On Sunday 08 November 2009 09:58:42 Andy obrien wrote: > Many years ago , when I was an NTS NCS, we would abandon use of > repeaters once per month and run a simplex night. Operators would use > net time to call up a net from their QTH and work whomever answers. I > am proposing we do the same , each 15th of the month at 8PM local > time. Suggested frequency is 145.00 FM. Suggested procedure= > Listen first... if there is someone calling "CQ Digital Simplex Night" > , answer them. If you hear no one, call " CQ Digital Simplex Night" a > few times . If someone answers, simply have a chat. You decide the > content of your "net", send a file or canned message if you are so > inclined, no requirements You also decide which digital mode to use. > Log the call signs and QTH of each station you hear. This will enable > you to develop your own database of stations that are in simplex range > of your QTH. If you live close enough to an area that is in a > different time zone and 8PM comes around more than once, feel free to > check-in a second time. > > Upload your heard list to this email group. > > Andy K3UK >
Wondering why everyone is thinking 145.000MHz is a good frequency to use? I an not trying to complain here, but 145.000MHz falls within the 144.900 to 145.100MHz allocated Packet frequencies in most areas. Has anyone gone to there LOCAL Packet coordinators or (i hate to say it) Repeater councils to seek guidence about this? Michigan repeater council usually and has in the past worked with users to find a good place to do something without interfering. Can't say about other states though. In Michigan, 144.900 to 145.100 is set aside for Packet usage along with 144.390 for APRS. I listed other frequencies in some previous posts over the past week that are considered 'gaurded' per the Repeater council here. There are PLENTY of 2m simplex frequencies to choose from for doing this and there was an email this weekend from W8RIT here in Michigan that has been using 145.520 to 'play' with digital modes. I think that is a good idea to do as he is close enough to the Repeater band edges to generate interest if someone scans but still doesn't cause interferance to established users either. There is even was a Simplex net going on up in the thumb area for years that did everything from SSTV to the newest digital mode. Haven't heard from them in a few years though so I don't know the status. Has anyone played with say PSKMail or run something on USB around 144.265 to 144.280MHz? There are probably plenty of people out there that might be interested in trying out a different mode other than FM on the latest combo radio out there that offer from DC to 70cm coverage and usage. I am not suggesting operatings below 144.265 as most Microwave coordination is done at 144.260 and the USB nets that I know of in the Great Lakes states are on around that frequency also. As I stated at the beginning, I am not trying to complain, but there is 'other' 2m simplex frequencies that could be used other than the Packet frequencies unless there is NO Packet activity in your area to justify a concern. I am trying to get some input about this. James W8ISS
