[NLRS] Question on use of 144.200

[Bruce Richardson]

W9FZ weighs in:

If there is any undesired state with 144.200, I see it as two-fold:
1. Casual operators ONLY show up there thinking that's the only place to
find contacts
2. "Some" big-gun operators in certain parts of the country sit on 144.200
for the entire contest CQ'ing their lungs out. When challenged, they cite
"it's a contest and it's the only place I find new contacts".

>From my perception as a Rover in the Upper Midwest over the past 15 years,
I think we actually have a pretty good situation here.  Most of this
goodness comes from friendliness and education both fostered by healthy
organizations like NLRS, BC'ers, and CVVHF.  (Jon, there's yet another
benefit of clubs)

In this region, through education, fixed stations encouraged Rovers to get
off of .200 and up the band.  Further, local big-gun stations (W0UC comes
to mind) led the way off of .200.  My sense was that Paul may have
preferred to camp out on .200 but recognized that with big-gun status comes
responsibility to lead the way on behaviors (ie big-guns OFF of .200).
While maybe not perfect in the Twin Cities, it's my sense that most
stations take reasonable turns on .200 trolling for activity.  I suspect
they tune around some AND monitor the .200 activity ready to pounce.

I recall roving in Arkansas one year.  ALL activity was on .200.  Mostly
because of its sparseness.  As a Rover, I CQ'd my lungs out up the band on
my (somewhat) advertised frequency.

I ask our regional big-gun stations to continue to lead the way off of
.200.  Please pre-advertise freq's 7 Khz or more away from .200.  Sure,
your rate may drop some, but it will help us educate the casual opertor to
tune around. Rovers, continue to pre-advertise freqs up and down the band.
Stations in the noisy cities will hear your weak signal MUCH better.  I
don't buy the "it's the only freq on which people hear me" (from a Rover).
I think it means the Rover did not advertise his rove well enough.

Thoughts?  On the state of affairs in our region?  or on undesired states
vs. desired states on 144.200?

73
Bruce Richardson W9FZ