Simplex Is Only Dead If You Don’t Key Up

Simplex Is Only Dead If You Don’t Key Up

From Live Free and Ham Podcast by Live Free and Ham Pod

March 9, 2026 · 1h 34m · Season 1 · Episode 128

About this episode

This episode explores the resurgence of 2 Meter FM simplex activity and encourages operators to initiate communication.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Live Free and Ham Pod

Topics covered

  • 2 Meter FM Activity
  • grassroots movement
  • simplex communication
  • ham radio participation
  • community engagement

Keywords

  • 2m simplex
  • ham radio
  • CQ calling
  • FM activity
  • grassroots movement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Winlink

Places: 146.52 MHz

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