Date
1 - 11 of 11
FM simplex during VHF contests
I usually just say something like "K7EME DM42, looking for stations in the contest.
Doug
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: John Klem <klemjf@...>
Date: 6/18/20 5:13 PM (GMT-07:00)
To: main@nmvhf.groups.io
Subject: [nmvhf] FM simplex during VHF contests
Are there points to be had on FM simplex during the contests?
If so, what's the etiquette for getting them? I suspect that calling
"CQ contest" on 146.52 might not fly....
John AA5PR
If so, what's the etiquette for getting them? I suspect that calling
"CQ contest" on 146.52 might not fly....
John AA5PR
Robin Midgett <K4IDC@...>
Yes, if an operator is willing to go to the effort.
Publicizing your effort in advance via email is a good idea. Also involve other hams who are typically FM anchored so they can see the CW/SSB side of contesting; if they catch the contest bug they'll tell other FMers. A voice keyer on the FM stations is probably worthwhile as well.
One thing you'll run into is the FM station causing a bit of desense on the weak signal rig...unless you use one radio for both FM & CW/SSB.
Thanks,
Robin Midgett K4IDC
On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 7:13 PM John Klem <klemjf@...> wrote:
Are there points to be had on FM simplex during the contests?
If so, what's the etiquette for getting them? I suspect that calling
"CQ contest" on 146.52 might not fly....
John AA5PR
Robin Midgett <K4IDC@...>
Yes, if an operator is willing to go to the effort.Publicizing your effort in advance via email is a good idea. Also involve other hams who are typically FM anchored so they can see the CW/SSB side of contesting; if they catch the contest bug they'll tell other FMers. A voice keyer on the FM stations is probably worthwhile as well.One thing you'll run into is the FM station causing a bit of desense on the weak signal rig...unless you use one radio for both FM & CW/SSB.Thanks,Robin Midgett K4IDCOn Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 7:13 PM John Klem <klemjf@...> wrote:Are there points to be had on FM simplex during the contests?
If so, what's the etiquette for getting them? I suspect that calling
"CQ contest" on 146.52 might not fly....
John AA5PR
N7OW <nsevenow@...>
Obviously if someone is there no, but if the frequency is open I'll call on 2m and 70cm calling frequency a few times... But I won't "camp" there, if I start getting a pile up ill have everyone follow me off frequency.
73
Ryan - N7OW
On Thu, Jun 18, 2020, 5:13 PM John Klem <klemjf@...> wrote:
Are there points to be had on FM simplex during the contests?
If so, what's the etiquette for getting them? I suspect that calling
"CQ contest" on 146.52 might not fly....
John AA5PR
Mike WB2FKO
I have had decent results in Albuquerque with FM simplex. Try the
following: i) There is usually someone hanging out on 146.580. You
can often move them to UHF simplex. ii) Make an announcement in
real-time on the Megalink repeater system, ie. location (grid) and
simplex frequency where you can QSY. I have had zero success doing
this on the various club repeaters. iii) Sometimes the contest
will coincide with the once-a-month Sunday evening simplex net on
146.400. You can run stations after the net, but explain what the
exchange is beforehand.
Only ii) has any hope of working outside of DM65.
WB2FKO
On 6/18/20 9:03 PM, N7OW wrote:
Obviously if someone is there no, but if the frequency is open I'll call on 2m and 70cm calling frequency a few times... But I won't "camp" there, if I start getting a pile up ill have everyone follow me off frequency.
73Ryan - N7OW
On Thu, Jun 18, 2020, 5:13 PM John Klem <klemjf@...> wrote:
Are there points to be had on FM simplex during the contests?
If so, what's the etiquette for getting them? I suspect that calling
"CQ contest" on 146.52 might not fly....
John AA5PR
Bill
Good question John,
I would say “AA5PR CQ simplex” and then say your location, not your gridsquare.
