[VHFcontesting] Newbie on 6

[Tom Carney]

Hi Dwight

Welcome to the world of 6M.

I recommend 50.276 as a frequency for 6M JT65/JT9.  It's the only freq you
are likely to make a random digital mode QSO on 6M.  The rest almost always
require coordination of some kind.

Unfortunately JT65A was never intended for E skip or other types of
propagation one encounters on 6M.  A much shorter cycle time is needed as
signal can appear and the disappear before the QSO can be completed.  There
is an experimental version of WSJT (WSJT-X) that supports much shorter
cycle times.  ISCAT-B or JT9-H seem better choices for 6M digital modes.
However, for now, they are in limited use.

There is considerable digital activity during contest.  You will definitely
want to check out Ping Jockey to coordinate setting up QSOs.   Also, since
you are in N Cal, you should check out the N6SJV.ORG chat room to
coordinate activity.   Still, I'd definitely plan on using SSB during the
June contest also.

73 and good luck on 6.

Tom K6EU aka K6EU/r



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On Thu, May 5, 2016 at 6:41 AM, Dwight Jones <123dwight at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello,
> I have set up a modest station for 6 meters. I live in a rural area where
> there are no other VHFers. (Grid CN71; Del Norte County, California)
>
> I have a strong preference for digital modes. I know the recommended
> frequencies for various modes, but suspect that some modes have more
> activity than others when the band is open.
> 1) Could someone recommend modes that will be most likely to have activity?
> 2) I'm most familiar with JT65 because I use it on HF. Is this a good
> choice? What is an appropriate power output on 6 meter JT65?
> 3) Can someone point me to a book or website that explains how to do
> FSK411?
> 4) Any other modes I should look into?
> 5) Does anyone do digital during the June contest? I intend to operate
> portable form the highest ridge in my grid. I might resort to SSB if there
> are no digital people to contact.
>
> Thanks,
> Dwight
> KO6FE
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