[InHam] [Fwd: [IndyHamRadio] GET READY FOR THE UPCOMING ARRL JUNE VHF QSO PARTY]

[Dan Evans]

*GET READY FOR THE UPCOMING ARRL JUNE VHF QSO PARTY*

June is just about here, and according to ARRL Contest Branch Manager
Sean Kutzko, KX9X, that means the VHF bands are starting to get some
steam. "If you've never experienced the fun of VHF+ operating, the ARRL
June VHF QSO Party is a great place to start. With many HF radios now
offering at least 6 meter SSB/CW capabilities -- and some offering 2
meters and 70 cm as well -- any amateur with a Technician class license
or higher can experience long-haul communication on the VHF bands," he
said.

Known as the "Magic Band," 6 meters can be quiet for days at a time, and
then suddenly explode with signals when the E layer of the ionosphere
cooperates. There's no guaranteed way to predict when 6 meters opens,
which is why the propagation mode is called "Sporadic-E." When 6 meters
opens, contacts several hundred miles away can be made with relatively
modest equipment; 50 W and a simple dipole antenna can do wonders during
a good opening.

When operating on VHF, Kutzko said that your Maidenhead grid square is
the common geographical information exchanged. For complete information
on grid squares and how to tell what grid square you are in, visit the
ARRL's web site <http://www.arrl.org/locate/gridinfo.html>.

Kutzko advises that there are a few things to know about operating on 6
meters: In the US and Canada, there is a "calling frequency" on 50.125
MHz USB. Many stations monitor this frequency to listen for band
openings. Stations can call CQ on the calling frequency, and if somebody
answers, the stations will find a new frequency on which to conduct
their QSO. It is considered poor etiquette to monopolize the calling
frequency for QSOs.

Most SSB activity will take place between 50.125 MHz and 50.250 MHz. If
conditions are exceptional, Kutzko said you may hear signals above
50.250: "CW signals can be found from 50.100 MHz to 50.080 or so. The
frequencies between 50.100 and 50.125 MHz are a 'DX Window,' meaning it
is reserved for QSOs between W/VE and DX stations. Please do not make
stateside-to-stateside QSOs in the DX Window."

Kutzko said that getting on 6 meters is easy: "A dipole for 6 meters is
only 9 feet, 4 inches long and is an easy construction project. Try to
get the dipole in the air as high as possible, but even 15 feet off the
ground will make some QSOs. If you have an antenna tuner that can handle
6 meters, you can try loading up another of your antennas on 6 meters
with reasonable success."

Because VHF+ antennas are relatively small, Kutzko said that many
amateurs operate from portable locations, such as a hilltop or a
campground. Others operate the contest as a "rover," operating from
their car or truck while transmitting from multiple grid squares over
the contest period. "Tracking rovers during the contest is almost as
much fun as the contest itself," he said.

The ARRL June VHF QSO Party runs from 1800 UTC Saturday, June 14-0300
UTC Monday, June 16. Be sure to use those extra bands on your
transceiver and get in on the fun you've been missing on 6 meters and
up! For more information on this contest, please be sure to check out
the Contest Rules
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2008/june-vhf.html>.

Copyright 2008 American Radio Relay League, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

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73
Dan
-- 
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269 
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla> 
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books 
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!