I've always enjoyed using 6-meters. Even when the band isn't open, just using it for local simplex work can be a lot of fun (provided people actually USE IT). I was fortunate enough to live in an area where several people frequently called out on the FM calling frequency (52.525 MHz). I say "was" because I now live in south-east Florida where 6-meters doesn't get much use, although I do still hear a little activity on it from time to time. Six-meters is still a band that is a lot of fun :)
Dont forget guys that the bCurrent Tech and General Question Pool ends June 31st and a new one starts 07-01-2011. I have heard it is not a drastic change. Thought I would let you know. Fortunately, EXTRA has another year with existing pool 73 Ron KB3VEW
6 is a fun band, just put up a 3 el MFJ 6 mtr. yagi the other day and enjoying the daily openings from the SW in NV-AZ. Down here for the winter snowbirding, so hope to catch you on the air. Worked a bunch of OR stations the other day. K7CAR/7
"DO they make cheap 6m radios or is it better to just save up for something like the Yaesu FT-817ND or FT-857D." Good question. I have not researched this as I have 6m capability with the FT-857D. I am sure there are dedicated 6m radios and likely they would be less expensive than an all band all mode radio. 73
Hey, do you know of any single band 6 meter rigs for sale anymore? MFJ used to have a bear bones one.. I really want to get into 6 meters but not wanting to buy another HF rig as my HF rig does not have 6 meters.
So confusing lol, I'm in the process of studying for my technician exam and I have absolutely no knowledge of radios or electronics and all the information is a lot harder to grasp then people have been telling me hahaha. Looks like a lot of fun, hopefully I'll be able to get a grasp on all of it and be able to pass my test and get started! Great video David!
40sigsauer I used the "no nonsense study guides" from KB6NU and used the practice exams at eham.net and passed a week after a begin seriously studying. I'd recommend it.
@K4PAD - Pete, I have had a lot of questions about this antenna so I will make a promise to do a focused video and detailed assembly instructions . . . unfortunately I glued this one together before shooting some photos . . . I was a bit anxious to get on 6! ;-)
Look out for an old mini cab Tait low band VHF radio. I got one from a yard sale for $1 it was originally on around 65 MHz but configured the diode matrix board inside and I now have it sitting very nicely on 6 meters. 25 watts output.
@john762x39 - Thanks . . . that error has been pointed out a number of times. Unfortunately I have no way to correct the video at this time. I appreciate your attention to detail.
I have not yet put up a 6m antenna and have been a ham for about 11 years. I have 2 radios that will transmit there, but just have to try it soon. Good video. Gil - WE5ABQ
Love the 857. Got one in the school shack and I love it. Need to get a 6 meter antenna up soon so I can have some fun. Beacons will let you know when the band is open. :)
Very nice video. The only thing I want to add is that you can also use a doublet antenne and a symmetrical tuner like the MFJ-974 for sporadic E qso's on 6 m. I am using a 2x18m dipole with 450 Ohm ladder line, which is the only antenna I have got. I also use the FT857D (for portable operations), and it works well, 73 de LB6BG from Norway.
@Iridium242 - Boy, I would have to do some scouting around the internet to answer that :-) I understand the concern as some of these rigs are very spendy for sure.
Another note for new to the 6 meter band hams is the out of the country calling frequency is 50.110 and some rare DX will be found on 50,105 at times. Be careful not to use these frequency's when potential DX could be calling. Occasional calling CQ is OK though, I am not as experienced as some big guns but I do have 6 meter WAS #893 SMIRK 1117 and have only about 37 country's confirmed. Hope this will help the newbies 73's Jim WA1UWX
Nice video and I hope to work you on 6 meters soon. I just made my first two contacts on 6 meters 5/10/2014 from my mobile. One operator was in FL (WD4AB) and the other was in Bermuda (VP9GE). 73, Charles, KD4TVB, Marshall, NC.
