Question E2C06:
During a VHF/UHF contest, in which band segment would you expect to find the highest level of SSB or CW activity?  

Choices:  
A: At the top of each band, usually in a segment reserved for contests  
B: In the middle of each band, usually on the national calling frequency  
C: In the weak signal segment of the band, with most of the activity near the calling frequency  
D: In the middle of the band, usually 25 kHz above the national calling frequency    

Correct Answer is  C: In the weak signal segment of the band, with most of the activity near the calling frequency  

Correct answer: C — In the weak signal segment of the band, with most of the activity near the calling frequency.

1) Why C is correct
- VHF/UHF SSB and CW contesting happens in the weak-signal sub-bands (not in FM/repeater segments).
- Operators congregate near the SSB/CW calling frequencies, then spread up/down. This is where you’ll first hear activity during a contest.
- Typical weak-signal SSB calling frequencies:
  - 6 m: 50.125 MHz
  - 2 m: 144.200 MHz
  - 1.25 m: 222.100 MHz
  - 70 cm: 432.100 MHz
  - 23 cm: 1296.100 MHz
- Expect the heaviest activity within a few kHz to tens of kHz of these points, then fanning out.

2) Why the other choices are incorrect
- A: “Top of each band, reserved for contests” — There are no contest-reserved segments at the band tops; many band tops contain beacons or other allocations. Contest SSB/CW activity is in weak-signal segments, typically near the lower portions.
- B: “Middle of each band/national calling frequency” — The “national calling frequency” phrasing often refers to FM (e.g., 146.520 MHz) and repeater activity in the band’s middle, which is not where SSB/CW weak-signal contesting occurs.
- D: “25 kHz above the national calling frequency” — There’s no fixed “+25 kHz” rule. Activity spreads around the weak-signal calling frequency as needed, not at a set offset.

3) Useful rules of thumb
- During VHF/UHF SSB/CW contests:
  - Start at the weak-signal calling frequency, then tune up/down.
  - Don’t camp on the calling frequency for long QSOs; make contact and QSY.
  - Avoid FM and repeater segments; look in the weak-signal sub-band, typically toward the lower end of the band (e.g., 144.000–144.300 MHz on 2 m).