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Craig Thompson
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2017 11:13 AM
To: Illinois QSO Party <ilqso at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [ILQSO] Rover Freq.

I will listen on 146.55. However, the ARRL was the body that had frowned on
146.52 for contesting. Since VHF activity has been way down, they have removed that caveat from their contesting rules. I am glad that their might be any activity at all on 2m! The general 2m population that might be on simplex though, may respond to a CQ on 52.

SSB has issues with holding a frequency compared to CW. Like Jim said, find an open frequency. However, if you are mobile, it is tough to follow you when you could be any where! The 40m and 80m bands have nets and groups that meet everywhere and will run you off if they can. The earlier you get to 40m it will be more local. However, the band will go long and you will start hearing and working stations far away.....not that that is bad. Jim suggested getting to 75m soon also and you may try to place yourself between 3800 and 3850. The trouble will be how quickly the frequency will be taken when you leave.

Good luck to all!

73, Craig K9CT
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