Question
During a VHF/UHF contest, in which band segment would you expect to find the highest level of SSB or CW activity?
Answer Options
- A) At the top of each band, usually in a segment reserved for contests
- B) In the middle of each band, usually on the national calling frequency
- C) In the weak signal segment of the band, with most of the activity near the calling frequency
- D) In the middle of the band, usually 25 kHz above the national calling frequency
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
VHF and UHF contests rely heavily on weak-signal propagation modes like tropospheric ducting and meteor scatter, especially for long-distance contacts. These contacts typically utilize low-power, high-gain techniques such as SSB and CW, which are best suited for narrow-bandwidth, weak-signal operation.
Therefore, the highest concentration of SSB and CW activity during a VHF/UHF contest is found in the weak signal segment of the band, generally concentrating near the designated calling frequency (e.g., 144.200 MHz on 2 meters). Operators often use the calling frequency to make initial contact before moving briefly to a quieter frequency (QSY) to complete the exchange, but the overall cluster of activity remains in this designated segment.
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