Simplex - Use of the National Calling Frequency
Communication from Scott WA9STI
As many of you know, using 146.52 MHz simplex is a great way to talk with others where you do not need a repeater. Traveling around the state or country and monitoring 146.52 can lead to QSOs when you do not know which repeater frequencies to monitor. Hams traveling through Vilas County might put out a call on 146.52 so you could answer them. This 146.520 FM analog simplex frequency is the National Calling Frequency which by design is a place where people can meet and then move off to another simplex frequency. This is especially true in urban areas to free up the calling frequency for someone else. In addition, if someone needs assistance they might call out on 146.52.
While heavy use of 146.52 may not be an issue in the North Woods, it may be appropriate at times to QSY to an alternate simplex frequency. Using simplex for an exercise or drill might be better served not being on 146.52. Therefore it is recommended that the two main alternate frequencies for VCARC members to be 146.58 and 146.55 MHz. Likewise using a digital mode on the analog National Calling Frequency would not be appropriate or should only be used when calling for an initial contact and then moving off to another simplex frequency.. Therefore it is recommended that 146.49 MHz be the simplex frequency for digital modes for VCARC members. All these alternate frequencies are considered authorized simplex frequencies according to the 144-148 MHz Band Plan. There are also many other simplex frequencies which can be used.
Communication from Scott WA9STI
As many of you know, using 146.52 MHz simplex is a great way to talk with others where you do not need a repeater. Traveling around the state or country and monitoring 146.52 can lead to QSOs when you do not know which repeater frequencies to monitor. Hams traveling through Vilas County might put out a call on 146.52 so you could answer them. This 146.520 FM analog simplex frequency is the National Calling Frequency which by design is a place where people can meet and then move off to another simplex frequency. This is especially true in urban areas to free up the calling frequency for someone else. In addition, if someone needs assistance they might call out on 146.52.
While heavy use of 146.52 may not be an issue in the North Woods, it may be appropriate at times to QSY to an alternate simplex frequency. Using simplex for an exercise or drill might be better served not being on 146.52. Therefore it is recommended that the two main alternate frequencies for VCARC members to be 146.58 and 146.55 MHz. Likewise using a digital mode on the analog National Calling Frequency would not be appropriate or should only be used when calling for an initial contact and then moving off to another simplex frequency.. Therefore it is recommended that 146.49 MHz be the simplex frequency for digital modes for VCARC members. All these alternate frequencies are considered authorized simplex frequencies according to the 144-148 MHz Band Plan. There are also many other simplex frequencies which can be used.
