[50mhz] [VHF] 6 meters this summer

[N1BUG]

I'm in central Maine. I've only been on 6 (in any significant way) 
since 2003 but this is by far the worst Es season I have experienced 
thus far. Openings have been few and far between.

On the other hand every season seems to be unique. I had never been 
able to hear any of the TF stations before. In the last week I have 
worked 4 different stations there! Similar story with YO. I had 
never been able to hear one before. Last Saturday, YQ8Q was 
contesting. I called him for 45 minutes without success. As his 
signal had all but faded completely into the noise, I went up the 
band a bit and called CQ. YO3APJ answered. You just never know. Even 
in a very poor season, DX is there to be worked - but it takes more 
patience and persistence.

BTW I am still seeking a LoTW user in Rhode Island who can work 6 
meter CW! There must be someone!?

73,
Paul N1BUG
FN55mf
1500w, 7 elements at 100 feet


On 6/22/2011 10:14 AM, John Geiger wrote:
> This is my 20 summer on 6m.  I got started in 1992 with a Kenwood TS600, a
> tube amp, and a dipole.  So far this summer propagation from Oklahoma has been
> the worst I have ever seen, and that includes the other locations I have also
> operated from.  We have had a couple of good openings, but that is it. At this
> point in the summer we should be getting openings almost every day.  Instead,
> we are getting 1 or 2 short openings a week, at best.
>
> Have any others who have been on 6m a long time seen conditions this bad?
> What are others in different parts of the country experiencing?