On 12/11/12 19:46, Les Rayburn wrote:
I'm excited about the new "FM Only" category that is scheduled to
debut in this January's VHF Sweepstakes Contest. I hope that other
weak-signal VHF
operators are also looking forward to this development.
For most of us, it may mean adding a higher gain vertically polarized
antenna, more power on FM, etc.
My only concern is that it may be difficult for newcomers to "find"
weak signal operators who are looking for them. The National Simplex
frequency is off-limits, of course,
so what frequencies will you be monitoring in your area? For distant
questions, it's really necessary to monitor with the squelch
off--meaning that it would be helpful
to have two or three frequencies where weak signal operators could
look for newcomers and casual operators.
Personally, I think it would be great if the ARRL had published
"recommended" frequencies for the contest, but so far that suggestion
hasn't been acted on. So,
I'm curious--
1.) What are other weak signal operators doing differently in this
contest to support more FM activity? I'd love to hear about changes in
operating strategy, new or
improved gear, etc.
2.) What frequencies will you be monitoring or do you think will be
active in your area?
If there are no guides for frequencies, I'd look around the National Simplex
Frequencies:
6 - 52.525
2 - 146.52
222 - 223.5
440 - 556.0
33cm - ?
23cm - 1294.5
FM'ers know those frequencies so I would think that's the best
place to start. Staying off the exact nsf is a good idea.
For 2 I'd lurk from 146.50 down to 146.40. For 440 from 445.0
to 447.0 excluding 446.0 .
Of course this is from my perspective in Michigan.
I think this is neat, having an FM only category.
--STeve Andre'
wb8wsf en72
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