Thanks to Jon and George for their observations. Here's more:
I agree that the activity on 6 meters has never been higher, at least in the
June contest. Here are the highest all-time QSO totals (since grid squares were
introduced in June 1985):
HIGHEST SIX METER QSO TOTALS, JUNE VHF QSO PARTY:
BAND QSOs GRDS CALL Class YEAR SECT
50 1358 245 W5KFT L 98 STX
50 1212 233 N5HHS S 98 STX
50 1161 269 W5KFT L 96 STX
50 1104 260 W5KFT L 00 STX
50 1090 221 W5UWB S 98 STX
50 1077 262 N5HHS B 99 STX
50 1066 240 W1XE L 98 CO
50 1031 234 K0GU S 98 C0
50 1023 232 N5HHS S 96 STX
50 1020 260 K5AM B 00 NM
50 1009 210 W8CM S 98 NTX
50 992 219 K5IUA M 98 STX
50 991 <219 WB2WIH B 00 SFL
50 985 256 K5CM S 87 OK
50 983 229 AA9D M 98 IL
50 976 278 WB0DRL L 92 KS
Only two of these come from before 1996. Both of those years, 1987 and 1992
had fabulous conditions, perhaps the best in the last 25 years. Obviously, 1998
was a great year as well, but notice how 96, 99 and 00 sneak into this list
too. Another indicator of conditions is the highest grid totals:
HIGHEST 6 METER GRID TOTALS, JUNE VHF QSO PARTY:
50 969 279 K5JL M 87 OK
50 976 278 WB0DRL L 92 KS
50 832 272 W0UC/9 M 92 WS
50 1161 269 W5KFT L 96 STX
50 1077 262 N5HHS B 00 STX
50 1104 260 W5KFT L 00 STX
50 1020 260 K5AM B 00 NM
50 944 258 W7XU L 98 SD
50 846 256 K5CM S 92 OK
50 985 256 K5CM S 87 OK
50 749 253 AA9D M 92 IL
50 730 253 N6CA M 87 SB
50 655 252 NN9K M 92 IA
Using this measure, the best years were 1987, 1992, 1996, 00, and 1998.
However, 1987 and 1992 did not produce nearly as many QSOs as did later years.
What about 01 and 02? The highest grid totals in 01 and 02 were 229 and 166,
respectively, both at K8GP. The overall conditions in those last two years
were simply poor compared to many previous years.
Although I haven't done a formal analysis of the comparison between the grids
and QSOs, it is clear that over the last eight years or so more QSOs per grid
are being worked than in previous years.
I agree that the increasing numbers of HF rigs with 6 meter capability is the
primary factor. However, increased rover activity might account for some of
the increase of QSOs. Although several of the stations listed on these two
tables did not depend upon "local" rovers very much, they probably worked some
rovers more than once via Es.
In all likelihood, one of the next two or three years will again produce
widespread and lengthy openings, and again several stations will work more than
1000 QSOs on 6. ...maybe this year.
73, Curt Roseman k9aks
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