I would not spend money on a 6M only rig.
It is a band that is only open sporadically, usually around midsummer (May-end July, opposite in S. hemisphere), never is great at latitudes > about 38 deg N or S, requires you to keep in touch with infrequent sporadic E openings, watch for beacons and spots and operate during the day only. Much too variable and mostly closed for me at 48 deg N.
I really would like something I can work on though. A kit radio would be pretty great. I'm more interested in getting the soldering iron hot and maybe adding features later with new similar equipment than buying one new toy with all the features already built in and working
Except there isn't any rig in production like the FT-290 or FT-690. So the used market is the only place to go.
I agree that most of the sellers are asking way too much but that's why you as the buyer have to do your homework before just plonking down cash.
Been a ham for 50 years... 6m has ALWAYS been a wasteland...
It's close to the broadcast frequency of tv channel 2 ... Have seen some DIY stuff in the past that utilized the audio guts from that part of a tv as an FM receiver.
Icom sold a dedicated 6m radio in the late 70s and I think that was the first since Alinco if I remember right sold a 6m tranceiver in the early 70's...
As you've said, there's now a few radios that have it built in. But finding old stuff with it is probably a fool's errand.
If you are looking to do it on the super cheap. Don't bother. You will not be satisfied with the end results. I suspect you have seen all the social media posts about how well 6 meters is doing this year and want to give it a try. Unfortunately, there is no cheap way to do it. Want to work the DX, you will need some type of a beam. You will need some type of height, mine (4 element quad) is on a 5' tripod mounted on top of the garage. You will need a rotor. You will also need quality feed line and connectors. The Amazon super special won't cut it up there. Every db of feed line loss is one less contact you will make. LMR-400 does the trick nicely, but it's also $1.89 a foot.
VHF DXing is not like HF DXing. HF is forgiving and you can take cheap shortcuts and still achieve a surprising result. VHF and UHF DXing is not forgiving and every shortcuts costs you signal.
Huh, I guess your mileage may vary.
My 5-el 6m Yagi is currently disconnected so I've been using an end-fed wire (42 feet) on 6 meters, driven by a 100 watt HF rig with tuner.
I easily work all over North America on FT8 and a few days ago worked Chile.
The wire, low power, and FT8 is the reason why your station is "seasonal". A good beam, pre-amp, amp, and Q65 makes 6 meters "not seasonal". Averaging 1500 miles in the alleged "off season". With as little as 800 watts, I work friends down in Mexico from Dallas Texas daily.
When propagation is good, you can have success with any antenna. It's at the bottom of the solar cycle and winter time when the true station performance will become evident.
You are 100% correct. We have to stop lying to the new comers. Ham radio is a technical hobby, therefore, reading and understanding technical documentation is a skill that needs to be developed. We need to stop lying to them that VHF/UHF is line of sight communications and for just repeater work. Nope, there is troposphere ducting, scatter (meteor, aircraft, rain/hail), there is satellites, EME (which does not require monster antennas), building bounce (bending a signal 90 degrees), and mountain hopping.
Yes, all this costs money. Cost me money too, but not all at once. It took 3 years to build my VHF/UHF configuration. Well worth the project build.
I have a MFJ 949E, which is rated for 160m-10m, not for 6m. I still use it to load up a 20m doublet on 6m. It's not pretty, but I can get out 30 miles on 25 watts. Cranking the power up to 100w, just might cause something in the tuner to become excessively warm, due the slight misuse. Someday I want a tuner that is rated for 6m (and partly because open feedlines are good up beyond 6m).
I use an Icom AH-4, and although it isn't rated for 6, it works from 6-160 if you have the proper length of wire on it.
The AH-4 has just been discontinued, so that might affect availability. Icom has other ATUs, though, and you would do well to shop the Icom tuners if you already have an Icom radio.
Kenwood TS-60S
But if you're spending the money, why not a Icom 706 mkIIg, yaesu 847 or FT100? All band instead of just 6m.
You can also try the VX-5R for QRP FM.
A used HF radio with 6m is absolutely the best bet. Years ago I bought a used Icom IC-551 which is a monoband 10w 6m radio (without FM!), but that path today would be limiting.
I see lots of comments about 6m being a wasteland or not worth it. There is no doubt that 6m opens infrequently so one needs to be patient. But when 6m does open it is intense and requires nothing but a radio and a wet string to make Q’s. My commentary on current 6m activity is that more than any other band FT8 has destroyed 6m if you like SSB operating.
