6 meter opening soon

[kc7ywf]

It's getting close to the 6 meter season are you ready? I know I am, it seams to have been years since I've hurd any one on 6 meters. I checked my log book from last year and found out that the frist week in May of last year I started hearing ops on 6 meter.With the solar cycle all geared up I'm hopping for another grate summer on 6. So please, all you six meter nuts (I say that in a good way, becouse I'm a nut), start Rx. on six and give a cq everyonce in a while. If we are all Rx. and no Tx. then we'll never know when 6 is open.

P.S. on 50.000 I can hear a weak signal everyonce in a
while, it is a steady row of da's. #It is so weak that when I switch to my beam to see in which direction it is comming from, the QRM over powers the signal. Any clues?
73 to all and I hope to hear you out there this summer in 6 meter land.
Mike
KC7YWF

[ke5wj]

Where were you in December? 6m was open to nearly everywhere around Christmas to New Years. The DX clusters were full of 6m activity and QST reported the fantastic conditions for several months. I worked VUCC in 3 or 4 days and gave about 800 hams a new grid (FK40 Maracaibo, Venezuela), including all over the eastern US and as far west as Arizona and California. Also worked several SM, OH and ES stations in the pile-ups.

I'll be looking for you on 6, but my condolences for missing the peak of the cycle.

73 and good DX,

[K2WH]

Man, did you miss the 6 meter event of a lifetime. #6 meters was open world wide every day! #DX records and awards records were made. #W.A.S. was made by some hams in a (1) day period!

The propagation was better than any of the HF bands including 10 meters!

Sorry you missed it. #We may never see it again.

K2WH

[KA2LIM]

Where have you been for the past 7 months http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif??? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[kb7ntl]

No offense, but wow. I never knew that propagation followed the calendar. Or the seasons. I imagine on the sun, the seasons aren't as pronounced, but it can get kinda stormy. Maybe I will get my butt off of 15 and 20 and check it out. There has been a few coronal mass events lately that may "pump up the volume" up there.
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. This was too good to pass up.
73, Kevin

[K2WH]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kb7ntl @ April 28 2002,20:20)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">No offense, but wow. I never knew that propagation followed the calendar. Or the seasons. I imagine on the sun, the seasons aren't as pronounced, but it can get kinda stormy. Maybe I will get my butt off of 15 and 20 and check it out. There has been a few coronal mass events lately that may "pump up the volume" up there.
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. This was too good to pass up.
73, Kevin[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Actually, on 6 meters, propagation does follow the seasons or times of year. #I don't recall when they are but I believe 6 meters is best in the winter and in the summer seasons in North America.

K2WH

[K4SFC]

Hi Mike,
I monitor 6M daily from about 11:00 AM 'til 6:00 PM. So maybe we'll hook up sometime. My grid is EM78. Don't let these guys get under your skin about missing an opening. There are three of us on 6M a lot here in Louisville, KY. One is in the NE end, I'm in the South end and the other is in the East end. All three of us have experienced contacts on 6M skip that the others could not hear at all. After thirty years I can tell you this; 6M openings can be just two people at times. The only guy that knows you missed an opening is the ham across the street!

[KE6MGB]

I'm gonna buy a 6M radio really soon. I've always wanted to get on there, hopefully this summer I'll have the new rig. Can't wait, sounds like a really fun band. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[WD8OQX]

Just wondering if anyone has worked much of 6M with a HT. I am wanting to do this and just wondered what to expect. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif


73 WD8OQX

> Just wondering if anyone has worked much of 6M with a HT. I am wanting to do this and just wondered what to expect

----

While I have never worked 6m on an HT (never really tried), I know folks who have. One hears stories of folks working FM simplex contacts on their duckie antennas.

As a QRP guy, the prospect of working off HT power is not too impressive, but working off the duckie is. Let's face it -- a duckie antenna is just one step above a dummy load (and not a very big step). So, while it is not IMPOSSIBLE to work off an HT, it ain't gonna be easy.

If you can find some way of fashioning a better antenna, you might do alright. Fortunately, E-skip on 6m can be pretty strong -- much stronger than much of the F2 stuff of late. You might get lucky.

