The operating and calling is the same as HF SSB except that there is a defined calling frequency which should be used. Some stations will tune around the band looking for contacts, and most stations working will invite calls when they are finished their contact as is the practise on HF.
In this section we will deal with direct one to one contacts. Repeaters are addressed in the next section.
On VHF and UHF calling frequencies (or channels) are defined in the band plan and should be used. Because FM does not have the same requirements for tuning accuracy as SSB, CQ calls are normally much shorter and not repeated as frequently as is the practice on HF SSB.
"CQ CQ CQ, this is G0KVJ calling CQ"
Notice we did not use the phonetic alphabet for the call sign in the above. There are two reasons for this, one the simpler tuning mentioned previously, and secondly, most of our work on these bands is local with people who share our language. We may need to spell the callsign later, but usually the other station will ask if that is required.
As son as contact is made we must move away from the calling channel to allow others to us it. One or other station will nominate an appropriate working frequency. Remember, because you have changed frequency, you must identify your station again.
"G0KVJ this is M1BNK over"
"M1BNK please go to 145.450"
Most of the contacts you will hear on the VHF bands are general chat, known as rag-chewing, but when conditions are right surprisingly strong signals from great distances away may be heard too.