First off I guess I should define what Simplex is.
Simplex communication refers to communication that occurs in one direction only. Two definitions have arisen over time: a common definition, which is used in ANSI standard and elsewhere, and an ITU-T definition. The ITU definition of simplex is termed “half duplex” in other contexts.
ANSI definition: One way signaling
According to the ANSI definition, a simplex circuit is one where all signals can flow in only one direction. These systems are often employed in broadcast networks, where the receivers do not need to send any data back to the transmitter/broadcaster.
ITU-T definition: One way signaling at a time
According to the ITU-T definition, a simplex circuit is one where signals can flow in only one direction at a time. At other times communications can flow in the reverse direction. A more common term for this application is half-duplex.
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Now that the definitions are out of the way, we can get down to the question at hand. Do you Simplex? More specifically, do you use 2M and 70cm simplex, and forgo repeater use?
I can answer yes and no to this question.
YES: Every Sunday night I am the Net Control Operator for the Monroe Ward ERC Simplex Net. This net is used by my church‘s local congregation for training, practice, and information passing to prepare for Emergencies. I also use simplex while on road trips between both vehicles to provide communication. Since my spouse also has her license we can do this. Though, you can do it with FRS, GMRS, or CB if the need arises. I have also had short QSO‘s between friends via simplex when we were close enough to do it, because we enjoy the challenges in envolved with operating simplex.
NO: Not all of the time. I willingly and gladly use the Walton County Emergency Radio Club (WE4RC) and Atlanta Radio Club (W4DOC) 2M repeaters almost on a daily basis. There are a few more that I talk on, but these 2 are my primary homes. I do scan both banks while mobile on my YAESU FT-7800, and also with the additional bands on my YAESU VX-7R while at home or portable. (Side note: if you can afford it, get the programming cable and software for your radios. If you can’t find a way, then find a way, it will pay for itself very quickly)
In my next installment, which will be more frequent than previously, I will discuss more on specifically 2M Simplex operation. With some do’s and do not’s, and some reminisces of my favorite QSO’s.