Mike
Thanks for the information on the 6 meter  band. A.S., WA7FXB
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Duke, K5XU" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2013 7:28 PM
Subject: Re: 6 meter questions


> Albert asked:
> 
> "Are there certain  frequencies that should be monitored for 
> activity?"
> 
> For SSB activity, monitor 50.125 upper side band. That is the domestic 
> calling frequency for SSB.
> 
> The DX calling frequency is 50.110.
> 
> While most SSB stations run horizontally polarized antennas, your 
> vertical will work just fine when the band is open. Your signal will 
> be a bit weaker for local stations who are horozontal.
> 
> For FM, the national simplex frequency is 52.525, and most of the 
> antennas are vertical.
> 
> "Is it mor possible for the band to open up during the day or in the 
> early evening?"
> 
> Six meters behaves much like its former neighbor, the old analogue 
> television channel 2. Basically, it has a strong tendency to open 
> whenever it takes a notion too. I have seen it pop open with no 
> warning at just about any time of the day or night. Usually, however, 
> I would say check for activity during the late afternoon and evening.
> 
> Whether you comprehend CW or not, remember to tune through the beacon 
> band, which is 50.060 - 50.080. A CW signal inside that window means 
> the band is open to somewhere. At that point, blast forth with a CQ on 
> one of the calling frequencies, especially if you don't hear any other 
> activity. You may be the signal that alerts others to the opening.
> 
> "I have a groundplane up 10 feet, no room for a beam."
> 
> While more height would be better for local coverage, it won't matter 
> as much as you think during band openings, especially for the summer E 
> skip season. That season usually begins somewhere near the end of 
> April, and runs through July.
> 
> For the most part, when the band is open, anyone who you can hear will 
> also be able to hear you.
> 
> So, go for it, and make that first 6 meter contact happen.
> 
> Mike Duke, K5XU