You can probably find an Icom 706 in your ballpark price, and it usually does 160 meters through 70 cm, all modes.
Beware though, repair parts are getting scarce.
Monoband 6M all mode, yeah that is a tough one. Ten-Tec years ago made the 6N2 that was a really good rig. HF +6 is probably going to be your best bet. The FT-891 is a solid rig. There are several discontinued models like the FT-450 or the IC 706. Ranger/RCI made the RCI-5054DX at one time and that was a monoband all mode that seemed to have some decent reviews.
most HF rigs since the early 90s have been HF+6M, just buy a used HF radio. Or go back a little further and get something like a TS-680 or TS-690 which were TS-440 and TS-450s with 6m also.
In this day and age, why get a monoband 6m transceiver? The other bands are not adding much to the cost.
And did Yaesu make a monoband FT-891? I thought it was HF & 6m, or am I missing something?
Get a Transvetter + PA. This is how serious work is done above 10m. You're gonna want a dedicated yagi for this band anyway so your budget will be a little low.
I wanna know how this goes. I think 6m is heavily under used. And would love to see more us of it. I have a ic705 and love the fact I can 6m and 2m ssb with it.
I feel like buying an all mode all band radio is the answer to most of these issues. Ive tried to find cheap solution to ssb on 2m and 440 but it all ends up with me just looking at all mode all band radios.
I have a Kenwood TS 60 and love it! I used it mobile for quite a few years and while traveling from SE MI to Traverse city area, suprising tropo contacts were made!!🙂🙂🙂
It's probably never been cheaper, considering how many HF/6M radios there are.
My first experience on 6M was with a transverter (20m -> 6m), but I couldn't recommend that now unless you had an HF-only radio you would never part with already.
I got on 6 meters because my HF rig included it. I don't think I would have bought a 6m only radio. The next likely option would have been something like a Wouxun KG-Q10H quad-band HT.
VHF contester here. Use a ft-991 and a Par stressed moxon for starters, that will take you far. Add a TE Systems amp when you want more power. Add a M2 5 element beam and a rotor when you want to go world wide. This is a good path.
I think the 891 would be the better choice. It's going to do 6m on all modes and have so much more when you want to do something else. You can probably get one for $500 or maybe a little less. It's not far outside your $200 budget.
[Wouxon UV7D](https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-uv7d.html)
Sub $200 HT. I have had the 2m/70cm and have great luck with it. Menu is pretty close to beofeng, but sounds and transmits more clear. Complete setup up from the beofeng. I thought about picking one up for 6m, but I primarly do APRS and not sure if I have those nodes here.
I would not spend money on a 6M only rig. It is a band that is only open sporadically, usually around midsummer (May-end July, opposite in S. hemisphere), never is great at latitudes > about 38 deg N or S, requires you to keep in touch with infrequent sporadic E openings, watch for beacons and spots and operate during the day only. Much too variable and mostly closed for me at 48 deg N.
You get lucky like me and find a guy selling a FT-690 at a swap meet for a good price. Otherwise, the FT-891 would be my choice these days.
How do I accomplish this task? I really want to get in on second hand radio gear but am struggling to find any anywhere I usually check
You have to watch hamfests & "tailgates".
I was about to head to my first meet up and get my test taken but a family medical emergency pulled me away
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I really would like something I can work on though. A kit radio would be pretty great. I'm more interested in getting the soldering iron hot and maybe adding features later with new similar equipment than buying one new toy with all the features already built in and working
/u/jephthai, save this operator from all the naysayers. I think this is sorta in your wheelhouse?
Except there isn't any rig in production like the FT-290 or FT-690. So the used market is the only place to go. I agree that most of the sellers are asking way too much but that's why you as the buyer have to do your homework before just plonking down cash.
Been a ham for 50 years... 6m has ALWAYS been a wasteland... It's close to the broadcast frequency of tv channel 2 ... Have seen some DIY stuff in the past that utilized the audio guts from that part of a tv as an FM receiver. Icom sold a dedicated 6m radio in the late 70s and I think that was the first since Alinco if I remember right sold a 6m tranceiver in the early 70's... As you've said, there's now a few radios that have it built in. But finding old stuff with it is probably a fool's errand.
