CQ WW VHF Contest Allows 146.52 MHz

I’ve been whining about the fact that for many years the 2m FM calling frequency, 146.52 MHz, was prohibited for use in VHF contests and Field Day. See The One Frequency You Should Never Use on Field Day. Well, the ARRL removed this restriction in 2015, so that issue has been resolved.

The CQ WW VHF contest also prohibited the use of 146.52 MHz, and up until now stuck with it. During the reconfiguration of this contest into two separate contests:  analog contest (CW/SSB/FM) and digital contest (FT8, FT4, etc.), the 146.52 rule was dropped. The rules now say:

Use of commonly recognized repeater frequencies is prohibited. Recognized FM simplex frequencies such as 146.49, .52, .55, and .58, and local-option simplex channels may be used for contest purposes.

Of course, this change is only relevant to the analog contest, as FM is not allowed in the digital contest.

This is a relatively minor change, not earth-shattering at all, but it cleans up an outdated rule in the CW WW VHF contest. This eliminates the need for me to explain to new VHF contesters that you can’t use the calling frequency.

73 Bob K0NR

The post CQ WW VHF Contest Allows 146.52 MHz appeared first on The KØNR Radio Site.

Bob Witte, KØNR, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Colorado, USA. Contact him at [email protected].

One Response to “CQ WW VHF Contest Allows 146.52 MHz”

  • Larry Wheeler W9QR:

    Thanks for the posting Bob,
    One correction,146.52 MHz was never agreed upon as a “calling” frequency. When the FCC cited several amateurs for just chatting on “52” I was asked by one of the operators cited if the FCC had made an error in judgement. A few years prior to that incidence, I had requested a statement of policy from the ARRL’s Board regarding operation on “52”. Their response was that historically it was considered a “National Simplex Frequency” and not a “calling” frequency. They stated that there were no plans to designate “52” as a calling frequency. If that policy has been changed, I have no knowledge of it. The FCC rescinded the notices of violation.
    Often times things are taken for granted because they seem to be good operating practice. If you know of any formal declaration pertaining to this, please let me know. I am in the my seventh decade of mentoring new amateurs and always want to pass along accurate information.

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