[50mhz] ground rules

[Bill W5WVO]

Just to add a few words to Chris's comments --

The use of the "DX sub-band" (50.100-50.12499) and the "DX calling
frequency" (50.110) are the subject of often intense debate. Well, actually,
"debate" is probably too nice a word.  :-)

The generally accepted use of the DX set-asides on 6M is as follows
(according to my admittedly subjective understanding):

1) "DX" for the purposes of the 6M DX sub-band is considered anything
outside the USA (contiguous 48 states) and Canada (southern/maritime
provinces). Most people consider Mexico as DX on 6M, including pretty much
all the Mexicans.  :-)  DXpeditions activating rare DXCC entities in North
America are always considered DX. Alaska and Hawaii are considered DX.
Northern areas of Canada (the "rare" provinces and territories) are usually
considered DX.

2) The 50.110 DX calling frequency is for DX stations to call CQ on, not
USA/Canada stations. It is not considered proper use of the band plan for a
USA/Canada (non-DX) station to call "CQ DX" on 50.110, or anywhere in the DX
sub-band, for that matter. You can call specific DX stations on frequencies
in this range, but should not call CQ.

3) The most common CW calling frequency range I've seen in use is right
around 50.095-50.099. There is no official CW calling frequency. Many CW
stations, both US and DX, will call CQ on 50.125 when conditions are
marginal, and this is considered OK. (At least by me.) CW and SSB signals
rarely interfere with each other because of the difference in bandwidth and
receive filtering used.

You will get a lot of arguments about these three assertions from some US
hams, but this is generally the way most people read the "rules" -- which
are not legal regulations, just "gentlemen's agreements" in North America.
My statement of these agreements is what I believe to be the generally
accepted "best practices" on 6M, and hopefully not just my own personal
opinions.

Hope this helps.

Bill W5WVO


Greenacres113 at aol.com wrote:
> i need some advice.
>
> if someone 500/1000 mi. away is calling 'cq dx' are they  calling only
> non-USA? i've always been a HF dxer and that's the norm. is it the
> same on 6 mtrs.? what is considered DX?
>
> are short CQs the norm because of the QSB?
>
> is there a calling freq. on 6 mtr. cw similar to 50.125 for  fone?
>
> k9il
> Moderator: Ray Brown, KB0STN
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