Posted: 2/23/2009 7:35:19 AM EDT
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I would like to add 6 meters to my shack and needs some opinions. I currently have an Icom 718 for HF but as you know it does not cover 6m. What is the least expensive and reliable way to get into 6m? I don't mind duplicating coverage between radios but really don't have a ton of money to spend. What are my options?
As far as 6M antennas go. Does anyone see any issues using a ground plane? Specifically the arrow http://www.arrowantennas.com/gp52.html I need something very stout because of the local weather. |
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Quoted:
sell the 718 and pick up a ft 450 That would be one option... or trade toward a 746. Used 706s are reasonably common, or there are lots of choices in HF rigs that cover 6m that you could look for on the used market. Sometimes you can find used commercial low band gear that is usable for 6m FM but those may not be worth the trouble. Azden used to make a nice 6m FM radio, then there are multi band rigs like a Yaesu FT8900 and the old Standard C5900, but they will probably be almost as expensive as the 706. |
| You will want an all mode 6M radio. There just isn't a lot of other activity on the other modes even when the band is open. 85% of the activity on the band when it is open is SSB. You will also want a yagi (some type of directional antenna), 3 elements or more if possible. I had a 4 element hustler that worked great. Also used a dipole for when the band was really open and just wanted to have a little extra fun. |