New to 6m - travelling Mount Isa to Brisbane

[VK4IY]

Hi all. Recently moved from Brisbane to Mount Isa. Travelling to Brisbane over the next few days and then on to Melbourne.

Will have the IC706 aboard and would like to try out 6m. I'm new to the band.

Where should I listen or call?

Thanks.

Ross VK4IY

[VK2GOM]

Hi Ross,

50.150. Activity seems more geared towards the day of the week than band conditions HI. On a weekend you should be able to raise someone. Midweek could be difficult.

What antenna are you using for 6m out of interest? My HF vertical (Outbacker Outreach) is only good for 160-10, so I need to purloin a separate 6m antenna one day.

73 - Rob VK2GOM

[VK4GHZ]

Most rigs are parked on 50.110, the International Calling frequency.
Domestic operation should be kept above 50.150, and the WIA suggested domestic call frequency is 50.200MHz.

The whole 110 versus elsewhere debarcle has been going on for years, with no result.
What happens?
Tempers get flared, people of differing opinions have on-air screaming matches, dummys are spit, and everyone else thinks that 6M operators are nothing more than a bunch of lunatics!

In recent summers we have worked YB, DU, P29, KH8, A35, 3D2, and 3D2R via Es.
This summer, look out for E51CG on South Cook, as Victor now has an IC-706 and 5 element Cushcraft up.

Don't let anyone tell you there isn't any DX around during summer, and it's OK to sit on 110 and have a chat.
It isn't.
These inconsiderate operators are the root cause of the unnecessary agro on 6M.

Go ahead and call on 110, but please QSY to 50.150 or above.
(QSY before exchanging name, signal report, weather report, and what you had for breakfast!)

Simple respect for other band users goes a long way, and is much appreciated.

You might like to try calling on the FM repeaters, on 52/53Mhz too.

[VK2VHF]

You might also try 52.525 simplex FM and 52.100 USB.

Standard lic holders like me cannot operate between 50-52Mhz so they tend to call SSB on 52.100. I've worked VK4/5/8 that way.

The challenge might be getting enough bandwidth from you mobile antenna?


Adrian
~VK2VHF~

[VK4IY]

Thanks all for your suggestions - I'll give them a try. I'm using a cut down ex 11m 1/4 wave. Will be leaving Brisbane for Ballarat tomorrow and then returning to Mount Isa via western NSW/Qld in about 2 weeks.

[vk1da]

Antenna I use for 6m mobile is a 2m 5/8 - these are very close to resonant on 50 MHz and I have worked JA with this antenna, from the Nullarbor, in 2004.

A full size 6m quarter wave isn't much bigger. But this one gets into the car parks better and doesn't hit so many trees.