ARRL January VHF Contest Adds a Low-Power FM Class

The ARRL has added a new class to their January VHF+ Contest – a low-power FM class.   This category is limited to 100 watts output on 6m – 70cm.

This category is ideal for operators that only have an HT or VHF Mobile equipment – such as new technician licensees.  The required exchange is your grid square – see http://www.arrl.org/grid-squares.  Your signal report is optional.

One important requirement to know is that repeater frequencies, repeaters, and satellites are OFF LIMITS for the contest, as is 146.52 MHz, the national 2m simplex calling frequency.  However, there is expected to be a bit of activity on 146.55 MHz, 146.58 MHz, and in the areas of 52.525 MHz, 223.5 MHz, and 446.0 MHz basedd on the VHFContesting Reflector.  Note that while these are the national simplex calling frequencies for 6m, 1.25m, and 70cm, the ARRL does NOT restrict you from using them, but you are encouraged to not monopolize them.  Of course, you can also go a few kHz up or down from these frequencies, but make sure you mind the band plans to avoid interfering with other uses (repeaters, data modes, etc.).

Links:

Contest Rules

General Rules for All ARRL Contests

ARRL General Rules for Contests Above 50 Mhz