6 m is just starting opening up to the Caribbean in the last couple of days here in the UK. I've got to admit that I haven't been quite as observant as my good friend Steve, M0BKL who yesterday was kind enough to give me a shout on the blower to let me know that a station from Martinique was on the band. Indeed I could hear FM5WD, albeit not particularly strong here in Devon. After a few shouts I gave up and went back about half an hour later. Modestly conditions have improved and he was coming up to just over 59 and I had absolutely no problems working him. I then worked FG5GP in Guadeloupe, but this time with a much weaker signal.
Once again Steve kindly let me know that 9Y4D was on the band. This time I decided that I was going to try the three element SteppIR which has the 6 m add-on kit. I have got a five element just for 6 m but I'm finding that to be quite honest, it's not that much better than the three element steppIR which is rather annoying, I'm wondering if I wasted my money and effort in installing the five element. Oh well, you live and learn. So I called the station in Trinidad and Tobago and got through first time using the SteppIR, to say I was chuffed was an understatement.
It was great to finally work the stations, I've only been using 6 m for a few weeks. 6 m is fast becoming one of my favourite bands. You've certainly got to be there at the right time because it is easy to miss openings that may only last a few minutes. If you've never used 6 m before, you'll find that unlike any other band, I suppose that's why it's so appealing to many people.