Like the original poster, I am much looking forward to E-season. While I enjoyed the F2 season greatly, being in the middle of the country, I got little Lower 48 action -- it's a bit too short for F2 (Backscatter not withstanding, of course). And since I didn't get licensed and on the air until the extreme tail-end of the last E season, I have many holes to fill -- in fact, I still need a dozen or so states. So, if you are in CA, WY, RI, MT, ID, ME, OK, KS, among others, and you hear me, PLEASE give me a call. I need you. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

See you on the air.

Peter Baskind, J.D., LL.M.
AG4KI
EM-55

[w4lrs]

where is this activity?I have been listening for 6 months and havent heard a darn thing.Even called Cq

[KC4PX]

I'm in EL98 ad\nd so far this year on 6M I have 38 countries worked.... you just have to listen.... and look at DX clusters

[ke5wj]

The activity I am aware of is mostly on CW and SSB starting at 50.8 and up. I haven't messed with 6m FM much at all.

If anyone didn't hear and 6m activity especially during December - January, I don't think they were listening or had a dummy load instead of an antenna. Even simple antennas were working great.

[kl7of]

I am glad to see so much new interest in 6 meters....For you new hams and hams new to 6 meters......... my advice is first ,get on the band and listen and learn the operating procedures and second, learn all you can about the sunspot cycle and solar events and aurora and tropospheric propagation...There are many 6 meter sites on the net and the dx summit menu is a must as is the "Real Time MUF Map"...Good luck and 73 #Steve KL7OF

[kc7ywf]

YA Ya ya ...Ok I worked Japan and Hawaii this winter. Never hurd anything for the otherside of the pond. This winter was nothing like last summer for QSOs, last summer I worked the far north east U.S. for hours on end and for weeks in a row. As for the calendar coments, Yes it dose kinda go in the seasons. winter and summer equanox(dont think I spelled that right) have alot to do with how 6 meter acts. The closer to those dates the more 6 opens. As for the ht question, a few years ago I #only had FM on 6 meters at 10 watts. That summer I worked Texas from Arizona with a mag. mount on top my house. So don't give up on the 6 fm.
73 to all and hope to hear u out there this summer.
Mike # #KC7YWF

[K2WH]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Timl @ April 29 2002,11:05)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Just wondering if anyone has worked much of 6M with a HT. I am wanting to do this and just wondered what to expect. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif


73 WD8OQX[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Using an ICOM-502, a little 3 watt almost handheld SSB rig, I worked 38 states using this little gem. If you can find one of these, it can be alot of fun. One of my more interesting contacts was working the west coast walking down the street with it's pull out whip. So, yes you can work dx with low power and small antennas on 6 meters when the band is open. Good luck.

[WF7I]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">This winter was nothing like last summer for QSOs, last summer I worked the far north east U.S. for hours on end and for weeks in a row[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

No offense but...working the stateside is nice, but the winter season saw unprecedented DX offerings! Many people completed their DXCC's on 6m during the October-Jan. period. I was getting Europe in here on day at 10 over S9, for an hour, and I'm in Arizona! This doesn't happen each year, whereas some type of E-skip summertime opening in the US does typically.

Now I'll grant you last summer was great for stateside. I too piled up hundreds of QSOs and had a terrific Field Day that year. Many people closed out their WAS award during the summer. I doubt we will see too many summers as good as last year's in the near future, either.

73s, Bert http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[VE7TCC]

I look forward to hearing you on 6m CW.

Duncan

[w8ob]

Maybe 6M was good for you guys but here in en85 (The black hole of 6 M) the entire season was nothing to get excited about. I heard a few euro stations here mostly england and down in the noise. I managed to snag one South American station and Central america's and a couple of West Indy stations but thats about it. I might add was monitoring the band constantly and ran recorders on two freq's when I was not here, nada a big fat zip. All I can say is I am glad someone heard something.