There are a few old mini cab radios out there to where you can get them on 6 meters. Check out ebay I'm sure you could find one dirt cheap, just make sure its low band VHF and that it covers the 6 meter frequency. Google it to find out more info and the frequency coverage of what ever radio your looking at on ebay.
As a technician 6-meters is definitely my favorite band. I love how it feels like an HF band. Hopefully next weekend I will be upgrading from technician to general so I will have HF at my disposal for better long range communication. Just curious, what is the longest QSO you have made on 6?
Haven't been active since I got married... but been making improvements on my bug-out-comms, just haven't had the time or the opportunity to test it in the field...hoping to test it in the summer... Thinking on focussing on 70, 2 & 6. 73's.
Looks like you are having lots of fun with 6 meters. If you like that sort of action then you will love HF when you get your upgrade to general. There are contests practically every weekend. And talking half way around the world to countries you've never heard of before with 100 watts and a piece of wire up in a tree is definitely a thrill. Now go to the ham whisperer's page and get to studying. The question pool changes at the end of the month, so you'd better hurry. 73 de KJ4ZFQ
Awesome David. I remember you mentioning a QSO in Arizona in one of your other vids. Do you remember where about? And yes.. PLEASE keep me posted if you plan on traveling here to AZ. Stay safe up there!
Wish I would have seen this message. I just gave away a 6 meter QRP rig. If you are looking for SSB on 6 meters there are many out there you can use. If you are looking for FM only, you can find some of the older Azden rigs and Alinco makes a decent 6 meter FM as well.
You are probably setup now but I can only suggest an old Yaesu FT-690R Mark 2, these show up on ebay all the time only 10w but I have worked many places in Europe here in the UK with mine
@salat nah - answering myself: novice class seems to be no more - technician is the new "entry" class. I looks as my German "CEPT Novice class" corresponds to the "US General" - bu no 6 meters for me here in DL though. Well, just another reason for a vacation in the US :)
Well done! You have the spirit of ham radio in you - looked you up on QRZ, and saw you had a 10 meter contact in there, too. I would love to try to get you on 10 meters over here in Connecticut some time. I operate W1VCM most Saturdays, and my personal call is N1WKO. Hope to hear you on the bands, 73 -Chris N1WKO
I never seen 6m in action like this. pretty cool. Never thought it had this much long haul. Is vertical polarization always used like this for long haul?
I really like 6 Meters and in nearly 11 years of having a ham radio ticket I have managed to have 2 6 Meter QSOS both on 50.128 a quick one with an operator in Coldwater,Michigan which was brief in length and the longest of the two QSOS was in the Longhorn state of TEXAS!!!! Are you planning on posting a new 6 METER VIDEO in 2020? I sure hope so! Keep up the great amateur radio video work on YOU TUBE 73 KC9QVE Tony Ridlen Marion Grant County,Indiana! QRT
Wow a rotatable dipole. I had a wire dipole up for 6, but got better on a homebrew beam. I have that radio in my van into a Little Tarheel II auto screwdriver. Base is a Ranger 5054 DX the 100 watt version. 73 KA9WLU
This is a great video! I'm a brand new ham, and I'm looking for my first radio. I'm eyeing the Yaesu FT-8900R, a quadband that has 6M capabilities. This video pushes me toward that a little more.
+Homegrown Fixes Don't mean to knock the FT8900R, but I should point out that it's limited to 6m FM. That might work for some DX in both 6 and 10m, but you'll be limited to perhaps one FM calling frequency and local repeater use. USNERDOC is listening and broadcasting on SSB, which that radio cannot do. It's a good mobile for someone in an area where there's a fair bit of 6m and 10m use, but even then you'll probably use the 70cm and 2m far more frequently.
+Thermopylae2007 I did some more research on that radio and found that out after I posted that. I haven't bought a 6M yet, but I definitely want something with SSB capability. Thanks for the input.
While the current exchange rate for the Canadian dollar makes them rather expensive up here right now, perhaps if you could get a good price on an 857D like what USNERDOC uses, I think you'll be rather satisfied. You'd also be able to enjoy a fair bit of 10m SSB DX even on the Technician portion of that band (which doesn't cover FM). In any event good luck with whatever you might get.
