Frequency Band Etiquette

[i_hear_you]

Tip of the hat to IZS4 for the title.

About a month back I was calling CQ on 14230 and someone broke in informing me that is a SSTV channel.  I apologized and QSY.  However, during a contest weekend I heard stations stomping all over 14230 and 14233 on SSB phone.  I've also heard non-contest SSB phone QSOs taking place on these frequencies with SSTV over top.

What is good form here?  Avoid them for phone?  Use them for phone but QSY if asked?

[ChrisSmolinski]

14230 should NEVER be used for voice QSO, period. It's poor etiquette.

[Josh]

Many ct guys don't even get on HAM radio unless there's a ct going - this is a blessing. But almost all of the ct guys have no problem firing up on well known sstv channels or any other freq, even if it's occupied, because as ct guys they can do whatever the f they want.
A lot of HAMs, me included, just tune other bands when there's a ct on.

[i_hear_you]

Many ct guys don't even get on HAM radio unless there's a ct going - this is a blessing.

Amen.

[ChrisSmolinski]

I'd say what I thought of contesting in general, but we try to keep things polite here on the HFU 

[i_hear_you]

On the bright side of it, I do appreciate having some guaranteed activity on the bands so I can test my "ears" and see how far I'm hearing.  But I feel bad making a call, I don't want to slow anyone down.

[MDK2]

I just posted a new topic, having overlooked this one but it's basically about the same thing, just with some details regarding phone activity I just heard today at 14.230. But I thought I'd reply here that contests tend to mean that the voluntary band plan is out the window, and certain activities that are ordinarily absent from certain frequencies will be there during contests. For example I think FT8 was happening on at least two frequencies rather than one per band during Field Day in June.

That said, I agree that people should respect the band plan as much as possible, but some people just believe that they're entitled to do whatever they feel like, if it's technically allowed.