[50mhz] Diurnal 6M Opening Predictions

[n5wbi at clearsail.net]

In almost every ham-related e-zine and e-mail
reflector, I read of 6M openings and how folks
are able to work numerous grids.

I've had a 6M radio for a couple of years, but
have always (it seems) become highly frustrated
after 1 or 2 days of hearing nothing but "buzz"
and put it back in the closet.

So, this time, I'm planning differently, hoping
to catch some of that elusive DX that makes 6M
the "magic band."  I have made a commitment to
myself to stay with 6M as much as possible for
the next few weeks (at least until the end of
summer).  I've read the books, I have dozens of
6M web sites bookmarked, so I think I'm ready.

I'm using a Ranger RCI-5054DX and a 5/8-wave
144 MHz whip as my mobile setup.  When the
"big" opening comes, I can take the radio out
of the car and go portable with a push-up mast
and a Par OA-50.

My question, after all this setup, is this:

Does the 6M band have diurnal variations
(i.e., good from 0800 to 1000 local, nil
from 1000 to 1500 local, etc.)?  If so,
has anybody come across a way to predict
these, other than sit by the radio 24x7?

Please forgive the wasted bandwidth if this
question seems vague or if it's been answered
in another forum (maybe I haven't read up
on 6M enough ...)

Hope all of this makes sense ...

73,

Steve N5WBI
Houston TX
(A perennial 6M "newbie" ...)