I have high hopes for six meter operation. I was counting on it to be my "bread
and butter" but so far the last three days have been disappointing. I see what
appear to be large openings, but have heard little except for some weak
stations in the noise. Does this mean that the E-Skip is just missing Central
Alabama so far, or is my deed restricted antenna farm simply not hearing those
stations? I just don't have enough experience to judge.
I was an active TV-DX'er for years, so I'm quite accustomed to e-skip, and I
don't see a lot of folks in Central Alabama working anyone yet, so I'm hoping
that I'm just waiting for better propagation.
My current 6 Meter set up is:
HOME
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Dual Icom 746Pro's. 100 watts. One is feeding a 6M Halo in the attic. The other
feeds a 6M three element beam in the attic. Both are fed with 1/2" hardline.
SWR is good on both, and I can hear the local beacons without any problems.
MOBILE
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Yaesu FT-857D. 100 Watts. Using a 1/4 mag mount for 6 meter operation. Worked a
station in Michigan yesterday via what I believe to be MS. He was booming in at
S9+ in response to my CQ. Got his call and grid, then his signal dropped like a
roller coaster into the noise. Never heard again.
So, what should I expect here? Is the E-Skip simply missing me right now, or
are the compromised antennas just not up to the job?
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
Les Rayburn, director
High Noon Film
100 Centerview Drive Suite 111
Birmingham, AL 35216-3748
205.824.8930
205.824.8960 fax
205.253.4867 cell
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