[ADXA] 6 meter test

[Steven Rutledge]

Frank Donovan, W3LPL has done extensive research on this subject.  He 
puts the height for a six meter antenna optimized for ESkip at some 
point below 40'.  There is a presentation out there he did.  I will see 
if I can find it.  I agree with Jay. Optimizing for E vs. F2, whatever 
the latter optimization might be is the way to go.  My antenna, 28' 
boom, seven elements, is at about 70'.  I can't hear most of what all of 
you with lower antennas are hearing.  My one tower on city lot is 65'.  
I think I'm screwed.


Steve, N4JQQ

On 11/15/2025 3:29 PM, Jay Bromley wrote:
> Charles hi,
> Our own Joel W5ZN and Frank, W3LPL has mentioned more than a few times 
> that 30-50 feet is good for sporadic E and for not picking up ground 
> noise.
>
> F layer may or may not be a different game?  However, if it were me, I 
> would optimize for the Es!  IMHO, there is very little F layer stuff 
> on 6m and even at a lower height you will do well with a gain 
> antenna!  There are maybe one or two F layer openings last year.
>
> Try these links:
> https://www.dxshell.com/adif-master.html
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIC130rBy2E
>
> Even a few years ago when Joel put up his EME 6m array, he talked 
> about the magic height on the magic band, hihi.
>
> BTW, I have seen over the years impressive rotating towers lined with 
> only 6m arrays.  That would be cool to go through the stack on each 
> opening!
>
> W5KI Steve made FFMA on modest height antennas!  Some I think were 
> only on pushup poles!  Steve is one of those quiet Elmers within our 
> club, but knows his stuff!
>
> 73 de jay/w5jay..
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on 
> behalf of Charles McKenzie <kf5tl at outlook.com>
> *Sent:* Saturday, November 15, 2025 10:43 AM
> *To:* ADXA List <adxa at mailman.qth.net>
> *Subject:* [ADXA] 6 meter test
>         FYI to those that might not know...Im sure there are many here 
> that is aware.
> As I was putting up the last tower and antennas Ken with JK antennas 
> ask about 6 meters, and I have a 7 ele 6 meter antenna on the 89 ft US 
> tower, with the tower up the antenna is around the 95' agl.
>       Ken told me I was to high, the 6 meter skip layer was about 
> 54'agl, so this AM I did the test, I lowered the 6 meter antenna down 
> to close to the 55 ft AGL area.....Im now seeing half dozen south 
> america dx stations, up from 1. OK the antenna guys knows their 
> stuff....I have learned something.
>
> 73
> KF5TL
>
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