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!
Very glad to see I’m not the only one thinking/talking about 2m revival! I firmly believe that getting 2m back in action and commonplace is key to the future of AR as it’s highly accessible in terms of gear and Technician licensing. All the “good times” are locked behind a relatively steep paywall and learning curve of HF. We all want to hear new voices, but the entryway lobby is vacant—not exactly inspiring.
I did notice that SOTA has a 2m Activator/Chaster challenge for 2026; I’ll certainly be participating in that! Beyond that I’ll be pinging a few ARCs and trying to convince them to get off 40m and on their HT/mobile more often.
Would love to be a part of this conversation with others. I do believe it’s possible to do!
Don’t forget about satellite and ISS communications on 2m and 70cm with QRP. This is very active and really fun to operate! If your unfamiliar with satellites check out AMSAT.COM
I feel the same way about 2m simplex here in the UK, both FM and SSB are pretty quiet. My 2 meter station is nothing to write home about, my “reach” on 2M is around 80 miles maybe, using just a vertical here. Even so, its often super quiet. During Covid times it was the best! We had 2 meter “Check in” nets - and the activity really kicked up a notch. I monitor it mobile also, and rare for me to hear anyone. Sad… use it or loose it as they say!
There are a few Hams on Youtube that are doing a 52 day 146.52 challenge. Mike N2MAK is a local Ham to me. Start a challenge in your area. The band is only Dead if you don’t use it. It’s FREE to Try Hi, Hi.
I’ve seen their videos recently! Thought that was pretty cool. I’ll have to try that. Thanks for sharing, and 73.
A member of our club went up a nearby mountain and made several contacts from there. Unfortunately, he was on the north side and I live on the SE side of the mountain so he was too far down in my noise to make an official contact although we both could hear each other. He was at 2300 feet and 14 miles away from me, so if the mountain hadn’t been in the way the reception would have been much better.