[NLRS] A newbie needs advice -- who can help?

[Richard Clem]

Hi, David and Christopher

It sounds like you will be big guns compared to me, since I usually just hand
out a few contacts with my QRP rig and very marginal antennas (unless 6 is
open, in which case the QRP and marginal antennas seem to work well).

There is CW activity.  If you can't raise a station who is calling in SSB,
feel free to just call them using CW, and more often than not, they'll come
back to you.


>>>>know that we can't get contest points on the repeater, but can we 
"drum up
business" on the repeater? <<<<<

I knew that was in the rules somewhere, but I had to do some digging on the
ARRL website to find it.  You're not allowed to use repeaters (including
repeater frequencies, so no transmitting on the output) or 146.52 to make
contacts, or solicit contacts.  It's in the general rules for VHF contests:

1.7.Retransmitting either or both stations, or use of repeater frequencies, is
not permitted. 

1.7.1.This prohibits use of all repeater frequencies. 

1.7.2.Contest entrants may not transmit on repeaters or repeater frequencies
for the purpose of soliciting contacts. 

1.8.Use of the national simplex frequency, 146.52 MHz, or immediately adjacent
guard frequencies, is prohibited. 

1.8.1.Contest entrants may not transmit on 146.52 for the purpose of making or
soliciting QSOs. 


http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/rules-vhf.html

In this area, the most popular frequency for simplex is 146.55, and there is
also activity on 146.46.  I usually put out a call on those frequencies and
make a few contacts.  There will also be some activity on 446.0 and 223.5.  I
don't think I have ever made a contact on 52.525, but I'm told that's the
national simplex frequency for 6 meter FM.

Have fun!  I doubt if I'll work you, but if I hear you, I'll probably come
back in CW!

73,
Rick W0IS