They say, ‘Never work on antennas alone!’

The 5 element yagi antenna for 6m band is up. I am not sure why the ‘magic band’ should not be touched before full retirement. Surely, the Japanese would appreciate a new one, but when the band is open, (almost) any antenna would do.

Like earlier today: there was literally a pipeline to Costa Rica with three TI stations logged within five minutes. And that was it. A brief opening that rewards those who have plenty of time to sit and wait for the magic to happen.

Unlike HF bands, 6m is band like no other. Forget about mirrors and earth-ionosphere-earth bouncing. The best analogy I can come up with: think of quick gardening with a massive hose; some plants would get plenty of water in an instance, while others none. The hose itself has holes, too, so there is constant leakage – in many directions. And then the tap is turned off. That was it.

It is quite interesting watching the action via the reporting network. 3D2 and FK8 would have all the action, while I would not hear a blip. And other way around. There would be massive pings lasting 3 seconds, but not long enough for a decode. Or literally, in a matter of one FT8 sequence, the entire band full of signals would go quiet. This never happens on HF.

Unfortunately, further south from the Equator, less action. To them, the magic band is a tragic band. This is why retirement in Queensland makes so much sense.

My helper today was Josh, a true island boy and his dad Rob. Without their help, this project would be impossible. Safety first; even a smallish beam like this one should not be underestimated.  

Nick