Why use simplex 2-Meter frequencies when a repeater will do just as well? Some reasons are unique to individual organizations; others are common to all. One reason is to get off a wide area channel when a simplex frequency will do. In public safety systems the repeater channel may be used for routine dispatch and communications, while a simplex channel is used only for the tactical and exclusive needs of the incident.
On Public Safety, Civil Air Patrol, and MARS channels the users are disciplined and controlled. This is not always so on Amateur Radio frequencies. A compromise in the ham bands is to move to a simplex frequency. More important, a move to a frequency that is NOT part of any national simplex plan. Why? All to often that's where the non- participants and unwanted operators will look for you. Another reason is that there are some hams, believe it or not, who feel they own a simplex frequency in their area.
The solution is to use non-standard frequencies in the 2- Meter band and other bands if necessary.
The simplex 2-Meter RACES plan was accomplished for California by Dr. Dave Tyler, Ph.D., N6DRT. It has seven cells (or groups) of thirteen frequencies each and every county is assigned a specific group in letters A through G. Frequency 1 through 4 and 146.52 are common to all groups, as well as a common alert frequency 145.695. The remaining 7 simplex frequencies are unique to a particular group. County groups are typically separated from one another by over a hundred miles. The overall effect is somewhat like a very large cellular frequency plan. In total, there are 57 frequencies and each is identified by a frequency number, should you wish to maintain frequency confidentiality over the air. For a copy, send a SASE with fifty-two cents postage. It can be adopted in any state.
Most of the frequencies in the 2-Meter band are purposely uncommon frequencies. Some fall on channels identified for exotic and experimental purposes. We feel that the very limited emergency-only use takes priority and there have been no complaints.
Footnote: This plan is not usable in Southern California because of the proliferation on non-standard repeater pairs and link frequencies.
[This subject really incorporates two categories: planning under MANAGEMENT and utilization under OPERATIONS. For simplicity we are listing it under the OPERATIONS category.]
The solution is to use non-standard frequencies in the 2- Meter band and other bands if necessary.
The simplex 2-Meter RACES plan was accomplished for California by Dr. Dave Tyler, Ph.D., N6DRT. It has seven cells (or groups) of thirteen frequencies each and every county is assigned a specific group in letters A through G. Frequency 1 through 4 and 146.52 are common to all groups, as well as a common alert frequency 145.695. The remaining 7 simplex frequencies are unique to a particular group. County groups are typically separated from one another by over a hundred miles. The overall effect is somewhat like a very large cellular frequency plan. In total, there are 57 frequencies and each is identified by a frequency number, should you wish to maintain frequency confidentiality over the air. For a copy, send a SASE with fifty-two cents postage. It can be adopted in any state.
Most of the frequencies in the 2-Meter band are purposely uncommon frequencies. Some fall on channels identified for exotic and experimental purposes. We feel that the very limited emergency-only use takes priority and there have been no complaints.
Footnote: This plan is not usable in Southern California because of the proliferation on non-standard repeater pairs and link frequencies.
[This subject really incorporates two categories: planning under MANAGEMENT and utilization under OPERATIONS. For simplicity we are listing it under the OPERATIONS category.]
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