Hey Doc! KF7ETX - that's a novice class callsign, right? Is novice class allowed on 6 meters in the US? Wish that would be legal here in Germany, too..
Hello, I think you you have a typo in that link. It should be vhfdx dot info and not .com. The dot com page is something different. That's a nice antenna you built by the way. I've seen some you can buy like that but nothing beats something you built.
I think I can clarify, Other than figuring out how far away you can be recieved, is there any practical use to this radio? The only thing i could think of is a SHTF large scale event occurs, then it would be useful to have one. Since SHTF hasnt occured what do you do on it for the most part? And can you go into detail on communications. What do you communicate since no SHTF? I dont see a practical use to them unless a large scale SHTF event. CB radios are practical for traffic what about HAM?
I know this is an older video. but for those of us who can't afford 100's of dollars on a ham radio can you recommend a radio that offers the 50 mhz frequencies or 6 meter?
Am interested in obtaining license. I'm across river in Vancouver, WA if you are still in PDX. Would appreciate a chance to meet and talk radios with you.
Alinco makes a fm only 6m rig. Also Ranger, who's more know for import CB's makes a 6m all mode. Sorry dont know the model numbers on either. BTW USNERDOC, love the vids! de 73 KF7QPK
Looking forward to the "how to" on the antenna.
Thanks for sharing,
KI4WTT
I took my tech test this morning thanks for the encouragement
This video is four years old but I still like to watch this video every now and then!!!
I know right... it just reminds me of my HAM goals
I've always enjoyed using 6-meters. Even when the band isn't open, just using it for local simplex work can be a lot of fun (provided people actually USE IT). I was fortunate enough to live in an area where several people frequently called out on the FM calling frequency (52.525 MHz). I say "was" because I now live in south-east Florida where 6-meters doesn't get much use, although I do still hear a little activity on it from time to time. Six-meters is still a band that is a lot of fun :)
Love your ham videos. I know they are old but they are great.
@chelloplayer128 - Cool! Good luck on FD . . . looking forward to the videos of your QSOs.
@ThePilotBMP - I got them from BuddiPole. I actually picked them up from their booth at SEAPAC. I had my eye on these specifically for this project.
Dont forget guys that the bCurrent Tech and General Question Pool ends June 31st and a new one starts 07-01-2011. I have heard it is not a drastic change. Thought I would let you know. Fortunately, EXTRA has another year with existing pool
73
Ron
KB3VEW
'cos of Randy I got my ham license in 2010...Thanks David 73 de ZS1CPT
I really like this video and have watched this video several different times. Tony Ridlen KC9QVE Kokomo,Indiana
100% agree about K7AGE. excellent videos and would have loved to have him as an Elmer 40 years ago when I got into the hobby.
Believe it or not, my little Yaesu VX-7r is a quad band: 6m, 2m, 1.75m, 70cm. I love this radio!
6 is a fun band, just put up a 3 el MFJ 6 mtr. yagi the other day and enjoying the daily openings from the SW in NV-AZ. Down here for the winter snowbirding, so hope to catch you on the air. Worked a bunch of OR stations the other day. K7CAR/7
+NWHiker - Hope to catch you on the air! I am jealous . . . I really enjoy Arizona. 73!
"DO they make cheap 6m radios or is it better to just save up for something like the Yaesu FT-817ND or FT-857D." Good question. I have not researched this as I have 6m capability with the FT-857D. I am sure there are dedicated 6m radios and likely they would be less expensive than an all band all mode radio. 73
Hey, do you know of any single band 6 meter rigs for sale anymore? MFJ used to have a bear bones one.. I really want to get into 6 meters but not wanting to buy another HF rig as my HF rig does not have 6 meters.
So confusing lol, I'm in the process of studying for my technician exam and I have absolutely no knowledge of radios or electronics and all the information is a lot harder to grasp then people have been telling me hahaha. Looks like a lot of fun, hopefully I'll be able to get a grasp on all of it and be able to pass my test and get started! Great video David!
