Bob,
Seconding Zack's info...432.100 is the 'official' calling frequency for SSB and
CW 'weak signal' activity in the 420-450 MHz amateur band and most activity
seems to be within 20-25 kHz of there, though I also tune as far as 50 kHz
above and below 'dot 1' (i.e. 432.050 to 432.150). General 'practice' is that
an occasional CQ on the calling frequency is acceptable (as a Rover I almost
always go there first when I get to a new grid) but continued CQs should be
away from there or if you get a 'run' of stations you should move off there
(seems like stations always try for 5 kHz increments, e.g. 432.105, 432.110,
432.115, etc. and below 432.100 is ALSO allowed). Don't forget to listen for
and be ready to go on CW.
For FM, 446.0 MHz is the "National Simplex Frequency" and as I recall you being
in Southern California, there are a lot of repeaters and remote links just
above and below that frequency so it will be difficult to 'move off' of that
frequency if you find a lot of activity, though, I'm not aware of there being a
hotbed of 432 MHz Sprint activity out in Southern California, so you may be
very lonely (and I'd be happy to be proven wrong!) Maybe check with the local
frequency coordinating body as far as other possible simplex frequencies in
your area. I think that is the SCRRBA (So. Cal. Rptr. and Remote Base Assoc.?).
As far as logging programs...you probably won't need one for tonight's Sprint,
the pace is typically not so great that paper logging will slow you down
(though, again, I'd be happy to be proven wrong). As a Rover in the Sprints...I
do my logging on paper. One program to investigate is "RoverLog"...I have never
tried it myself but I have heard good reports about it, for VHF/UHF Contesting
in general...not specific to Rovers. I also note that KM0T is very pleased with
it from his write-up about his results (incredible Single Op High Power score)
in the 2005 UHF Contest (see
http://www.km0t.com/pages/uhf2005.htm<http://www.km0t.com/pages/uhf2005.htm>
...scroll way down to the bottom for his comments about RoverLog).
Good Luck tonight!
73, JK
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Tucker<mailto:rit001@yahoo.com>
To: VHFcontesting@contesting.com<mailto:VHFcontesting@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2005 10:44
Subject: [VHFcontesting] FREQ for tonight
Hi ALL, what is the best FM, and SSB, freq's to use
tonight. Is there a descent free logging program out
there...
73's
WA6MBL-Bob
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