[600MRG] Getting Startedv on 600 Meters

[Charlie , W5COV]

There are a lot of articles out there , but every station is unique 
since there are so many different ways to get on . I would suggest some 
web pages off the top of my head .

The Longwave Club of America , www.lwca.org , www.w1vd.com , 
www.w1tag.com , www.w4dex.com .

The LowFer mail group has a lot of discussion on who is transmitting in 
what mode and at what time . Naturally after dark is the "best" time to 
listen . However depending on where you are you might also hear stations 
during the day .

Most people are using QRSS and the most user friendly software for that 
is ARGO weak signals . There are others , but that is the most common 
and easiest to start with .

Many stations also run in WSPR mode . WSPR software by Joe Taylor , is 
free software as is ARGO .

A good high gain receiving antenna is an e-probe or mini whip . Some of 
the links above have plans for them . The PA0RDT mini whip is one of the 
easiest and most popular to homebrew .

Here is another link for a receiving antenna that is easy to build :

http://www.techlib.com/electronics/antennas.html#Improved Active Antenna

Best 73 ,

Charlie , W5COV
> Hi, I have madeseveral runs at GOOLE trying to find articles on building or converting a unit to get on the 600 meter band......No Raly find?
> I still have my old Heath AT-1 & looks pretty good. I have another one that is a bit sick! On the assumption any start up unit will be crystal controlled, converting an old rig like an AT-1 might be a way. I have an acre to make a circular  loop antenna long & have now a full sized 80 meter 1/2 wave dipole up. My 746PRO seems to tune that band, but do not know when to listen? Obviously a new final coil will be needed in AT-1 tank ckt! Possibly a tank ckt larger variable cap.
> Where do I find more advice on getting on band & buying crystals. I think I have a 500 KC xtal there might be a way to move it like the old days? Is there a 160 or 80 Mtr net that meets to talk this?
> Dick in Far Western MD W1DGA.
> _______________________________________________
> 600MRG mailing list
> 600MRG at w7ekb.com
> http://w7ekb.com/mailman/listinfo/600mrg_w7ekb.com
>