As many of you most likely noticed, 2 meter simplex is dead. It is honestly sad how it is dead. What can we do to revive 2m simplex, anything? I feel like the short answer is no, we can’t do anything about it, but is that actually true?
Let’s come up with some ways to revive the good old 2m simplex.
Caleb
KF8EYE
I don’t know what the answer is, but I feel like some aspect of it needs to involve gamification. Just as POTA has rejuvenated ham radio, gamifying 2m in some way would likely pique more interest. Clubs could come up with local contests and activities to give operators more opportunities to use the band. I have thought about submitting to my local club the idea of developing a LPOTA (local POTA) program to get people out and activating city parks.
I like that idea! Thanks for the feedback.
I can see why it would be dead. Two choices: Talk to Slovenia on HF or talk to my neighbors on my Baofeng? Slovenia, please. I don’t know what to do about it, but I imagine it would be hard to accomplish (unless you’re trying to revive 2m in the middle of a 2m contest, then it’s easy).
Great point! I am thinking about starting a 2m simplex net and then advertising it. Perhaps that would help revive it. I called CQ on 2m simplex yesterday with 50w and no response.
For the most part I agree. But I think it is a little more popular out west. I live in upstate NY and always compete in the ARRL VHF contest. Two hours in I quit ! Check out “Sidewinders on two”
2m simplex isactive in Connecticut. I wish more people would use 146.52 as a calling frequency and move to another to chat.
I think we can work together with World Radio League and get 2m ALIVE!
What about some 2m competitions and events!
Adding a reference for local nets would help too!
I think there is a lot we can do 
We just need to give people extra reasons to get involved!
Let’s do it!
I think that would be great!
I need to join a club, that way I can get others more involved with World Radio League.
Love the idea though!
Thanks for making the title better @N0WRL 
Haha thanks for noticing 
We are also going to build a club directory here in WRL too!!
There are so many hams looking for more ways to get involved, but there hasn’t really been a good platform to host these events before.
We can make this happen at WRL 
thanks for bringing this up.
I actually recently just got my 2m antenna on my roof so I would LOVE to see some more activity!
You’re welcome!
I love that idea, I think that would help! World Radio League is going to do more great things!
I watched your video on the 2m antenna, nice job! I need to get me up a dual band antenna. I am just using a mag mount, dual band, antenna that is sticking to a piece of roofing metal that I have laying on the ground outside my window. It works great!
Seems to me a coordinated event would work best. 145 Alive happens about 5 times a year in the UK and appears to be successful. Wondering if arranging this type of activity several times a year with volunteers on top of hills would generate enough interest?
That is actually a good idea. Just a few nights ago me and anther ham were talking on 2m Simplex, then a few hours later there were a few Hams talking together on it. Good to see more activity on it!
Yeah, I started out as Tech back in 1968 when Techs had 2 meters and up privileges. I had a Heathkit Twoer, which put out 5 watts on AM, and had a lot of fun with it. I worked five states from Northern Illinois with it, but it was mostly local contacts.
But once I passed the General and Advanced tests, 2M AM was pretty much history for me. Now, six meters is another story and can be a lot of fun when it is open!