I had an interesting QSO with a new ham the other day and he was interested on getting on 6 meters, but he was concerned about the lack of activity. He has a newer radio that has 6 meters in it and he was asking me questions about getting on 6. I told him that there are several contests coming up and that is a great time to try 6. Many stations will be active and looking for contacts. I explained to him that he could build a simple dipole antenna and operate from a hilltop and have lots of fun. I will be posting another video about building a simple dipole antenna.

In this video I explain the basics that are needed to get on 6. You will need a radio with 6 meters, and most newer radios have this and you will also need an antenna. You can build a simple dipole to give 6 a try. If you operate a contest you may want to get some contesting software. I talk about a simple contest logging program from N3FJP. This software is not free, but he sells it for $6-$10 for a single contest, or $39 for his entire package. N1MM offers an extensive contest logging program that is free, but it is a bit more complicated for the first time contester.

I speak just a bit about propagation on 6. Normally 6 provides for local contacts. But, when the band opens up with Sporadic E contacts can be made out to hundreds or thousands of miles. I have worked across the USA with 5 watts and a 3 element beam. There are many web sites that specialize in 6 meter propagation, google to find more information.

For SSB stations, listen on the Calling Frequency, 50.125 MHz. This is the frequency that station monitor for 6 meter openings. Give a CQ on 50.125, if a station comes back to you, please move up the band 5 or 10 KHz to leave 50.125 free for stations to monitor. It is bad operating procedure to rag chew on 50.125. For FM, listen to 52.525 for activity. Stations outside of the US, check with your local bandplans for operation.

Grid Squares are usually used as part of the exchange in VHF contests. The world is divided into 1x2 degree squares (about 70x100 miles), each with a two letters followed by two numbers designation. (6 digits are used for more exact location, but typically not used.) QRZ.com provides your Grid Square as part of your detailed station information. Search around for Grid Square calculators to calculate you Grid Square based on lat-long or zipcode.

Check on the ARRL, CQ Magazine, and RSGB websites for VHF contests that may be coming up. Summer is a good time for VHF contests, as Sporadic E propagation is more likely to open up during the summer months.

I hope this video provides you enough information to give 6 meters a try during a contest when there will be some activity. As you learn more about six you may want to install a small beam at your home station. Start watching the DX clusters or 6 meter pages for band openings. Please checkout the web pages below.

I will have other videos about 6 meters posted soon. Stay tuned.

When the band comes alive you will be amazed at what you can work.

Welcome to the Magic Band,

Randy
K7AGE

Wikipedia 6 meter page
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How to Work 6-Meter DX
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Six Meter News and Propagation
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North American 50 Mhz Beacon Map by K9MU
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Lots of Six meter links
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DX Sherlock 1.8 - V-UHF QSO - Real Time Maps
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New book on 6 meters from RSGB
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ARRL Contest Calendar page
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CQ magazine VHF contest page
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N3FJP Logging software -
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