[Wswss] PNWVHFS's K7BWH Proposal FM Contest Frequencies in PNW

[n6ze at aol.com]

To users of the Western States Weak Signal VHF reflector.

Do you have any comments on K7BWH's (PNWVHFS) Proposal?

bt73Pete, N6ZE in DM04ne today.

The ARRL January VHF Contest on Jan 19-21 includes a new “FM Only” category. I’d like to hear suggestions and find agreement on Pacific Northwest recommended FM simplex frequencies, which in turn I can publish on the PNWVHFS website.
 
Here’s a suggested starting point, for which I’d like your comments:
·         52.525 MHz FM
·         146.58 MHz FM
·         223.500 MHz FM
·         446.000 MHz FM
·         1296.2 MHz FM (Note the FM Only contest category is limited to 6m-446 MHz)
 
Any significant objections? 
 
To keep it simple, I want to recommend just one frequency on each band. 
 
These frequencies listed above are generally the National Calling Frequency, with the understanding that if you get some contacts you’ll promptly move up or down. Remember, with the FM capture effect, you’ll only hear the strongest signal and may not know if a weak signal is calling too, without moving off the NCF. 
 
The National Calling frequencies are chosen with the goal of attracting as many people with conventional FM gear as possible; although there may be technical advantages in choosing other frequencies that are closer to SSB in order accommodate high-gain antennas, we really want to expand participation to as large a group as we can.
 
In the PNW, we generally use 20 kHz spacing on 2-meters, so I wouldn’t suggest 146.55.
 
If you’re an over-achiever, you can always set your rig to scan the main simplex range. On 2-meters that would be 146.40 – 146.58. And then the real OCD ops can also scan other FM simplex ranges of 144.90-145.10 and  147.42 – 147.57.  <grin>
 
For greatest chance of success during the contest, remember to pick up the mic and call CQ from time to time. And, in advance, mention the new FM category to everyone in your club meetings and local ragchew nets to recruit the hordes of operators with dual-band FM rigs. An operator in a metro area could land a really good score in this new category with just a Tri-band HT and top floor apartment or good hilltop.
 
Of course, these frequencies are suggestions, not rules. A recognized local “watering hole” will benefit everyone.
 
Thanks in advance for your comments!
Barry K7BWH
PNWVHFS Webmaster & WWA Director
Cell 425-503-5548
barry at k7bwh.com  







The National Calling frequencies are chosen with the goal of attracting as many people with conventional FM gear as possible; although there may be technical advantages in choosing other frequencies that are closer to SSB in order accommodate high-gain antennas, we really want to expand participation to as large a group as we can.
 
In the PNW, we generally use 20 kHz spacing on 2-meters, so I wouldn’t suggest 146.55.
 
If you’re an over-achiever, you can always set your rig to scan the main simplex range. On 2-meters that would be 146.40 – 146.58. And then the real OCD ops can also scan other FM simplex ranges of 144.90-145.10 and  147.42 – 147.57.  <grin>
 
For greatest chance of success during the contest, remember to pick up the mic and call CQ from time to time. And, in advance, mention the new FM category to everyone in your club meetings and local ragchew nets to recruit the hordes of operators with dual-band FM rigs. An operator in a metro area could land a really good score in this new category with just a Tri-band HT and top floor apartment or good hilltop.
 
Of course, these frequencies are suggestions, not rules. A recognized local “watering hole” will benefit everyone.
 
Thanks in advance for your comments!
Barry K7BWH
PNWVHFS Webmaster & WWA Director
Cell 425-503-5548
barry at k7bwh.com