<guess we were replying at the same time
had to reinsert this because I logged out while posting>
Percentages sound right for down here as well. Honestly speaking, can't imagine keeping up with a daily net unless it's in the work setting like down here with the defense contractors just so they know what hams are there each day in case of an incident.
Our weekly DCS net dwindled out because we aren't very active anymore and really didn't have anything to say, except "yeah, log me in for 1 hour". It's a real challenge keeping volunteers interested when there's nothing to do.
As for rag chewing, we used to have a great little commuter group on our repeater - very eclectic topics. Some ham stuff, but lots of everyday stuff, kids, remodeling, even recipes (and yes, that was also from some of the guys). It was a great way to keep up with friends, really (oh yeah, and make sure your equipment is in great working order
Now the last couple of years our commuting times have changed so we don't talk, and honestly, don't keep up very well - last thing I think about when I get home is calling folks for no reason. Too bad we lost the group, because it was what used to call the equivalent of Tim Taylor & Wilson talking over the fence on Home Improvement.
Seems like 2m has it's limits anymore as was mentioned above in this thread. A little coincidence in that the 147.57 frequency was what was used in El Segundo where I grew up since Marconi was a boy, but was pretty unusable by the late 1990s due to either interference from Mexico or (and what really griped me) other hams who would not let go of their rag chewing on the frequency for our weekly DCS drill . This was pretty much the inspiration for going after a 440 freq when that band was reorganized. Guess these rag chewers didn't read the part about why amateurs get any band width at all by the FCC, but then I'm a child of the Kennedy generation and think you should volunteer to do
something, no matter how small.
Too bad you don't use 440 up there, we really like it down here and so are 440 rich equipment-wise. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky at the W6TRW raffle next weekend
Hope everyone had a nice weekend,
Kerin
