This is a list of simplex frequencies that are available for general usage in the Santa Clara Valley of California. As everyone knows, "repeaters are there to be used," but if you wish to conduct short-distance two-way communications using FM (frequency modulation) with other stations (friends, family), switching to simplex is "good amateur practice," allows others to use the repeater, and allows you to talk for as long as you want, without bothering others.
It is also "good amateur practice" to periodically leave long pauses between transmissions, in order to allow other stations to break into the conversation, if they have something to add, or if they have emergency traffic. And don't forget to identify your station every 10 minutes.
While nothing is exactly "private," your message will have less "exposure" on simplex than it will on a repeater. As always, if you don't want anybody to know what you're saying, don't say it on the radio!
51.50 146.415 147.405 Sunnyvale ARES 223.400 51.52 146.430 San Jose ARES 147.420 223.420 51.54 146.445 147.435 223.440 51.56 146.460 147.450 223.460 51.58 146.475 San Jose ARES 147.465 223.480 51.60 146.490 147.480 Los Gatos ARES 223.500 * 52.00 146.505 Saratoga ARES 147.495 223.520 52.02 146.520 * Ý 147.510 52.04 146.535 Mtn View ARES 147.525 Milpitas ARES 441.000 52.50 146.550 147.540 441.500 52.525 * 146.565 Campbell ARES 147.555 446.000 * 52.54 146.580 D 147.570 Cupertino ARES 446.500 53.00 146.595 147.585 53.02 53.52 53.90
* = National Simplex Frequency
Ý = see The 146.520 Simplex Page
D = digital communications
Disclaimers:
Nothing in life is guaranteed.
These frequencies generally adhere to band plans set forth by regional and national organizations, but there are often local variations, so if you travel, check locally.
Some of these frequencies are used by local A.R.E.S. (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) and R.A.C.E.S. (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services) stations for weekly roll call and training sessions, and occasionally for emergency preparedness drills.
New hams should seriously consider getting involved in your city's A.R.E.S. emergency preparedness activities.