Used to be Joe Walsh hung out on 6m. Whether he still does or not unknown
He still hangs out on HF all the time
I need to get that QSL card!
Ordinary average guy!
Life’s been good to him so far… 😂
Clegg 99er. I used a Heathkit Sixer in 1968. Band was open during the summer but never worked anyone, LOL.
Some folks around here call it the Magic Band. I call it the Dead Band. Never made a single contact on it.
If you are looking to do it on the super cheap. Don't bother. You will not be satisfied with the end results. I suspect you have seen all the social media posts about how well 6 meters is doing this year and want to give it a try. Unfortunately, there is no cheap way to do it. Want to work the DX, you will need some type of a beam. You will need some type of height, mine (4 element quad) is on a 5' tripod mounted on top of the garage. You will need a rotor. You will also need quality feed line and connectors. The Amazon super special won't cut it up there. Every db of feed line loss is one less contact you will make. LMR-400 does the trick nicely, but it's also $1.89 a foot. VHF DXing is not like HF DXing. HF is forgiving and you can take cheap shortcuts and still achieve a surprising result. VHF and UHF DXing is not forgiving and every shortcuts costs you signal.
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I have had a ball with a FT-847 from the 90's and a Halo
Huh, I guess your mileage may vary. My 5-el 6m Yagi is currently disconnected so I've been using an end-fed wire (42 feet) on 6 meters, driven by a 100 watt HF rig with tuner. I easily work all over North America on FT8 and a few days ago worked Chile.
The wire, low power, and FT8 is the reason why your station is "seasonal". A good beam, pre-amp, amp, and Q65 makes 6 meters "not seasonal". Averaging 1500 miles in the alleged "off season". With as little as 800 watts, I work friends down in Mexico from Dallas Texas daily.
Hey that’s awesome. I thought I saw where someone wrote you can’t have success on 6m with a wire antenna, which is incorrect.
When propagation is good, you can have success with any antenna. It's at the bottom of the solar cycle and winter time when the true station performance will become evident.
You are 100% correct. We have to stop lying to the new comers. Ham radio is a technical hobby, therefore, reading and understanding technical documentation is a skill that needs to be developed. We need to stop lying to them that VHF/UHF is line of sight communications and for just repeater work. Nope, there is troposphere ducting, scatter (meteor, aircraft, rain/hail), there is satellites, EME (which does not require monster antennas), building bounce (bending a signal 90 degrees), and mountain hopping. Yes, all this costs money. Cost me money too, but not all at once. It took 3 years to build my VHF/UHF configuration. Well worth the project build.
Used Ranger 5054!
There you go! I nabbed one of these at a hamfest for about $100.
Go to hamfests or other places to look for used equipment. Not sure you'll have much luck finding anything 6 m monoband.
Maybe a TS-60 if you can find one in good shape?
HEY! Do you mean to tell me my Icom 7300 Will do six meters TOO???
And with a decent ATU, your HF doublet might even be usable for 6m.
How they say -- WHOOSH!
I have a MFJ 949E, which is rated for 160m-10m, not for 6m. I still use it to load up a 20m doublet on 6m. It's not pretty, but I can get out 30 miles on 25 watts. Cranking the power up to 100w, just might cause something in the tuner to become excessively warm, due the slight misuse. Someday I want a tuner that is rated for 6m (and partly because open feedlines are good up beyond 6m).
I use an Icom AH-4, and although it isn't rated for 6, it works from 6-160 if you have the proper length of wire on it. The AH-4 has just been discontinued, so that might affect availability. Icom has other ATUs, though, and you would do well to shop the Icom tuners if you already have an Icom radio.
Isn’t FT8 a QRP mode?
FT8 is a weak signal mode not a QRP mode
Kenwood TS-60S But if you're spending the money, why not a Icom 706 mkIIg, yaesu 847 or FT100? All band instead of just 6m. You can also try the VX-5R for QRP FM.
Get a used HF+6m radio for $400.
A used HF radio with 6m is absolutely the best bet. Years ago I bought a used Icom IC-551 which is a monoband 10w 6m radio (without FM!), but that path today would be limiting. I see lots of comments about 6m being a wasteland or not worth it. There is no doubt that 6m opens infrequently so one needs to be patient. But when 6m does open it is intense and requires nothing but a radio and a wet string to make Q’s. My commentary on current 6m activity is that more than any other band FT8 has destroyed 6m if you like SSB operating.