[ve9kar]

Sounds like great fun, I'm a new ham, just bought an old 6M rig (ft-620B), and can't wait to get on the air, I'm planning on moving in July so won't have a decent antenna up untill at least late summer, Can I expect to work any stations on 10 watts into a dipole???I don't have my code yet,(working on it) so I'll be working sideband. I'm in FN65, Thanks
Kent
VE9KAR http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[kb9num]

I made a lot of QSOs with 10 watts or less and a dipole. My first 6 meter antenna was a home made dipole, and it worked great. I talked all over the US, into Canada, and once into South America. Last season I put up a beam, and didn't make nearly as many (spent far less time at it). I missed the mid winter openings, but heard about them. Like all openings on six they were spotty and fickle. Many folks in my area didn't get much of anything, and others had a great time. I also found with my Icom 560 that if I could be heard with the 20 watts max out then most of the time the low power setting (one watt) worked as well. The magic band.

[KG6ITC]

I am really into the 6m idea. Only have a handheld and live in Louisville, CO. wondering if anyone knows of any active 6m reapeters in CO? Would love to chat with some Coloradins on 6m.

Found a list of reapeters but have not heard any chatter:

53.050- DENVER N0IAK
53.070- CNTRL'D ACCESS
53.090- DENVER W0TX
53.110- CLIFTON W0BZU
53.110- DENVER N0PYY
53.150- DENVER N0PYY

Anyone use these?

73
KG6ITC

[k0cba]

QSO's on 6?? That will be the day! You are lucky indeed to even get a name. #They don't even give their state anymore....all it has gotten to be is those damn grid squares and 'get off my frequency so I can get more of them'. # Used to be when you mentioned to a non-ham friend that you talked with a guy in (fill in the blank) they would ask, "well, what do you talk about...what does he do, etc.?" #How filled with pride we must be now when we say, "I dunno, but he's in grid square ZZ99qq". #Boy, that would sure make me want to bust a hump to get a ham license.

[Phineas]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">QSO's on 6?? That will be the day! You are lucky indeed to even get a name. #They don't even give their state anymore....all it has gotten to be is those damn grid squares and 'get off my frequency so I can get more of them'. # Used to be when you mentioned to a non-ham friend that you talked with a guy in (fill in the blank) they would ask, "well, what do you talk about...what does he do, etc.?" #How filled with pride we must be now when we say, "I dunno, but he's in grid square ZZ99qq". #Boy, that would sure make me want to bust a hump to get a ham license.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Man you shure have that right. Sometimes they get just down right rude. That is why I wish I could more people on 6 meters to talk about regular stuff. People talk to 2 meters, and 440, why not 6meters on FM, SSB, or the dreaded CW. Too bad more Techs or anyone else dont see the value in 6, and use it.

As for grid hunters....well everyband has some group of people tht take the fun away from it.

Phineas
KC0LSC

[kc7ywf]

Ya, grid hunting is fun on 6. But don't give up on all the hams on 6 meter. I have two or three friends I talked to almost every night last summer, am hoping that I'll be able to QSO with them this year when 6 desides to open up. 73..Mike...KC7YWF

[WA6CAW]

Thought I would throw in a link to a friend I knew at Motorola when I worked there. #He has done a lot of work on transatlantic transmissions on 6m.

K1SIX (cute) does work six meters alot and his web page is packed with very good info. Just thought you might be interested in looking.

http://www.conknet.com/~b_mobile/

cul

WA6CAW

[KD7MAT]

Thanks for reminder! #I have had my Ham license for a year and 2 months now and got a ICOM IC-T81A 3months ago hoping to use it to make some 6 meter FM QSO's. #Ill be listening in at my QTH in DM43.


# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #73's,
# # # # # # # # # # Jonathon C. McCommack (KD7MAT)

[n2vbk]

Funny thing about that noise on 50.000. Here in Buffalo, it's more like a beep. It's been there for the last 8 years that I've been on the band. Never have figured out what it is.....I've been leaning toward possible RF signal generated by some type of hospital equipment. Anyone wuth any ideas? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[kc7ywf]

I begaining to think it is a alien trying to contact us..LOL

[KC7HDE]

6m is alot of fun, when it's open.
I have been running a 1/2 wave dipole for about a year now and worked many stations in Japan and in the US.
I would like to work some europe stations but need a yagi for that I think.
I have heard for about a year now that 6m is seasonal and that summer and winter are the best times to listen and tx.
Good luck every one on contacts and try to get the persons name and qth, not just a maiden head grid.

