The 6-meter band  is the lowest portion of the very high frequency (VHF) radio spectrum allocated to amateur radio use. The term refers to the average signal wavelength of 6 meters. Our 6 m repeater operates in FM mode for local communications, using a vertically polarized antennas. The rest of this article is about communications in other modes (and antenna configurations) that is suited to long distance or world-wide propagation.

Six-meter operators do a lot of waiting, because of the unpredictable nature of the band (where “magic” happens). To help show when the band is open, six-meter fans around the world have put a fairly extensive suite of beacons on the air. In the U.S., beacons occupy the region between 50.060 and 50.080 MHz. In other countries, beacons are spread more widely throughout the band. For lists of beacons, their frequencies, locations and other details, look at the following Web sites, which are updated regularly:

G3USF’s Worldwide List Of 50 MHz Beacons

Beacons

Compiled by Martin Harrison G3USF for the Propagation Studies Committee of the Radio Society of Great Britain. Corrections and updates to m.harrison@keele.ac.uk Copyright 1997-2019 but may be freely reproduced if acknowledgement is made to G3USF.

Other 6 m Groups

Many hams have become interested in six meters and there is a lot of information about this band on the Web. To learn more, click on the site of the Six Meter International Radio Klub (SMIRK).

You can earn a lifetime membership in SMIRK by working six members on six meters and collecting their SMIRK membership numbers. SMIRK sponsors contests, publishes a newsletter and meets annually.

Another good Web site is provided by the UK Six Metre Group.

Six meters can provide you with a lot of excitement and new operating challenges. In addition to offering new awards and contests, this band can expand your experience with different propagation modes.