[NLRS] Suggestions for FM Simplex Frequencies -Single Op FM Only

[Doug Reed]

I agree that 52.525, 223.5, and 446.0 are the best options for those
bands. They may be the only nationally available simplex frequencies on
those bands. Being able to slip 25KHz down from 52.525 might be useful 
if the band is open but it is unlikely to make any difference on the 
other bands.

On 2M, the majority of our metro-local activity was always on 146.550
and 146.580 simplex. The other simplex frequencies below 146.520 
(146.430, 146.460, 146.490 and splinters) get much less traffic. I'm not 
sure if I ever heard ANY contest FM activity in the 147 simplex range. 
Lets leave the 147 simplex frequencies available for the people who want 
to get away from contests.... (146.480 is NOT a standard 2M frequency.)

My main suggestion would be to stay on 30KHz channels and don't use the
15KHz splinters because most radios will have too much bleed from
adjacent channel users. I'd just say here is the list of available 
simplex frequencies, choose from them whatever the local option is. 
We're not talking a real big list.

Beyond suggesting use of the 30KHz channels, the only other option would 
be if you wanted to get creative by using a different frequency for each 
of the regions in the state. i.e. If I'm trying to talk to the metro 
region, I use one frequency, if I'm trying to talk to the SE region, I 
use a different frequency. This may or may not help you hear outside 
your region and contact them. Things can get a little busy, even on FM.

Regarding 446 simplex frequencies, you need to be careful up there 
because repeater link frequencies start on either side of the 446.000 
simplex frequency. That is why MRC limited themselves to just the few 
splinter channels. On a practical basis, chances are REAL good that you 
are not going to get any 446 FM contacts over 50 miles away, even 30 
miles could be pushing it. You might have a killer station but the guy 
at the other end does not.... On that basis I would suggest you are 
further ahead to keep people congregated on 446.000 only.

Regarding 223MHz packet radio, I'm not aware of anyone around the state 
who is using packet in the band. There might be some, but I've never 
heard of them. I would bet that nobody would complain if you started 
using the frequency for voice. It can always be your "local option" 
because the ARRL bandplan is guideline, not law....

On the other hand, I would highly recommend that you stay on the 
recognized national simplex calling frequencies of 223.500 and 
446.000MHz simply because you want the best possible chance of hearing 
someone else. If you are calling CQ on the adjacent splinter channel, 
nobody is going to know because they are on 223.500 or 446.000. 
Especially on 446.000 because that is the ONLY nationally recognized 
simplex frequency in the band.

Just from an operators perspective, I found I preferred working the 
contests on FM rather than SSB. Mainly because there were only a few 
frequencies to listen to, the voices were usually clear (if not always 
strong), and I could just listen while Art KB0LYL trolled for contacts 
and I could tail-end on his QSO. :-) Most contacts started on 2M then 
went to 446 and possibly to other bands if you were lucky. A new 
callsign would usually generate a flurry of activity, then it would get 
quiet again. Reasonably restful..... Of course I wasn't trying to WIN 
anything.

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.

w0zq at aol.com wrote:
>
>
>
> Hello NLRS land -
>
> As you are aware the ARRL has added the Single Operator Three Band
> and FM-Only operating categories to the January, June, and September
> VHF contests.  Regarding the FM-Only operating category the League is
> seeking input via their VUAC members as to suggested FM simplex
> frequencies.