Here in N. California 2 Meters is king, and we have local and linked repeaters, but mostly they are quiet save for the weekly nets, and I'm fine with that. Sin

Here in N. California 2 Meters is king, and we have local and linked repeaters, but mostly they are quiet save for the weekly nets, and I'm fine with that. Since we reside in a rural and coastal/mountainous County, what usually happens is Hams will set up QSO's on "open" frequencies and chat there to keep the repeaters clear for emergency use. So they either call on 146.520 simplex or jump on a repeater and connect, then go to their other frequency to chat. Aside from not have many privileges on HF, I avoid it, too much Noise as far as I'm concerned, and I mean the Hams.