73

[kb9num]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">
QSO's on 6?? That will be the day! You are lucky indeed to even get a name. #They don't even give their state anymore....all it has gotten to be is those damn grid squares and 'get off my frequency so I can get more of them'. # Used to be when you mentioned to a non-ham friend that you talked with a guy in (fill in the blank) they would ask, "well, what do you talk about...what does he do, etc.?" #How filled with pride we must be now when we say, "I dunno, but he's in grid square ZZ99qq". #Boy, that would sure make me want to bust a hump to get a ham license.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'> The nature of the band has it open and close so quickly and without any waning. #That tends to discourage lengthy conversations. #I have always gotten a name, and normally the signal report/grid square thing and at least a few words, but few extended conversations. #That frustration is what steered me toward upgrading so I could work HF. #I found 2 meter ssb more fun in general than 6 meters. #And the opportunity for regular DX on the low bands is even more fun for me.

AS far as DX on 6 fm that is no problem if the band is open. #The limiting factor on the 6 meter HTs is the rubber duck. #Build a Jpole, or buy a 6 Meter verticle and you can do as well with an HT as with any other radio. #When 6 is open you can get all over with 5 watts. #When it isn't open 500 watts aren't enough.

[ei6iz]

I worked 38 States last November / December on 6m including the west coast and midwest CA UT OR etc. Considering I am in Ireland (EI) that's not too bad for a VHF band!

Some of the east coast stations I worked were running wet string, I worked one guy running 1/2 watt to a Dipole, another station I worked told me he was using an 80m vertical and plenty of stations were using G5RV antennas.

A neighbour of mine (EI3IX) worked VK running 100w to a 1/4 wave mobile whip, this is probably the first EI to VK mobile qso on 6m

6m really is the magic band.
6m.dxers.info (http://6m.dxers.info/)
is a nice place to meet other 6m operators

[KG4NEL]

Last December I was working into Scotland and Greenland with 10 watts from a transverter and an indoor dipole. So it can be done. For a time of about two or three weeks, every day the band was open to either parts of Europe or the western US.

However, where I noticed the equipment's limitations was on point-to-point simplex when the band was completely dead. I was able to make QSO's as far as 40 or so miles away, but only because the other end was using beams.

Just an add-on to the HT question: A few months ago, I was monitoring 52.525 when I heard a station in Texas calling CQ. (I'm in NC). I haven't heard an opening like that since then, but it's possible...

73s,

Jim
KG4NEL

Quick point--

Looks like the Season has begun. We're seeing scattered reports of E into and out of the Northeast.

No big deal... but (as we say here in the South), "it's fixin' to get goin' real good!" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Peter Baskind, J.D., LL.M.
AG4KI
EM-55 (The home of Elvis)

[K2WH]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (K4SFC @ April 29 2002,09:20)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hi Mike,
I monitor 6M daily from about 11http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif0 AM 'til 6http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif0 PM. So maybe we'll hook up sometime. My grid is EM78. Don't let these guys get under your skin about missing an opening. There are three of us on 6M a lot here in Louisville, KY. One is in the NE end, I'm in the South end and the other is in the East end. All three of us have experienced contacts on 6M skip that the others could not hear at all. After thirty years I can tell you this; 6M openings can be just two people at times. The only guy that knows you missed an opening is the ham across the street![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Surely you jest! Missed and "Opening"? This event was more than just an opening, it was an historic event.

Far beyond your run of the mill opening. I'm sure you'll agree.

