In January 2021, I wrote about the North America Adventure Frequency (NAAF) which originated in the North America SOTA community. About a year later, how is this working out? Is anyone actually using it?
A few key points to remember:
- The NAAF is 146.58 MHz.
- This frequency is in addition to, not a replacement for, the National Simplex Calling Frequency 146.52 MHz.
- Local usage will likely vary depending on needs.
- Program 146.58 MHz as The Other Simplex Frequency in your radio.
I’ve noticed that quite a few SOTA activators are posting Alerts and Spots with 146.58 MHz. For example, K2CZH and KN6OUU posted these SOTA Alerts:
Here N8FN and WJ7WJ are spotted on 146.58:
Of course, the National 2m FM Calling Frequency (146.52 MHz) still gets a lot of use. I tend to use Five Two when I am activating in rural areas, some distance from the major cities. The frequency is usually quiet AND there are a number of folks that tend to monitor it. I use the NAAF when I’m near the big cities (Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, …). Putting out a Spot is usually important, to get the attention of the more dedicated SOTA chasers watching SOTAwatch. That is, I don’t think there are a lot of people monitoring the frequency (compared to 146.52), so a spot on SOTAwatch gets them on frequency.
Some of the Parks On The Air (POTA) activators are also using NAAF. Here’s an activation alert by KD7DTS from the POTA website:
So I think the NAAF is working as intended. It is not a replacement for 146.52 MHz but a standard choice for portable operating when you want to stay off the calling frequency. Thanks to everyone that has given it a try.
What is your experience?
73 Bob K0NR
I have been listening, but have heard no legit traffic. Some local deer hunters seem to have camped out there, not a call sign to be heard; they’re on sporadically, I’ll hear them once or twice a week. Beyond that, crickets.
Oh good, unlicensed deer hunters.
Interesting point about monitoring the NAAF. I usually don’t do that unless I see an alert or spot for SOTA or POTA. I do have it in my radio’s scan list, so if I am in scan mode I would pick up any activity. Also, when at the cabin up in the mountains, I have a dual-receive radio that is usually set on 146.52 and 146.58 MHz. I have picked up some SOTA activators on .58 that way.
Several hams I wheel with prefer to use 58 as when we are up high in the mountains, you get heard a lot on 52. I think thats fine, unless we need to advise the group of an issue on the trail.
I dont mind getting the calls on 52, but some like the relative isolation that 58 provides from the casual listeners.
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