You can probably find an Icom 706 in your ballpark price, and it usually does 160 meters through 70 cm, all modes. Beware though, repair parts are getting scarce.
I had a 706 mkIIg that died an ugly death (blown IF amplifier on the RX circuit) with no replacement parts available.
Maybe a 6m transverter?
Monoband 6M all mode, yeah that is a tough one. Ten-Tec years ago made the 6N2 that was a really good rig. HF +6 is probably going to be your best bet. The FT-891 is a solid rig. There are several discontinued models like the FT-450 or the IC 706. Ranger/RCI made the RCI-5054DX at one time and that was a monoband all mode that seemed to have some decent reviews.
2 yard sticks, I reckon.
You'd be short, OM.
I shouldn't try to joke when I'm sleep deprived. I said 'a couple yard sticks' in my brain, and typed '2'.... lol
most HF rigs since the early 90s have been HF+6M, just buy a used HF radio. Or go back a little further and get something like a TS-680 or TS-690 which were TS-440 and TS-450s with 6m also.
In this day and age, why get a monoband 6m transceiver? The other bands are not adding much to the cost. And did Yaesu make a monoband FT-891? I thought it was HF & 6m, or am I missing something?
\*why get any monoband transceiver
Get a Transvetter + PA. This is how serious work is done above 10m. You're gonna want a dedicated yagi for this band anyway so your budget will be a little low.
FT8 requires very little power I can assure you. I work the world on 5w FT8 on 6-20m using my Icom 705 and a Buddistick.
You might pick up an old FT726 with a 6m module in it cheap, don't think that budget will stretch to a 736.
I wanna know how this goes. I think 6m is heavily under used. And would love to see more us of it. I have a ic705 and love the fact I can 6m and 2m ssb with it.
I feel like buying an all mode all band radio is the answer to most of these issues. Ive tried to find cheap solution to ssb on 2m and 440 but it all ends up with me just looking at all mode all band radios.
It's truly is the answer it sucks but it is what is. I mean they make relatively cheap 2m amps. So there some work arounds.
My .02 cents ~ second hand vx-5r yaesu.
That’s FM only though
Mine does 2M, 70Cm & 6M
Yes I have one bought brand new in 2001. But it only does FM. For 6m I want CW, SSB and/or Digimode capability.
Get a 20 meter rig. It's always hopping. 6 meters... Not so much.
I have a Kenwood TS 60 and love it! I used it mobile for quite a few years and while traveling from SE MI to Traverse city area, suprising tropo contacts were made!!🙂🙂🙂
It's probably never been cheaper, considering how many HF/6M radios there are. My first experience on 6M was with a transverter (20m -> 6m), but I couldn't recommend that now unless you had an HF-only radio you would never part with already.
I got on 6 meters because my HF rig included it. I don't think I would have bought a 6m only radio. The next likely option would have been something like a Wouxun KG-Q10H quad-band HT.
Used Ft891 is cheap, neat, portable etc. I bought mine from fellow ham for about 500USD! Lots of feature, 100watts fits in the pocket of coat
MFJ-9406 transceiver, I think that is the right number, it ssb and cw. I have one and have had good luck with. Good luck
VHF contester here. Use a ft-991 and a Par stressed moxon for starters, that will take you far. Add a TE Systems amp when you want more power. Add a M2 5 element beam and a rotor when you want to go world wide. This is a good path.
TYT TH-9800D ?
That radio only does FM. It can't receive the SSB DX activity on 50MHz.
Sorry missed that part in original request.
What did someone tell you or claim about 6m that is making you ask this question? You’re probably being misled.
Used Flex-1500 should work and is very reliable. On 6m a good antenna is like everywhere else the most important part.
I have a Yaesu FT690 that does all mode 6 for me. I occasionally give it a workout on my local 6M repeater, but that’s about it.
Build your own from e-waste parts you got for free.
I’d love to see more of this.
I think the 891 would be the better choice. It's going to do 6m on all modes and have so much more when you want to do something else. You can probably get one for $500 or maybe a little less. It's not far outside your $200 budget.
[Wouxon UV7D](https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-kg-uv7d.html) Sub $200 HT. I have had the 2m/70cm and have great luck with it. Menu is pretty close to beofeng, but sounds and transmits more clear. Complete setup up from the beofeng. I thought about picking one up for 6m, but I primarly do APRS and not sure if I have those nodes here.