20m Calling Frequency

[Stefan N.]

Hi all. 

Any suggestions on the following topic ?: 

Given the high level of activity on the 20m band, wouldn't it be a good idea to QSY after a connection has been made on the ‘14.236 Calling Channel’?

73, Stefan - DF6VI

[Mooneer Salem]

Hi Stefan,

This seems reasonable to me considering that this is already standard practice on the VHF/UHF FM simplex frequencies (at least around here), but it would be good to hear feedback from others as well.

Thanks,

-Mooneer K6AQ

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[Stefan N.]

Hi Mooneer,

I can vouch for the fact that it's the same standard practice on VHF/UHF SSB here.
Even with much less activity than there is now in FreeDV (which is nice), it really makes sense.

It can be a bit confusing and tricky to call in, especially on 14.236, when the conditions are good for DX,

by seeing the Frequency busy by longer QSO‘s.

Thanks and 73,

Stefan

[Walter Holmes]

So here’s a real sad problem that we have in the states about that. It’s probably not an issue in other countries.

 

If the frequency is not actively being used, it quickly gets taken over by SSB stations. ☹  Then you can’t use it for QSO’s or a calling frequency.

 

As was the case most all of yesterday. There was a net that flared up for a couple hours in the morning, then another station was on it for a few more hours in the afternoon.

 

Our best opportunity will be when we can move into an area where analog voice is not allowed.

 

Perhaps the best short term answer, is for us to be a little sensitive to our QSO’s and be sure to leave a good pause at times between exchanges, to permit others to join in.

 

And most importantly, if someone wants to make a general call, let’s take advantage of the FreeDV Reporter and post a message, that your calling CQ on some frequency, wherever that happens to be.

 

If you see someone you want to work, and don’t want to interrupt the current conversation, please try the Request QSY option. As that sends a special message to that person, letting them know to join you on the frequency your on.

 

Just a couple suggestions.

Walter/K5WH

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[Babis Charalabopoulos]

FreeDV is a new digital mode that is not familiar with many of our colleagues, and this is why I have informed almost every websdr in Greece to report the frequencies of freeDV calls. It is a way to make it well-known and help understand digital sound.

sv1uh Babis

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[Rick W7YC]

As Walter notes, 14.236 in the USA is a poor choice much of the time because of SSB activity. Often it's POTA or other ...OTA stations.

Since we have the FDV Reporter, I just find a clear frequency (after checking on analog to make sure, of course) and start calling. The reporter shows that I'm in TX mode and also what freq I'm on, so it doesn't take long to attract some activity from other FDV users.

It would be nice to have a band plan for analog vs. digital phone. The FCC currently considers all voice to be 'phone' emissions without regard to modulation type, so we all share the same sandbox at the moment.

[Mooneer Salem]

FWIW there's an IARU digital voice "center of operation" at 14.130 MHz, but unfortunately it's not currently allowed for Americans to use FreeDV there. FreeDV Reporter is a pretty good alternative, though, as Rick mentioned.

-Mooneer K6AQ

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