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Reserved slot for 'CQ only'

The calling QRG on 20m is very busy most of the time with beacons and broadcasts and cq's. Of course, all this has it's benefits and interests. VarAC is a very robust mode for QSO's even with very little power and simple antennas.

So, I wonder if a reserved slot for 'CQ only' could help to stimulate QSO's. One could continue QSO on an other slot and keep the common calling QRG free. Of course that is only an idea of mine.

73,

Eddy ON5UQ.

5 comments

5 Comments

van.de.velde.eddy

Feb 28

I have been standy on the 20m CF for one hour from 07:10 to 08:10 UTC.

Counted 27 Beacons and 6 CQ's from this 6 CQ's only 2 from outside EU.

Sorry but I can't see why a CQ on a dedicated slot could not be handled the same way as on the CF.

That is CQ with the slot number on wich the caller will be standby for a call. If that slot would be anounced, everyone interested would find this slot.

Anyway, case closed for me. Time will tell the future of VarAC.

73,

Eddy ON5UQ.

irad d

Feb 28

Replying to

Here is thought to play with.

How did you know there were 6 CQs ? Coz you heared them on the CF. and you also saw the beacons.

Now lets say that all CQs will take place on slot 1. So you change your frequency on VarAC to 14.105.750. Now you will here 6 CQs but no beacons and no relay notification and no path finders and no one will even know you are there so no one will connect you to leave you Vmails.

VARA can only listen on ONE frequency at any given moment. not mulitple like FT8.

So you are either listening on 14.105.000 or 14.105.750. Not both.

This is why A single frequenct is the orchestration for all.

Its ok to debate. But IT IS NOT OK to write sarcastics messages like "Time will tell the future of VarAC." which is VEYR IMPOLITE. I guess you know I am the author.

73s

4Z1AC

van.de.velde.eddy

Feb 27

Hi Irad,

Do you have any idea how many CQ's get snowed under in the mess on the 20m calling QRG ?

Just compare the number of beacons and broadcasts with the numer of CQ's you hear. And I'm not talking about strong EU signals but the weaker and DX signals. Please, think of the operators that want to make real live QSO's rather than leave their computers talking to other computers 24/24 7/7. Maybe you should put it as an open question to the users. And I repeat I have no problem at all with all activity and interests on the Calling QRG.

73,

Eddy ON5UQ.

irad d

Feb 28

Replying to

There is no doubt that there are more CQs than beacons. and there will always will be. VarAC is both a Synchronous (QSOs) and Asynchronous (VMails) way of communications. now lets break down the suggestions to little piece and analyze it:

Having a dedicated CQ frequency will not drive more CQ calls. Whoever want to call CQ, will call regardless if it is on the CF or on another frequency.
Having a dedicated CQ frequency will result in less people answer the CQ. as someone would need to chose where his station is standing by. Most will keep hanging around the CF. So CQs will be sent, but there will be almost no one to pick them up.

when combining the 2 items together, having another freq just for CQ:

Will not drive more CQ calls.
Will lower the chance for someone to hear a CQ call.

Altogether - this will result in less QSOs.

73s

irad d

Feb 27

Hi Eddy.

the CF is a reserved frequency for CQs. This is why it is called a "Calling Frequency" :)

It is also home for other stuff but it serves us well so far as a gathering place.

Having a dedicated place just for CQ away from beacons, broadcasts, relay notifications etc, will result in less QSOs. As people will have to jump around 2 frequencies, and only those who actively now want to call CQ will move to the CQ slot you suggest, so the chance for having 2 people doing it at the same time is almost non-existent.

73s

Irad