Enjoy your journey. Plug away slowly and take it step by step. Enjoy the learning curve.
HAM has got something for everyone.
Did you ever get your ticket?
remingtonh I never did, I couldn't pass the practice test and then my book expired. I never did get the new book. I need to purchase it and try again.
40sigsauer I used the "no nonsense study guides" from KB6NU and used the practice exams at eham.net and passed a week after a begin seriously studying. I'd recommend it.
@K4PAD - Pete, I have had a lot of questions about this antenna so I will make a promise to do a focused video and detailed assembly instructions . . . unfortunately I glued this one together before shooting some photos . . . I was a bit anxious to get on 6! ;-)
Greetings from Aptos, enjoyed the video!
This is fantastic ! I want one.
Great vid Doc. I just got the book to start to study for my General. 73 to you sir.
KJ6EZ
I love PVC parts for antenna projects! Good stuff! Enjoy!
Look out for an old mini cab Tait low band VHF radio. I got one from a yard sale for $1 it was originally on around 65 MHz but configured the diode matrix board inside and I now have it sitting very nicely on 6 meters. 25 watts output.
@john762x39 - Thanks . . . that error has been pointed out a number of times. Unfortunately I have no way to correct the video at this time. I appreciate your attention to detail.
I have not yet put up a 6m antenna and have been a ham for about 11 years. I have 2 radios that will transmit there, but just have to try it soon. Good video. Gil - WE5ABQ
@hinckleypoland - southern Arizona via Echolink and Payson via 6-meters.
I will keep you posted!
name dropping the colonel :) nice contact though I have a little to learn before I attempt something like that.
Hi. Thanks for this interesting video for new operators on 6 meter band.Best 73 de i4oqa /Yoky/Massalombarda / Ra / italy
Love the 857. Got one in the school shack and I love it. Need to get a 6 meter antenna up soon so I can have some fun. Beacons will let you know when the band is open. :)
fantasic, I hadnt heard of 6m, very cool
Very nice video. The only thing I want to add is that you can also use a doublet antenne and a symmetrical tuner like the MFJ-974 for sporadic E qso's on 6 m. I am using a 2x18m dipole with 450 Ohm ladder line, which is the only antenna I have got. I also use the FT857D (for portable operations), and it works well, 73 de LB6BG from Norway.
6 Meters & 220 Mhz. both have TREMENDOUS tactical applications!
@Iridium242 - Boy, I would have to do some scouting around the internet to answer that :-)
I understand the concern as some of these rigs are very spendy for sure.
@salat - I am allowed on 6-meters with my license (Technician).
@richardah1 - Thanks! I unfortunately can't correct the video title at this point but will reflect changes in the notes.
Cool on the 6m activity. My next biggie is in 2014 - helping Brown University with their cubesat comms.
Great stuff!
That was a great video !
Thanks !
RANGE 5054DX & 5054DX-100 are mono band all mode rigs.They work GREAT!
Another note for new to the 6 meter band hams is the out of the country calling frequency is 50.110 and some rare DX will be found on 50,105 at times. Be careful not to use these frequency's when potential DX could be calling. Occasional calling CQ is OK though, I am not as experienced as some big guns but I do have 6 meter WAS #893 SMIRK 1117 and have only about 37 country's confirmed. Hope this will help the newbies 73's Jim WA1UWX
Nice video and I hope to work you on 6 meters soon.
I just made my first two contacts on 6 meters 5/10/2014 from my mobile.
One operator was in FL (WD4AB) and the other was in Bermuda (VP9GE).
73,
Charles,
KD4TVB,
Marshall, NC.
There are a few old mini cab radios out there to where you can get them on 6 meters. Check out ebay I'm sure you could find one dirt cheap, just make sure its low band VHF and that it covers the 6 meter frequency.
Google it to find out more info and the frequency coverage of what ever radio your looking at on ebay.
