MS 150 Simplex Operations

446.150 MHz Medical Simplex Frequency

The medical sags will be monitoring and using this simplex frequency to cover dead spots along the route.

146.550 MHz Main Simplex Frequency

A universal simplex frequency of 146.550 MHz will be used for OFFICIAL communications everywhere on the tour. 

Stay clear of 146.520 MHz. This is the national calling frequency. Pikes Peak attracts a fair number of hams who will be trying to make long distance simplex contacts. We wouldn't want to get in the way of that activity.

Some locations have a high concentration of officials who need to coordinate their activities at that single site. There may be 5 to 10 officials participating in the setup and operations at Highlands Ranch in preparation for the start of the ride. Rather than clogging up the repeater with this traffic, all stations should move to the simplex frequency. If you are with an official that might receive traffic on the main net, check into the main repeater net in your area and inform them of your location and that you are available on the simplex net. 

Net Controls On Simplex:

A net control operator should not be necessary on the simplex frequency. Make calls direct to the person you need to talk to. However, if someone comes up and declares themselves net control, comply with their directives. 

It is possible a simplex site like the starting line or finish line may become very congested with traffic. In that case someone may be designated by a ham coordinator to assume net control responsibilities. 

If no coordinator is available and you feel that a net control should be established, suggest it on the simplex frequency and try and get it set up yourself. But, do so only with the concurrence of all (or at least most) of the stations on the simplex net. Also, all simplex net control operators should attempt to GET OUT OF THE WAY as soon as things settle down. If traffic has significantly decreased, and is not expected to jump back up to congested levels, the net control operator should open up the frequency to an uncontrolled net. Net control on simplex should only be implemented when absolutely necessary.

If you are checked into the main frequency net and wish to move to a simplex net, always notify the net control operators that you are moving to another frequency. Tell them which simplex net you are moving to and your actual physical location. Remember, the idea is that net control will know where to reach you. If you are at the lunch stop, 20 miles north of net control, they will not be able to contact you on simplex. They need to know you are on the Lunch Site Simplex net so they do not attempt to contact you directly on simplex.

If traffic on the main net is directed to you or your official, net control will know where you are and be able to contact the station on the main net that is assigned to your location. Net control can then request they get in touch with you on the local simplex net to move you back to the wide area repeater net to receive your traffic.

DO NOT leave the wide area repeater net unless you become involved with activities in an area with a simplex net. Just because you are at the Lunch stop doesn't mean you should be on the lunch stop's simplex net. If you and your official are just passing through the area stay on the main net frequency. Only participate in local simplex nets when you are actually a part of the activities of that area.

Unofficial frequencies:

I would suggest that 146.580 MHz might be a good place for informal traffic (ham to ham stuff). If you arrive at a location where you wish to congregate with other hams, this frequency will be the place to "meet". No nets, or official control will be in effect on this freq. Do NOT leave an official net frequency without notifying net control of your status. If you are at the lunch stop and your official says you can go get lunch, remember that you haven't really been released. You'll need to be aware of that official's location should any traffic appear on the net for them that requires an immediate response.

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