[50mhz] ready to get my feet wet

[Ray Brown]

----- Original Message -----
From: Buzz, KB1EPQ <kb1epq@charter.net>

> Hello to all!  Participated in the VHF contest last week-end on 2m SSB.
> This was my first time playing with anything except FM.  I am now hooked
> with VHF operations.  The next logical step is to add 6 meter equipment to
> my shack.  I'm leaning toward the Alinco DX-70T that Radio Shack is selling
> for $599.  I currently have only a Tech license so the HF portion of the
> radio would not be used right now.  Do any of you folks use this radio?  I
> have never been on 6m at all.  Is the 10W that this rig puts out on 6m ssb
> enough to have any fun with?  I'm located in FN34 and at least for the time
> being would have very small antenna set-up.  Any help/advice/leads on used
> equipment would be most appreciated!  Thanks in advance!

  Howdy Buzz, and welcome to the wonderful world of 6 meters!

  If you are interested in getting on 6m fairly quickly, instead of investing in a separate 6m radio (I don't have the
DX070T), I would consider this: A Ten-Tec transverter. Specifically, the model number 1209, which converts all signals from 6
meters to 2 meters. It has only 3 connections, the coax in from your 2m SSB radio, the coax out to a 6m antenna, and a 12V
cable. You literally just turn it on and let it do the work. The only warning is that the maximum input is 8 watts on FM, and
try to stay under 15 watts on SSB. The output of the transverter is about 8 watts. That was all I used to get my VUCC (Vhf -
Uhf Century Club, or 100 separate gridsquares confirmed worked and QSO cards) certificate.

  The 1209 transverter is available from Ten-Tec as either a solder-it-up-yourself kit, for $100 or so, or assembled and
tested for $160. Also, there's probably one or two used ones on that e-b-a-y place at any time, and I've seen them as cheap
as $60.

  Now, as to an antenna... probably the best way, right off the bat, would be for you to make a 6m dipole. Of course, you
could buy an antenna, either a vertical (good for FM use, limited for SSB) or horizontal Yagi beam (good for SSB, not much
good on FM). Or do like I do, run both, with an antenna switch. (grin)

  Anyway, if you're comfortable with your 2m all-mode radio, I'd consider the Ten-Tec transverter. You talk to me real nice,
I may sell you mine (I used it until 4 months ago, I have a Kenwood TS-60 and a TS-660).

  Let us know what you think!

                _Ray_        KB0STN
                6m VUCC # 1042
                SMIRK     # 6375
                6M club    # 956
                Grid EM27sb, Joplin, MO, USA
                raybrown@ipa.net