Basic rules of 2M communication for newb's like me...

[crawler#976]

http://www.k0nr.com/rwitte/fmvhf.html

I've been researching the standard practices of 2M operation - found the site above to be pretty easy to understand.

Please add other info from your personal experiance!

[asteffes]

It drives me nuts when people use Q-codes on 2m/440 repeaters.

[pskhaat]

Why's that?

[Ursidae69]

Great resource, thanks.

Another resource I've used is http://www.qrz.com/index.html, they have an active forum as well.

I need to learn SSB operation someday.

[DaveInDenver]

It drives me nuts when people use Q-codes on 2m/440 repeaters.

I agree, at least to some extent. On a repeater there is no reason not to be clear with your language. Q codes are meant to keep CW contacts as brief and sustinct as possible (since 3 characters are far easier to pound out rather than whole phrase) and aren't really meant for use on voice contacts.

[k6uk]

I actually like the Q codes, personally.
I find them easier than 10-codes, and they instantly convey the info.

But to each his/her own.

73 (oops there I go again),

-Mike

[DaveInDenver]

I actually like the Q codes, personally.
I find them easier than 10-codes, and they instantly convey the info.

But to each his/her own.

73 (oops there I go again),

-Mike

73 is not actually a code anymore, just tradition. Supposedly goes back to the Western Union telegraph days, when they had a whole number code to convey information. I believe it simply meant (and certain does now) 'Best Wishes' or something similiar.

Since they were also using Morse Code, this is very similar to Q codes. Now 10 codes, don't get me started. I, like most 4 wheelers started (and still use for off highway travel) a CB. It does bother me when ham users start talking 10 codes and Roger, Roger. The whole point of using FM is that you get a clearer conversation, you can just talk like normal.

[asteffes]

How about weenies who say "roger" or "over" on a CB, FRS or amateur repeaters with a "roger beep?" Now *that* is rediculous.

[DaveInDenver]

How about weenies who say "roger" or "over" on a CB, FRS or amateur repeaters with a "roger beep?" Now *that* is rediculous.

On CB, I figure if the contact is marginal, using 'roger' or 'over' is fair (heck, any sign of courtesy by a CB operator is OK by me). I'm with ya on the roger beep! :-)

[flyingwil]

http://www.k0nr.com/rwitte/fmvhf.html

I've been researching the standard practices of 2M operation - found the site above to be pretty easy to understand.

Please add other info from your personal experiance!


Cool link! I need to get my hands on a book!

[vanguard]

I just talk like a normal person but don't get bothered by any use of q codes or 10 codes. I know what they mean. Half the time I'm out in the woods I'm straining to understand Boomhauer southern accents so a 10 code now and then is a welcome relief. :)

If I ask a simple question don't reply with craziness about hen's teeth. It's hard enough to talk on the radio already without insane non sequiturs working their way in. :D

[crawler#976]

AZ Ham Repeaters listed by County:

http://65.65.75.211/azrptrs.nt//pmwiki.php?n=Main.RepeaterMaps

[DaveInDenver]

Some more repeater listings:
http://www.artscipub.com/repeaters/
http://rptr.amateur-radio.net/
http://www.usrepeaters.com/

[crawler#976]

Does ExPo have a set of frequencies used?

I've got these input into memory from 4WDTrips:

4WD 1 146.430
4WD 2 146.460
4WD 3 146.490
4WD 4 146.580
4WD 5 147.420
4WD 6 147.450
4WD 7 147.480
4WD 8 147.540
4WD 9 147.570

[DaveInDenver]

4WD 1 146.430
4WD 2 146.460
4WD 3 146.490
4WD 4 146.580
4WD 5 147.420
4WD 6 147.450
4WD 7 147.480
4WD 8 147.540
4WD 9 147.570

I've got them programmed in, but it seems prudent to mention that these simplex frequencies are based on 15KHz channel spacing, which isn't compatible with all band plans. Some local plans use 20KHz spacing, like most of Utah I know is on 20KHz spacing. When in areas that use the wider spacing, be mindful and follow their rules. On 145.510-145.790 use odd 20 KHz and 146.420-146.600 and 147.400-147.600 use even 20 KHz. So we'd only use 2, 4, 5, 7 & 8 in Utah (and I think Oregon and a lot of the SE states, like GA, etc.).

[crawler#976]

Thanks for the info! Here's the AZ Band Plan:

http://www.azfreqcoord.org/bp/144bp.html


** Use of Simplex Frequencies

The most popular frequencies in the simplex subbands fall on even 20kHz frequencies. This minimizes interference from adjacent operations. It is good operating practice and strongly recommended to utilize these defacto "channels", but operation anywhere in the simplex subband is legal, as long as you do not cause interference to an ongoing conversation on a nearby frequency. These frequencies, like most Amateur frequencies are to be utilized on a non interfering basis to on-going conversations. Amateur frequencies are always "first come, first served" with the exception of Coordinated Repeaters in the Repeater Subbands. Also, remember that no one "owns" a frequency. When you complete the NCVEC Form 605 (or any FCC Amateur Form, you agree to the following statement: "I waive any claim to the use of any particular frequency regardless of prior use by license or otherwise;" This is detailed in 97.101.

[DaveInDenver]

Thanks for the info! Here's the AZ Band Plan:

http://www.azfreqcoord.org/bp/144bp.html

The spacing here in Colorado is also 15KHz and it's probably the more common band plan layout, but there are plenty of 20KHz. It's pretty easy to make sure you're following the local band plan.

You can get in touch with the coordinator for the area you're visiting. These are the people who are responsible for organizing the band usage for an area. They are not officials with the FCC or ARRL, just volunteers who get everyone to agree on a plan.

http://www.arrl.org/nfcc/coordinators.htm

The easiest way to find out is to get on the air and ask. Make a call on the one of the FM calling frequencies or ask on a local repeater. Here's a few, although most bands have a calling frequency, so this is not all of them.

6m calling freq is 52.525
2m calling freq is 146.520 (National Simplex)
1.25m calling freq is 223.500
70cm calling freq is 446.000