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[K1FBI]

I'm relatively new to all things HF, but I've noticed that there is a lot SSB voice activity on 80m, 40m and 20m bands, but in three years of casual operating, I've yet to hear any SSB voice on 17m - 6m. 

I'm using a 40m - 10m end fed HW antenna, a DX Commander 80m - 6m vertical and for transceivers, the ICOM 7300 and Elecraft K3S.  If this is really obvious to everyone but me, I apologize in advance. 

I look forward to everyone's insight and guidance.

73,
Mark WU6R

How did you get a Callsign like WU6R and you have to ask.a.question like this.....seems you should know the answer.

[K6SDW]

Where were you Mark in the late 1980's? I worked Arctica from my car using a Radio Shack 25watt rig and mag-mounted antenna stuck on the roof of my car.......all this on 10 meters SSB! HI HI. All the bands were hopping back then....

GL, 73

ed

[WU6R]

Where were you Mark in the late 1980's? I worked Arctica from my car using a Radio Shack 25watt rig and mag-mounted antenna stuck on the roof of my car.......all this on 10 meters SSB! HI HI. All the bands were hopping back then....

GL, 73

ed

Ed,

Wow - Impressive!  In the 1980s I was in the navy doing submarine deployments.  I wish I would have discovered ham radio back then.  So many very cool rigs.

73,
Mark

[WU6R]

I'm relatively new to all things HF, but I've noticed that there is a lot SSB voice activity on 80m, 40m and 20m bands, but in three years of casual operating, I've yet to hear any SSB voice on 17m - 6m. 

I'm using a 40m - 10m end fed HW antenna, a DX Commander 80m - 6m vertical and for transceivers, the ICOM 7300 and Elecraft K3S.  If this is really obvious to everyone but me, I apologize in advance. 

I look forward to everyone's insight and guidance.

73,
Mark WU6R

How did you get a Callsign like WU6R and you have to ask.a.question like this.....seems you should know the answer.

Sorry to disappoint.  On a side note, I spent a significant amount of time on U.S. Navy submarine duty and the biggest thing Basic Enlisted Submarine School instructors pounded into our heads was, "the only stupid question is the one you don't ask."

Hope you have a great evening. 

73,
Mark

[K1JRF]

Also try 17 m on a weekend, preferably on one of those big contest weekends and call some cq and you'll find some other contest refuges to have a nice contact with. maybe we'll cross paths.
And as others said ft8 is usually an option.
John k1jrf

[K0UA]

I have given my phone number to the OP, and I will be ushering him to the "dark side " soon. 

I wish I could make conditions better on our upper bands at a snap of the fingers, I surely would, but until things improve there is always the "dark side" of FT8. 

[K0UA]

WU6R is all set up with WSJT-x and working stations on the air. He has also been shown PSK reporter and how to use that utility.  He is well on his way.

[N5PNZ]

There is a 17m activity group on 18.157.50 almost everyday (mid-day).  Usually organized by w6ff out in Ca.  Through that group I have worked from Hi to SE Caribbean area.  I could hear Ca. talking to Australia and New Zealand.  but my 100 watts and a dipole couldn't quite make the trip.  Better propagation is coming.  I have acquaintances that work FT8 there with good success.  Other than CW my HF equipment has no digital capabilities at this time. 
As mentioned in a previous post,  when there is a major contest going on, 17 is my refuge from the confusion and noise.

[WU6R]

N5PNZ,

Thanks for the tip.  I'll start looking around the less used bands during contests.

Mark