[50mhz] Newbee Questions?

[Bill W5WVO]

Gene, welcome to the Magic Band!

1) The national calling frequency is 50.125 MHz. When the band is dead, 
holding local QSOs on this frequency is not discouraged, as it provides 
something to hear for others who are monitoring the frequency in distant 
areas. Once the band opens, however, QSOing on this frequency is discouraged. 
A good way to handle this is to pick out your operating frequency using your 
VFO B, then call CQ on 50.125 from VFO A, ending with "listening on 50.140, up 
15" (or whatever). Then switch to VFO B and give a quick QRZ and your call on 
50.140. If you have dual receive capability (not in the FT-897D), so much the 
better. Some dodo might be calling you on 50.125 despite your instructions to 
the contrary.

2) The area below 50.125 and above 50.100 is the designated DX sub-band, and 
50.110 is the designated DX calling frequency. Calling CQ between 50.100 and 
50.125 is discouraged. This area is for the DX stations to call CQ on. You can 
of course answer and QSO with them in this segment.

3) Most CW operation when the band is strongly open takes place between 50.080 
and 50.100, with activity starting around 50.100 and spreading down as the 
sub-band fills up.

4) Most USB activity starts on 50.125 and spreads upward from there. Strong, 
widespread sporadic-E openings can cause the band to fill up with signals up 
to 50.200 and even further. Monitoring 50.125 with a good 
horizontally-polarized omnidirectional antenna (M2 HO loop, PAR loop, or 
similar) is arguably the best way to monitor 6M, if you can only do one thing.

5) The CW band below 50.080 is used by automated beacons, with all USA beacons 
between 50.060 and 50.080. The best list of 6M beacons is at 
http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/por/50.htm. It is kept up to date on a weekly 
basis. Report any beacons you hear that are not on the list to the list 
manager.

6) Monitor 6M propagation using the various internet resources. The URLs for 
these resources have appeared many times on this reflector and can be found 
quickly with Google. I won't list them all here.

You live in arguably the best part of the US for sporadic-E propagation. This 
summer's Es season has gotten off to a great start! I know you'll enjoy the 
band.

Bill / W5WVO
DM65



WØQFC wrote:
> Dave and other members of the list:
>
> I have been a Ham for 54 years but have never been on 6. I recently
> bought a FT-897D and just finished a 3 el yagi.
>
> Now, the BIG question(s):
>
> What frequencies should I monitor for SSB and CW?
>
> Any suggestions will be appreciated!
>
> 73
>
> Gene, WØQFC (OK on QRZ)
> Spring Hill, Florida 34606
> WEB SITE:
> http://www.w0qfc.com
>
> Moderator: Ray Brown, KB0STN
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