[NLRS] northern lights radio society or contest society - response

[froemke@attglobal.net]

It's hard to not agree with what's been said on this interesting thread. Let
me add that while touring the country this past year I've noticed that in
many areas it's common practice to call CQ on the calling frequency and then
QSY once you make a contact. While the 2 meter SSB calling frequency is well
known, QSY frequencies are different (as you would expect without any
coordination). Perhaps it would help simulate random contacts (i.e.,
activity) if more of us were to monitor the calling frequency for signs of
activity AND encourage a frequently used NLRS QSY frequency. This would
enable us to check only two frequencies for signs of activity. Many rigs
provide for the monitoring of two frequencies without manual operation.
(This is not a proposal for more regimentation. Rather, it's just a
suggestion for more operating efficiency.)

I notice that by setting my DSP controls correctly I can eliminate most of
the background noise and yet the SSB voices seem to pop out of the noise
level. This seems to keep the XYL happy while monitoring for signs of
intelligent life. Now if we could just have a time "window" for activity;
perhaps 9-10 PM?

So, perhaps we can address one of the concerns that VHF newbies have:
"There's no one around to talk to when using SSB simplex versus FM repeater
operation".

Thanks to Mark for starting this thread.

73,   Jim
K0MHC/RV/4
currently camped FM17oj
Williamsburg, VA

"Have you fed a rover today?"