Excellent antenna construction. Thank you for sharing that. Good job! 73 de
SW1OBT
As a technician 6-meters is definitely my favorite band. I love how it feels like an HF band. Hopefully next weekend I will be upgrading from technician to general so I will have HF at my disposal for better long range communication. Just curious, what is the longest QSO you have made on 6?
I love this design Doc... Do you have a blow out of parts?
Haven't been active since I got married... but been making improvements on my bug-out-comms, just haven't had the time or the opportunity to test it in the field...hoping to test it in the summer... Thinking on focussing on 70, 2 & 6. 73's.
@SgtBooker44 - Thank you sir . . . we are on the same track . . . General ticket. 73!
Looks like you are having lots of fun with 6 meters. If you like that sort of action then you will love HF when you get your upgrade to general. There are contests practically every weekend. And talking half way around the world to countries you've never heard of before with 100 watts and a piece of wire up in a tree is definitely a thrill. Now go to the ham whisperer's page and get to studying. The question pool changes at the end of the month, so you'd better hurry.
73 de KJ4ZFQ
Awesome David. I remember you mentioning a QSO in Arizona in one of your other vids. Do you remember where about? And yes.. PLEASE keep me posted if you plan on traveling here to AZ. Stay safe up there!
Wish I would have seen this message. I just gave away a 6 meter QRP rig. If you are looking for SSB on 6 meters there are many out there you can use. If you are looking for FM only, you can find some of the older Azden rigs and Alinco makes a decent 6 meter FM as well.
beautiful home made antenna !!!!
You are probably setup now but I can only suggest an old Yaesu FT-690R Mark 2, these show up on ebay all the time only 10w but I have worked many places in Europe here in the UK with mine
@KC2UOO - THANKS!
Great video, I think I want to build that dipole sweet little rig.
@grizphoto - Thank you sir!
Hey Doc, we have field day this Sat 25 June down here in Mississippi. My callsign is KD5ZIP.
Impressed with all of your 6 Meter related knowledge and information!!!Tony Ridlen KC9QVE
Kb9ITV checking in. I need to work on upgrading this Fall. 73's!
DAVID, also, watched all Ur vids, great job Bro. Picked u up from TNP
Well if I ever hit lottery I will get a Multi band radio and buddy pole to try 6 and 10 meters. Great video 73's KC3DBO
nice video.
@salat nah - answering myself: novice class seems to be no more - technician is the new "entry" class. I looks as my German "CEPT Novice class" corresponds to the "US General" - bu no 6 meters for me here in DL though. Well, just another reason for a vacation in the US :)
Well done! You have the spirit of ham radio in you - looked you up on QRZ, and saw you had a 10 meter contact in there, too. I would love to try to get you on 10 meters over here in Connecticut some time. I operate W1VCM most Saturdays, and my personal call is N1WKO. Hope to hear you on the bands, 73
-Chris
N1WKO
I never seen 6m in action like this. pretty cool. Never thought it had this much long haul. Is vertical polarization always used like this for long haul?
Looking good! and Wow, great job building the dipole ... I wouldn't call it over construction.. id call it Good construction =)
I really like 6 Meters and in nearly 11 years of having a ham radio ticket I have managed to have 2 6 Meter QSOS both on 50.128 a quick one with an operator in Coldwater,Michigan which was brief in length and the longest of the two QSOS was in the Longhorn state of TEXAS!!!! Are you planning on posting a new 6 METER VIDEO in 2020? I sure hope so! Keep up the great amateur radio video work on YOU TUBE 73 KC9QVE Tony Ridlen Marion Grant County,Indiana! QRT
We needa find a way to get nutn into ham! Great video! 857 soon i hope.
@kd7one - I am hoping to be on the air with a portable battery powered station!
