[50mhz] Newbie Questions and observations

[K2DP]

OM's,

Having been on 6 meters since 1962 as a cw, ssb and AM operator (that's
right, we did have 6 meter SSB in 1962 !!!!), I can tell you that the
courtesy band plan is to operate CW from 50.000mhz to 50.100 mhz, giving
precedence to the 6 meter beacons that are scattered throughout that region.
During a band opening, you will find that 95 % of the CW operation takes
place between 50.080 and 50.100 mhz..

As for the "art" of QSL'ing, I have my own point of view, clearly driven by
my "vintage" (age =52 hihi) and long years as an amateur radio operator. I
have always felt that if someone took the time and courtesy to send me a QSL
card (direct), that I would reply direct. After all, many of us have $100's
if not $1000's of dollars invested in our hobby and radio equipment and
antennas, yet balk at the thought of expending $0.37 to send of a reply to a
QSL. However, I am also quite aware and considerate of the situation
incurred by amateurs who live in "rare/DX" areas/grids and find themselves
replying to literally hundreds or thousands of QSL cards to confirm Alaska,
Hawaii, Delaware, Rhode Island and the like !!!! So, what rule do you
follow..........it's up to you, but my guideline is to use the SASE with
rare grids, states and DX stations if I must "QSL direct". Otherwise, for DX
, you will find that "QSL via the buro" actually works very well if you are
patient to wait out the 1 -2 year roundtrip cycle for your QSL.

73 and have great fun on 6 meters,
Dave, K2DP, St. Louis
6 mtr WAS #677, WAC and DXCC 99/100.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Garie Halstead" <K8KFJ@aol.com>
To: "RJ Mattson" <rjmattson@hvi.net>
Cc: "50 MHz List" <50mhz@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2004 11:56 AM
Subject: Re: [50mhz] Newbie Questions and observations


> RJ Mattson wrote:
>
>  > Why is there no firm cw calling freq like 50.125 is for ssb?
>
> I too am not sure why that is Bob.  At least, I personally have neer
> heard of one.  During some openings, most of the CW I hear here is
> between .095 and 50.100  At other times, during huge openings, it can
> extend much lower in frequency.
>
> BTW, if you heard CW on 50.115, that's considered in the DX window.
> Stations operating there should be working or calling DX only (the
> operative word being "should").  :-)
>
> There will be times when you hear beacons but no stations on the air (as
> you've already encountered).  It's probably the matter of those in the
> area (FL in your case) being unaware of the opening.  I know I monitor
> must less than I should and have probably missed many openings in the
> same manner.
>
>  > I heard some complaints earlier on this forum about too little cw
>  > activity.
>
> I agree.  I don't even find all that much during contest weekends.  I
> guess there are many SSB ops who just don't care for CW (or think their
> CW skills aren't good enough).  With many CW ops running 13 and 15wpm,
> they feel intimidated (not knowing that we will slow down to anyone's
> speed).
>
>  > What is the best way these days to get a qsl? I haven't pursued qsl's
>  > since my novice days in 1962.
>  > Those days, postage was 5 cents and everyone qsl'd as a novice.
>
> It's pretty much common practice these days to send a SASE with your QSL
> card.  I'm not saying you won't get a card otherwise but I think I can
> safely say the turnaround time will certainly be much quicker.  If you
> want the card badly, send a SASE.  I do it as a courtesy.
>
> I hope this answers most of your questions.  Good luck Bob and
> congratulations on the nice contact.
>
> 73, Gary -K8KFJ-
> West Virginia
> 6m VUCC #1048
>
> Moderator: Ray Brown, KB0STN
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