[NLRS] 144.200

[Ken Boston]

Due to proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago, almost all my 2 meter QSOs
are made on spots other than 144.200.  I do find that in 'slow' periods,
and 200 will have stations present, and some that call CQ, but never
endlessly.  I have at times, gone to .200 only to hear 3 or 4 stations
all at one time either CQing, or QSO ing on top of each other.  Most
depressing is to hear someone like W9RVG in EM57 calling on 200, and
coming in weak into EN53, only to have  or 3 closer in stations, with
obviously smaller antennas, jumping in over the top of the weaker DX,
and making a contact with Marshall all but impossible.  For this reason
alone, even if it seems like no-one is hearing you, operation on 200
will probably lead to lost QSOs for others, but is the price to pay for
weak signal operations, where high gain directional antennas, and long
distances enter into the equation.  I still think it is best to pick a
spot up or down the band to do your CQing, and only check 200 to 'catch'
a new one, then announce your intention to QSY.

Ken W9GA