Wow a rotatable dipole. I had a wire dipole up for 6, but got better on a homebrew beam. I have that radio in my van into a Little Tarheel II auto screwdriver. Base is a Ranger 5054 DX the 100 watt version. 73 KA9WLU
Good stuff -
Great contacts, and nice antenna setup. 73 -N4BFG
Kindly suggest how do I practice Amateur and HAM Radio using my Worldspace Digital Satellite Radio receiver
This is a great video! I'm a brand new ham, and I'm looking for my first radio. I'm eyeing the Yaesu FT-8900R, a quadband that has 6M capabilities. This video pushes me toward that a little more.
+Homegrown Fixes Don't mean to knock the FT8900R, but I should point out that it's limited to 6m FM. That might work for some DX in both 6 and 10m, but you'll be limited to perhaps one FM calling frequency and local repeater use. USNERDOC is listening and broadcasting on SSB, which that radio cannot do. It's a good mobile for someone in an area where there's a fair bit of 6m and 10m use, but even then you'll probably use the 70cm and 2m far more frequently.
+Thermopylae2007 I did some more research on that radio and found that out after I posted that. I haven't bought a 6M yet, but I definitely want something with SSB capability. Thanks for the input.
While the current exchange rate for the Canadian dollar makes them rather expensive up here right now, perhaps if you could get a good price on an 857D like what USNERDOC uses, I think you'll be rather satisfied. You'd also be able to enjoy a fair bit of 10m SSB DX even on the Technician portion of that band (which doesn't cover FM). In any event good luck with whatever you might get.
Hey Doc! KF7ETX - that's a novice class callsign, right? Is novice class allowed on 6 meters in the US? Wish that would be legal here in Germany, too..
Hi David,
What is the preferred mode for magic band openings ? AM FM or SSB ?
Nice video, 73 from Indonesian YD2AFO
Hello, I think you you have a typo in that link. It should be vhfdx dot info and not .com. The dot com page is something different.
That's a nice antenna you built by the way. I've seen some you can buy like that but nothing beats something you built.
Can you make a video of your progress in HAM Radio over the last 6 years
Do you have any plans for that 6m dipole you built? It is very nicely constructed.
I love SC
I think I can clarify, Other than figuring out how far away you can be recieved, is there any practical use to this radio? The only thing i could think of is a SHTF large scale event occurs, then it would be useful to have one. Since SHTF hasnt occured what do you do on it for the most part? And can you go into detail on communications. What do you communicate since no SHTF? I dont see a practical use to them unless a large scale SHTF event. CB radios are practical for traffic what about HAM?
David, could you tell me where you got those whips?
73's
Ben
KC8CAY
you ought to submit this to QST
I did it with when I was playing with it with a hand held radio ...144 MHz with out any thing I talk instead 3 km 25km ....
Tried the web site you suggested all I keep getting is some german websitem nothing to do with radio. Good video by the way.
same here lol
Don't know if link is still broken, but this is the site he is talking about:www.dxmaps.com/spots/map.php?Lan=E&Frec=50&ML=L&Map=EU&DXC=N&HF=N&GL=N
awesome vid --
are you still active?
Fyi Its vhfdx.info not com
hello am fm ssb mode? th9800 ten tyt only one broadcast on FM
I know this is an older video. but for those of us who can't afford 100's of dollars on a ham radio can you recommend a radio that offers the 50 mhz frequencies or 6 meter?
Am interested in obtaining license. I'm across river in Vancouver, WA if you are still in PDX. Would appreciate a chance to meet and talk radios with you.
Nice video 73 from baghdad de Yi1hxh
hi from m3psf from robert / uk
Great vid Dave! KC0BIN
im very glad to watch this clips very much thnks
73. de dv1tbt
like this one
What is more common on 6? SSB or FM(or other)?
Do I Need Any type Of License form FCC ?? to operate this radio ?
Yes 6m is HAM. You need a HAM license.
Spheroidic E
Alinco makes a fm only 6m rig. Also Ranger, who's more know for import CB's makes a 6m all mode. Sorry dont know the model numbers on either.
BTW USNERDOC, love the vids!
de 73 KF7QPK
Thanks for sharing .
73 de VA6POP
When solar wind let happened
What is all this talk about code. and what are these radios for. actually?