How to make long distance VHF contacts during the PEARS Contest
South Africa's PEARS National VHF/UHF Contest starts on Friday 20th January and ends on Sunday 22nd January 2012 and is divided into two sessions. For full details and rules see the latest Blue Book.
Please note that in the PEARS contest SSB and CW share the same contest frequencies. This is a wonderful opportunity to work long distances especially on 50 and 144 MHz with many VHF amateurs on frequency from other divisions. Here are some pointers.
1. Make regular short CQ calls on the contest frequencies of 50,200 MHz USB and/or 144,200 MHz USB and carefully listen for weak long distance VHF signals. When the frequency is occupied then call five to ten kilohertz higher in frequency. Do not have chats on these long distance frequencies.
2. If the SSB signals are marginal or unreadable then give a call on CW, which could result in a two-way contact. A CW signal is readily audible on Upper Sideband when it is transmitted about one kilohertz higher in frequency.
3. It is important to know when and in what direction to point your beam antenna, It is recommended that on the hour to the half hour transmit or listen in a northerly/southerly direction, and on the half hour to the hour turn the beam in an easterly/westerly direction.
This way many distant contacts can be made.
4. Keep an eye on VHF beacons for band openings, such as ZS2X on 50,006 MHz, V51VHF on 50,300 MHz, ZS6JON on 50,050 MHz and ZS6TWB on 50,040 MHz.
Even if you are not interested in contests, come on the air and work some long distance VHF stations for fun, and give the VHF contestants some points. Good luck in the contest and enjoy the challenge.
For more information on Amateur Radio in South Africa, visit:
The South African Radio League
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