[K2WH]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kb9num @ May 02 2002,06:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">
QSO's on 6?? That will be the day! You are lucky indeed to even get a name. #They don't even give their state anymore....all it has gotten to be is those damn grid squares and 'get off my frequency so I can get more of them'. # Used to be when you mentioned to a non-ham friend that you talked with a guy in (fill in the blank) they would ask, "well, what do you talk about...what does he do, etc.?" #How filled with pride we must be now when we say, "I dunno, but he's in grid square ZZ99qq". #Boy, that would sure make me want to bust a hump to get a ham license.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'> The nature of the band has it open and close so quickly and without any waning. #That tends to discourage lengthy conversations. #I have always gotten a name, and normally the signal report/grid square thing and at least a few words, but few extended conversations. #That frustration is what steered me toward upgrading so I could work HF. #I found 2 meter ssb more fun in general than 6 meters. #And the opportunity for regular DX on the low bands is even more fun for me.

AS far as DX on 6 fm that is no problem if the band is open. #The limiting factor on the 6 meter HTs is the rubber duck. #Build a Jpole, or buy a 6 Meter verticle and you can do as well with an HT as with any other radio. #When 6 is open you can get all over with 5 watts. #When it isn't open 500 watts aren't enough.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I agree. It's been a long time since I was on 6 and when I did get back, all I heard was these damn grid square thingies. Doesn't anyone talk anymore. Why the rush for grid squares? Who cares what grid your in and why is this only happening on 6?

[kc5nyo]

Why the rush for grid squares? #Who cares what grid your in and why is this only happening on 6?

Grid squares are needed for VUCC:

http://www.arrl.org/awards/vucc/

But you probably already knew that. # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

73, Mike
kc5nyo

[kc2ftn]

Been 'rag-chewing' on FM all year.
I'm ready for some hot-stuff!
Hello from FN24DD

[kb7ntl]

Golly, I guess I stand corrected. Did a little research, and yes, there are seasonal variances on 6. Guess I need to unpark my butt of some off the other bands and see what is going on. Maybe field day. QST mentioned this month that the real trick is in the shorter contacts. Like 200-300km range. Needless to say it's worth a look see. Thanks for taking my post in jest. I never liked flame messages, and never posted one intended to hurt anybody's feelings. That's one of the beauties of this past time I guess. Never lack an area to explore. Maybe work one of you guys someday. Ever on 20m PSK31, look me up. Glad to catch any news I can...
73, Kevin K6NTL (DM14im)

[kb9umi]

:] I hope more get involved on 6 mtrs. on fieldday this year "I" Will be See Everyone on 50.12500usb / 50.21000 usb 73's hope you get the bug!!! KB9UMI! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kb3cbo]

Hey everyone. Iu believe 6 will be open soon. During the winter 6 was soo open. I got 25 coountries , and have 48 sates now. all i need is ri and hi really. Also during the summer I hope to get hi on 6. well have fun hope to talk to all u dx 6 meters nuts., By the way my sation is a icom ic 746 and 100 awatts to a 7 eliment beam up 15 feet so. doing a good job. Ttul from Ed Moyer kb3cbo fn20 ..-.- .. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kb3cbo @ May 06 2002,08:39)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hey everyone. Iu believe 6 will be open soon. During the winter 6 was soo open. #I got 25 coountries , and have 48 sates now. #all i need is ri and hi really. #Also during the summer I hope to get hi on 6. well have fun hope to talk to all u dx 6 meters nuts., #By the way my sation is a icom ic 746 and 100 awatts to a 7 eliment beam up 15 feet so. #doing a good job. #Ttul from Ed Moyer kb3cbo #fn20 ..-.- #.. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
What does anyone think about a 2 element beam for 6metes up 20 ft. w/100watts? #Would this do the job or should I look for a bigger beam or more power? #I have been listening for K1B with it but no luck so far. #

73

[kb9num]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">What does anyone think about a 2 element beam for 6metes up 20 ft. w/100watts? #Would this do the job or should I look for a bigger beam or more power? #I have been listening for K1B with it but no luck so far. #
[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

I started with a piece of wire and a balun a few feet over the roof of my back porch. I used a transmitter with ten watts, spent some time and got hundreds of qsos. #Now I have a beam and still use the wire to detect an opening, then swing the beam in the right direction for the qso. #I talk with many hams and get fine signal reports with my low power setup. #I also know of many who do well with tall towers, mult-element beams and lots of juce. #I think low power stations need to be more patient and keep trying on the pileups, but in time I normally get through. #HF is a trip after learning on 6. #I am normally getting through in a try or two with 100 watts. #I expect the same is true for 6 with power, but your setup will do well if you are patient.

