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The One Frequency You Should Never Use on Field Day
18 June 2014 | by 
“Based on Actual Events”
At the local radio club meeting, I encouraged everyone to get on the air during Field Day, which led to this conversation:
New Tech: I just have a 2 meter fm radio. Can I still make Field Day contacts?
Me: Sure, VHF contacts are encouraged during Field Day.
New Tech: So I just call on 146.52 MHz and see who’s out there?
Me: Well, no, the 2m fm calling frequency is not allowed for Field Day.
New Tech: Really? We can’t use any of the calling frequencies we learned during our license class?
Me: Well, no, all of the other standard calling frequencies are fine, just 146.52 MHz is prohibited.
New Tech: That seems really dumb.
Me: No comment.
Complete Field Day information is here : http://www.arrl.org/field-day
73, Bob K0NR
10 Responses to “The One Frequency You Should Never Use on Field Day”
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As I remember it field day used to be for “FUN”.
Now it seems people are imposing RULES and competitions.
Maybe this “New Tech” should adhere to FCC REGULATIONS. The FCC is the ultimate regulatory body for frequency usage in this country.
No one can supersede the FCC.
Where has all the FUN gone?
All of the “fun” is not centered around 146.52 🙂 — There are good reasons for regulations – they apply to everyone. I try to look for the “good” in things and not allow one minor frequency – 146.52 – to take the “fun” out of things. To me, this would only be a problem if the VFO was stuck on 146.52 but as long as I can spin the dial – on every band we have available to us – the FUN is not gone and I’m fully engaged LOL
The FCC doesn’t regulate Field Day. the Rules are in place for our safety and for us to have fun. 146.520 has always been forbidden to be used. So those with emergency traffic are still able to communicate without being tied into field day. if you stop and think about it. How many hams are on the 2m band frequencies during Field Day and it is tied up for it. how would you be to get thru to someone that is not involved with field day for an emergency.
Peter KG5WY here are the rules for Field Day. this is from the ARRL not the FCC. http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2014/Field%20Day%20Packet%202014%20v2.pdf
I agree that none of the established calling frequencies should be used, mainly from a public safety standpoint. And with all the available frequencies available to us, I would have to ask “why would you want to use .52?” Just my .02 worth, adjusted for inflation of course.
I have to tell you Bob, you didn’t come across as a good mentor there. FYI – the ARRL rules you linked to did NOT “prohibit” using the calling channels. They just say to not monopolize them. In fact – the 50M text advised to use the calling channel if you didn’t find any activity anywhere and remember not to monopolize the frequency. Maybe you should familiarize yourself with the rules too?
73
I should add…..the ONE frequency you should NEVER use for Field Day or any other contest is 14.300. Keep the distance. It’s for Maritime traffic and used for emergencies. That’s what I thought I was going to read about when I saw the title of your rant.
73
WHO writes and enforces the regulations for FREQUENCY use in the USA?
Dialog from our club pre-Field Day meeting about six years ago. (We run 2A…)
Me: “I’ll be running the CW station again this year.”
New FD Coordinator: “What band will you be running?”
Me: “ALL OF THEM!”
k4TOJ … ++++ [Sorry I use GPlus a lot, and a series of + signs is similar to “liking” something on fakebook … but more then one plus sign, well that equals shouting very good!]
I agree that 14.300 should be avoided, especially during contests … and I’d add if there is a hurricane bearing down, avoid 14.325 as well!
I agree with the comments on how FD is supposed to be FUN! It’s also supposed to be a chance for us to “show off” our skills and abilities! Saying that, I can see why it might be good to avoid the calling frequencies, to allow no contest and Emergency use of them … just like 17m and 60m is off limits to any contests, it gives non contesters some play room [I like that since I am not big on contests, I participate in maybe 3 or 4 a year: FD [but my club and I don’t look to get the most points, just look to have fun!], The 10m and 6m contests and the WA State QSO Party [aka the Salmon Run and since I live in WA State, well you get the point lol]
anyhow, that’s my two inches of coax 😛
73 all
~J [ke7tdy]
FYI.
The ARRL has dropped the prohibition against using 146.52 MHz in all relevant contests, including Field Day.
Use Five Two responsibly.
73 Bob K0NR