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Read it as text
Radio to radio, no repeater. Simplex means talking radio to radio on one frequency. It’s how you reach a friend nearby, and it still works when repeaters go down.
- Set up your radio. Tune to 146.520 MHz, the national calling frequency, with the offset and tone turned off.
- Listen first. Listen for a minute to make sure the frequency is quiet.
- Make your call. Say your call sign and where you’re listening. Simplex can be quiet, so be patient.
- Move off and chat. When someone answers, trade names, then move to another simplex frequency to keep the calling frequency clear.
In the pictures
- The call: “KJ5LQM, monitoring 146.520.”
- An answer: “KJ5LQM, this is W1DEMO. I’m Pat.”
- Moving off: “Hi Pat! Let’s move to 146.550.”
Key terms
- Simplex: radio to radio on one frequency, no repeater.
- Calling frequency: where people listen for a call. 146.520 MHz on 2 meters, 446.000 MHz on 70 centimeters.
- Offset: a repeater setting. Turn it off for simplex.
- Reverse: a button that listens where a repeater listens, to check if you can talk direct.
Good to know
- Height beats power. Handheld to handheld, expect a mile or two among buildings and several miles over open ground.
- Never use a repeater’s frequencies for simplex.
- Say your call sign every 10 minutes and at the end of a contact.
- When repeaters go down, simplex still works.
In short: Turn off the offset and tone, call on 146.520, then move to another simplex frequency to chat.
W1DEMO is a made-up call sign.
Checked October 2026 against FCC Part 97 and the ARRL band plan.