You may want to prepare for comments from neighbors. #100 watts on 6 may get into close by tvs, so be prepared to help with tvi problems.

Good luck and have some fun.

[KD5KWS]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif I currently am in possession of a Cherokee 6M
H-T. I have been monitoring for some time now and
have yet to QSO. I am not sure why I am not picking anything up. I have attempted Tx. Still nothing. When
I set positive offset and key up it whines. I sure would
hate to toss it in the bin. HELLLLLLLLLP.

[kc7ywf]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I'm very happy to see everyone putting in there 2 cents. That is the very reason I wrote the artical in the first place. Looks like I might have even gotten some hams to come up to 6 meter and give it a shot. I would like to thank everyone who wrote a post. Hope to hear all of u on 6 meter this summer on all the modes(ssb,fm,am,cw).
73 to all Mike...KC7YWF

[WF7I]

Great topic and lots of good posts.

I think you all should give 6 a try, if you haven't already. I was introduced to 6 for the first time in the spring of 2000. I put a little 3 element cushcraft yagi on my tower and heard nothing for a month or two. I was about to give up on the band when suddenly there was a big opening, and tons of S9 signals everywhere on the band! From that point on, I was hooked.

It can be discouraging at times due to long intervals (sometimes months) between openings. But for me, and I think most of the other 6m enthusiasts, the dead times are what make the band such a challenge. You also witness many interesting propagation modes, like backscatter, sidescatter and meteor scatter. There are discussion boards on the net where folks gather to chat about their thoughts on the next opening, or what station they just heard (try www.dxworld.com for one).

Also, you do not need the yagi that I have to enjoy the band. I operate mobile, and have worked DX on 6m with nothing more than a short whip on my truck and 100W. You just have to have a good opening going. The key is to be always watching for activity and monitoring the propagation spots on the internet all the time, to be in the "right place at the right time" to capture the opening. I know guys who will literally drop everything they are doing at work, and rush out to their cars in the parking lot to capture an opening! To me, that's a thrill.

I think you'll find too that most 6m ops are more friendly than the norm, and more interested in experimentation with new modes or equipment (especially antennas). Some are overzealous with grid square collecting, especially during a huge opening, but you'll also find some rag chewers too. But I think typically, since the openings are so rare, people don't rag chew a whole lot on the band. Last summer's E-skip season, I noticed more and more rag chews evolving on the band, because the openings were there for several months and people relaxed more after collecting their needed states and grids.

73s and enjoy,
Bert http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KC8RJS]

I enjoy local ^ meter contacts in Ne Ohio. there are two repeaters that are fairly active daily, one is 52.680 in Geagua county and the other being 53.210 (- 1Mhz) in Mahoning County check them out sometime the grid area is EN91. Good luck this summer I hope to make contacts out of Ohio soon enough when I get a better antenna.

[N8PCA]

MMMMMMMM!!!!! THE "WANTS" AWARD!!!!!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif 6 meters SSB has always been a favorite band for me. Located in michigan near the 45 degree parallel, aurora is a good option for me as well/ Large opening last Saturday (5/11/02). Signals as far south as Arkansas came in. I use a FT-625RD & a 3 element 50A-3. I just purchased a 6 meter Comet 4 element with 10.3 dBi gain. Hope to have it up this upcoming weekend. Next, I want a TE Systems 375 watt amp ($489-ouch). I hope to find a used TE amp for perhaps $350. Seing my power supply is limited to about 40 amps, I will drive it to 300 watts output. Normally, 30 watts from the FT-625RD is fine, but aurora work is much more demanding.

[KG4OZL]

6M has been wide open lately! Using an Icom IC-T81A HT and a homebrew copper J-pole antenna on my roof, I made a contact 650 miles away with about 4 watts FM (Nashville, TN to Waterloo, IA at 10http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif0 PM CDT 6/14/02 on 52.500).

Now I'm just mad that I sold off my 6M all mode and hi power 6M FM mobile rigs at Dayton. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif