[ICOM] Activity on 6M

[Michael P. Olbrisch]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Tom Norris
> Sent: Thursday, August 05, 2004 10:51 AM
> To: ICOM Reflector
> Subject: Re: [ICOM] Activity on 6M
>
>
>
> As far as repeater activity on 6, I've yet to run across
> any in my area - the southeast - regardless of the theoretical
> listings in the repeater guide. Michigan may differ.
>
> Tom NU4G

That is interesting.  My last tour in Huntsville, AL (Redstone Arsenal)
there was quite a bit of activity on 6m.  There was an AM net, and FM net,
and a group of guys on SSB, including one on Lookout Mountain.  The best DX
we got under "normal" conditions was about 300 miles.  This is what caused
me to buy an ICOM IC-551D with FM, which I still own today.

This is also when I learned why you do not build a 4 ele yagi for 6m from CB
antenna parts, but make the boom out of a wooden 2x4.  After the first rain,
the antenna went from horizontal polarization to circular polarization.

Even when it dried, it never quite did get back into alignment.  A bit later
my XYL got me a 4 ele cushcraft, which I also still have today.

6m used to be active in the SE.  And is still active in the El Paso, TX-Las
Cruces, NM area.

Mike.  KD9KC
El Paso, TX.