Many years ago you could count the number of repeat
ers on one hand and most of the morning and afternoon “drive-time” traffic was on either the VK3RML Melbourne, VK3RMM Mount Macedon or VK3RGL Geelong repeaters.
Today you can count the number of repeaters on your hands and feet, plus that of two of your best friends, yet the patronage on the repeaters is next to nothing.
You could scan a whole range of repeaters in Melbourne and not hear a contact for hours. So where have all of the hams gone?
Many have transitioned to digital modes, such as DMR, Fusion (C4FM) and P25.
Those modes off internet linking to many portals around the world, enabling users to have conversations with amateurs in many countries.
A tune around the simplex sections of the analogue VHF and UHF bands will find some odd frequencies being used for simplex, cross-band and even links.
Oh, and even some frequencies are being used that are between repeater input or outputs, according to the WIA band plan, or direct on the output of repeater frequencies.
So if you are hunting for someone or something to listen to, you are in Melbourne, on the outskirts with an elevated location or have remote listening access to the area, try the following frequencies.
VHF Users Notes
145.225 Frank VK3OP & others sometimes cross-band to 432.975
145.650 Wanting to learn CW? Amateur Radio Victoria (ARV) runs continuous morse code on this frequency for the budding CW operator. It is very important to be able to receive morse transmissions before having a crack on the bands.
146.45 WANSARC natter channel Club nets Tuesday’s 2000 hrs
146.5 National FM calling frequency – general calls and POTA/SOTA/Parks stations
146.575 Chris VK3IK and other NERG club members discussing DX and a smattering of technical matters
147.4 Amateur TV liaison – most active during Tuesday evenings when the DATV net is held from 2000 hours local Melbourne time.
147.475 Chris VK3AML conducts a “Seinfeld” net on simplex. A variety of stations participate with a wide range of subjects with a slant on wireless and broadcasting history.
UHF Users Notes
432.975 Frank VK3OP sometime cross-band to 145.225
435.275 Chris VK3AML Nik VK3ND and the “Seinfeld” net crew (see reference 147.475) Warning – some fruity language may he heard from time to time.
438.725 Stephen VK3SL conducts test transmissions from time to time, simulcast on 1825KHz. Consists of historical melodies and tunes. Some harmony in the shack while you work on your latest project. Steve also has a youtube presence. Search VK3SL.
439.000 National FM calling frequency – general calls and POTA/SOTA/Parks stations. You will here regular locals such as Rob VK3IE, Neil VK3BCU, Rob VK3KRD, Andrew VK3FS, Ray VK3ACR.
439.225 Frank VK3ZO and Frank VK3OP general rag-chewing.
440.225 Ralph VK3LL and Damien VK3KQ
440.5 Receive link from any traffic on 3.615MHz LSB – usual net stations Peter VK3NPI, VK7OB and VK7ALH
I will add some more frequencies from time to time.
Sometimes you will hear some excellent technical discussions on some of these frequencies, other times you may question what band you are listening to and where standards have gone.
You be the judge.
And remember, that you are not to be entertained as ham radio is not about entertainment.