You’ll have a chance to explain the exchange once someone calls. Some folks are put off by contesters and will not answer. Sometimes helps if you slow down to ragchew pace.
GL Bill W7QQ
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I would say “AA5PR CQ simplex” and then say your location, not your gridsquare.
You’ll have a chance to explain the exchange once someone calls. Some folks are put off by contesters and will not answer. Sometimes helps if you slow down to ragchew pace.
GL Bill W7QQ
On Jun 18, 2020, at 6:13 PM, John Klem <klemjf@...> wrote:
Are there points to be had on FM simplex during the contests?
If so, what's the etiquette for getting them? I suspect that calling "CQ contest" on 146.52 might not fly....
John AA5PR
Jay
What Bill said- and be prepared to talk for a few minutes.. and then the guys buddy who you are working gets back on the mic and you chat with him.
Ex..
Hey I am out here in XX where are you? Oh ok that’s dm5x right ? Cool! What do you have for gear there... etc.
A lot of these guys will not answer to someone calling CQ contest.
Jay N1AV
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Ex..
Hey I am out here in XX where are you? Oh ok that’s dm5x right ? Cool! What do you have for gear there... etc.
A lot of these guys will not answer to someone calling CQ contest.
Jay N1AV
On Jun 18, 2020, at 9:03 PM, Bill <bill4070@...> wrote:
Good question John,
I would say “AA5PR CQ simplex” and then say your location, not your gridsquare.
You’ll have a chance to explain the exchange once someone calls. Some folks are put off by contesters and will not answer. Sometimes helps if you slow down to ragchew pace.
GL Bill W7QQOn Jun 18, 2020, at 6:13 PM, John Klem <klemjf@...> wrote:
Are there points to be had on FM simplex during the contests?
If so, what's the etiquette for getting them? I suspect that calling "CQ contest" on 146.52 might not fly....
John AA5PR
James Duffey
John - In my experience FM QSOs around Albuquerque are kind of hit or miss, unless you can catch someone on simplex and break in on their QSO. I have had luck calling CQ on 146.52 and 146.58 (better luck), but this past contest I didn’t work anyone that way. In more than one contest, I have returned to the Albuquerque area a bit before the contest ended and called CQ on FM after I had picked up the few SSB stations I have not worked earlier. One year I worked about a dozen QSOs that way.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
One thing to do when asking stations of they have any other bands after they have said no, I ask not even FM and get a few QSOs that way. For example, stations with 6M only SSB/CW capability usually have 2M or 440 FM and they can often be persuaded to QSY to those bands for a few QSO points.
Jim, KC7QY has also scared up some FM activity for me in Socorro from guys who did not have SSB/CW.
I have had more success working FM by calling CQ on simplex in the Phoenix and El Paso regions. With two ops, one driving, it is possible to work FM in the bigger metropolitan areas while driving through. Still not a lot of QSOs though.
If you do work FM stations at long distances, they are often weak and can be more easily copied with the squelch off.
The ARRL kind of killed off FM contesting, at least away from the populous areas, when, for a long time, they prohibited QSOs on 146.52, the national calling frequency. They are trying to bring it back with the SOFM category.
Sorry this is a bit late, but I hope it helps. - Duffey KK6MC
James Duffey KK6MC
Cedar Crest NM
On Jun 19, 2020, at 17:58, John Klem <klemjf@...> wrote:
Thank you all for the info and good advice. Seems worth a try next time I'm out but not too far from civilization.
John AA5PR
Bill
Obviously if someone is there no, but if the frequency is open I'll call on 2m and 70cm calling frequency a few times... But I won't "camp" there, if I start getting a pile up ill have everyone follow me off frequency.
73
Ryan - N7OW
On Thu, Jun 18, 2020, 5:13 PM John Klem <klemjf@...> wrote:
Are there points to be had on FM simplex during the contests?
If so, what's the etiquette for getting them? I suspect that calling
"CQ contest" on 146.52 might not fly....
John AA5PR