[Elecraft] OT - 6 meter DX activity in sunspot low

[n9tf at comcast.net]

Gary, 
  
Here is a good read on 6 meter and VHF propagation in general.  http://www.uksmg.org/content/sporade.htm 
  
Jim, K9YC, has given you some very good info already. I have been active on 6 meters for probably the last 20 years, and have not seen any drastic differences in propagation on 6 between sunspot highs and lows. Although the "prime" sporadic E time frame historically is spring and summer months, I have actually worked western EU in December on a couple of occasions. As I remember, that happened during this sunspot high during the first peak.  
My biggest antenna has been a 3 element at about 40'. I will admit, there was propagation in the past, during the first sunspot peak of this cycle, to JA land that guys around me in the Midwest were working that I could not even hear. Long boom antennas up high with power! 
  
As Jim mentioned, you are closer to the action from the east coast to EU. I saw many posts a few weeks ago of EU action on 6 meters from the NE states. Did not hear most of those signals here in the Chicago area. 
  
Put up a 3 element and give it a try! 
  
73 Gene N9TF 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Gary Smith" <Gary at ka1j.com> 
To: "elecraft" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> 
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2016 11:32:42 AM 
Subject: [Elecraft] OT - 6 meter DX activity in sunspot low 

I've made exactly five 6M contacts in the last 36 years, all of them 
a couple months ago during Field Day with my K3s. It piqued my 
interest as I have DXCC from 160 through 10 & this would offer a new 
challenge. 

I discovered DXEngineering has a 3 element, 6M add on that attaches 
to a tribander and gives decent gain. Considering my tribander is 
roof mounted on a ranch, I won't have a great antenna for 6 no matter 
how I slice it. Still, if there is something worthwhile I can do with 
6M, I should. 

So my question is for those who have operated 6M for years and know 
how the band works during the lows of the sunspot cycle; is it like 
17 & up where any DX openings are unobtanium, or does 6M behave 
differently at sunspot lows and DX openings are common? 

Thanks & 73, 

Gary 
KA1J 
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