2M Simplex Frequencies

These frequencies are spaced 15 kHz apart, aligning with standard FM channel spacing in most U.S. regions, and are popular for their activity and accessibility for Technician operators.

146.520 MHz – National Simplex Calling Frequency:

Popularity: The most widely used 2-meter simplex frequency, serving as the primary channel for initiating contact. Operators call CQ here and then QSY to another frequency for ragchews, as discussed on January 24 and April 18, 2025.

Use: Ideal for starting a ragchew but move to another frequency (e.g., 146.550 MHz) to avoid congestion.

Technician Access: Fully authorized for FM voice.

146.550 MHz:

Popularity: A go-to frequency for ragchews after moving from 146.520 MHz. Frequently used for local conversations due to its proximity to the calling frequency and low interference.

Use: Great for extended QSOs, as it’s less busy than 146.520 MHz.

Technician Access: Full FM voice privileges.

146.535 MHz:

Popularity: Another popular choice for ragchews, especially in areas with active simplex communities. Often used as an alternative to 146.550 MHz.

Use: Suitable for casual conversations or testing setups like your TYT TH-7800 with SO-239 connectors.

Technician Access: Full FM voice privileges.

146.565 MHz:

Popularity: Commonly used in urban and suburban areas for simplex QSOs, as it’s far enough from the calling frequency to avoid interference.

Use: Good for ragchewing or cross-band repeat experiments (as discussed on March 1 and March 4, 2025).

Technician Access: Full FM voice privileges.

146.580 MHz:

Popularity: At the upper end of the 146 MHz simplex segment, this frequency is popular for local ragchews and less likely to overlap with repeater inputs.

Use: Reliable for clear, interference-free conversations.

Technician Access: Full FM voice privileges.

147.520 MHz:

Popularity: A top choice in the 147 MHz simplex segment, widely used for ragchews due to its distance from repeater output frequencies (147.000–147.390 MHz).

Use: Ideal for cross-band repeat setups (e.g., paired with 446.000 MHz on 70 cm, as noted on March 4, 2025) or standalone ragchews.

Technician Access: Full FM voice privileges.

147.505 MHz:

Popularity: Frequently used for local simplex activity, especially in areas where the 146 MHz segment is busy.

Use: Supports clear ragchews and is a good alternative to 147.520 MHz.

Technician Access: Full FM voice privileges.

147.550 MHz:

Popularity: Popular for its clarity and low interference, often chosen for extended conversations or simplex nets.

Use: Excellent for ragchewing with your TYT TH-7800, especially with LMR-400 for low loss (as compared on April 17, 2025).

Technician Access: Full FM voice privileges.

147.535 MHz:

Popularity: Commonly used in areas with active Technician operators, as it’s free from repeater overlap and has good regional adoption.

Use: Suitable for casual QSOs or testing antenna performance (e.g., Diamond X200A, discussed on February 24, 2025).

Technician Access: Full FM voice privileges.

147.580 MHz:

Popularity: A less congested frequency at the upper end of the 147 MHz simplex segment, popular for ragchews and local events.

Use: Great for uninterrupted conversations, especially in rural areas.

Technician Access: Full FM voice privileges.

Why These Frequencies?

Activity: These are the most active simplex frequencies for FM voice, based on ham radio community usage and the ARRL band plan, making them ideal for Technician operators seeking ragchews.

Interference Avoidance: They steer clear of repeater inputs/outputs (146.610–146.970 MHz, 147.000–147.390 MHz) and specialized segments (e.g., 144.300–144.500 MHz for SSB/CW, which is less relevant for FM-focused Technicians).

Ragchew Suitability: Their popularity ensures you’re likely to find other operators for casual conversations, aligning with your interest in ragchewing (April 18, 2025).

Technician-Friendly: All are within the 144.000–148.000 MHz range where Technicians have full FM voice privileges, requiring no special endorsements.