Simplex Is Only Dead If You Don’t Key Up

What happens when you stop waiting for activity… and just create it?

In this episode, we dig into the surprising momentum behind the 2 Meter FM Activity a 52 Day Challenge

What started as a fun idea quickly turned into a grassroots movement. Emails are still coming in. Operators are asking when the next one is. And suddenly? two meters simplex — don’t feel so quiet anymore.

We talk about:

Why 146.52 MHz (the 2m FM calling frequency) matters

How “scarcity” and timing can ignite participation

Why calling CQ on simplex actually works

The growing buzz around 2m simplex activity

Creating events without contests, plaques, or pressure

The psychology of getting hams to actually key up

There’s something powerful about realizing that the bands aren’t dead — they’re just waiting for someone to start talking.

We also share updates on the upcoming YL POTA Party live stream, listener Winlink messages, and how this community keeps pushing radio forward in creative ways.

No big sponsors. No official sanctioning. Just operators deciding to make noise.

If you’ve ever thought, “Nobody’s on simplex anymore,” this episode might change your mind.

So here’s the challenge:

Instead of asking where everyone is…

Be the one who calls CQ.

Mikes 52 Simplex Challenge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mivzwoRrnNY&t=1s

Support the show

//**************************************************************//

Support the show:
Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/

//******* Feedback and Questions! //

Leave the hosts a voicemail:
Call and leave us a voicemail with comments or questions, or let us know how we can improve our jobs. 978.233.1142

Affiliate:
Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM
Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM

SeeedStudios - Here are a bunch of discounts you can get on Seed Meshtastic products directly from Seeed Studios - https://seeedstudios.com

  • SenseCAP T1000-E for Meshtastic T911V2C9

  • Wio Tracker L1&L1 Lite for Meshtastic 6JOK7P67

  • Wio Tracker L1 Pro & L1 E-ink for Meshtastic 0RAXP5FG

  • Solar Node P1 Series for meshtastic YHOO5J2D



YouTube Channel:
Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham
Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR
Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch
Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ

Swag/Shows/Updates:
https://livefreeandham.com

Join our Discord:
https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs

If you would also like to learn more about the hosts:
Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com
Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com
Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Next
Next

220 MHz: The El Camino of Ham Radio