The VK3SIX 6M Website
Devoted to Weak Signal Long Distance working on the 6M Band 
Challenging and Extending the known boundaries of 6M DX
 
This site is devoted to the achievements and knowledge of a special interest group of operators, 
separated by the tyranny of distance with a notion to further extend the known boundaries 
of this unique amateur band, which we know so little about.
I make no excuses or apologies that I appear many times in the annals, journals and record keeping 
of the Australian 6M DX records.
My 6M DX achievements span some 20 years between DXCC number 1 and number 100 in 1993 and only 30 more since that time.
I do not use the term Magic Band either. The band is not about mystery, smoke or mirrors and is often 
very predictable, providing you read the signs and indicators.
The other essential requirement is a weak signal capable radio, a decent antenna and CW skills.
It is not for the faint hearted or those who cannot concentrate, it takes an inordinate 
amount of time for very little progress. 
If you are a know it all who assumes you have seen it all, or want to push the Computer Data wheelbarrow 
sorry but no deal, there is nothing here for you to learn, better head on back to the logger 
or whatever safe base you operate from. 
If you want to see the extent to which Weak Signal Propagation Reporting has evolved
past manual logger spots check out the worldwide network of WSPR aka as whisper.
Check out the WSPR site here

SOLAR CYCLE 24 EVENTS or lack thereof

In certain circles there is some support that the magnetic field of the sun has been in decline 
for some decades now, and is the culprit behind the current sunspot malaise.
I do not deny we are in the solar winter and I do not react aggressively to suggestions 
that we are. 
By the same token I will not even attempt to predict when we will climb 
out of this solar hole we are in and like most ignore much of the spin anyway.
 
WHEN EUROPE YOU MAY ASK? Figure it out from the VK3 records.
 
 
My 6M story is about seizing the opportunity and making the most of the windows that open and in this way
I have become the 6M achiever I have. 
 
But 6M has a large number of high achievers as the following list shows.
 
F2 DX Cycle 23 This is about as good as it gets.
 
VK3 CYCLE 23 BEST F2 DX WORKED so is this at least from 38 South.
 
 
Using a VK*SIX callsign puts you in good company.
 
 
VK3OT/SIX OPERATING ACHIEVEMENTS
Holder of the VK3 Short & Long path 6M records since 1981.
The VK8 Long Path record set in April 2000. 
VK9X Short Path record set in April 2003.
National 6M EME record set with K6QXY and W6JKV in 1993.
World first Antarctica Mainland QSO set in 1993 
And shared with VK5AVQ/VK0AQ, VK5NC and VK3BLK, 
to become the first WAC 7 continent recipients.
 
 

 
ANTARCTICA STORY HERE
 
One of the problems with doing so much operating in the 20th century was the collection of cardboard 
a.k.a. QSL cards.
Recently I consigned most of my lifes collection to the recycling bins and over 100,000 cards have gone away to be
Recycled into egg cartons.
I took the liberty of scanning into a hard drive the remaining significant cards in my Amateur DX life.
What is not so easy is coding and scanning in all the QSO’s, so I have chosen to leave them in the 21 or 22 log books.
 
QSL CARD LIBRARY (Click on each JPG to view)
 
 

VK3 RECORD to WALES in Cycle 22
 

National Long Path Record 1991
 
 

Argentinian RECORD QSOs POLAR Longpath from VK8 & Longpath from VK3
 
About VK3SIX
I have worked in the Australian Broadcasting Industry for just about 40 years since obtaining 
My BOCP at the RMIT in 1969. 
I was employed by AWA North Ryde NSW in the broadcast division installing BTM2A transmitters.
I pulled out the last BTM2A just 5 years ago, they are now in a museum.
My broadcast career spans 40 years working at 2GN in 1969, 2LT in 1970, 3DB/LK 3WM 1971, 3HA 1978, 
3YB 1992, 3BO 3CV 1995, and currently as a first in maintainer working on high power FM Broadcast 
and TV transmitters in Western Victoria and S/E South Australia.
I intend to retire in 2 years at 65 when they finally turn off Analog TV in this region. 
I also work as an aerodrome reporting and safety officer at the regional airport 
repairing the runway lighting calibrating the T-VASIS approach lighting system.
I am qualified to fly the visual approach system and check it for irregularities and tolerances.
 

I became a private pilot in 1980 trained under Bill Bell VK3WK at STAYWOOD AIR Warrnambool Airport.
I hold an FAA US and Canadian private licence and have flown aircraft in Alaska, BC, Texas & California USA.
I have endorsements for retractable, floats and ski equipped aircraft. 
I operated a fly in fly out electronics servicing business delivered by aircraft to remote outstations 
in the Australian outback. I have logged nearly 5000 hours of single engine flight time in the pursuit 
of this endeavour in 3 different aircraft since 1981. 
Past Aircraft include VH-EUJ a Reims-Cessna Aerobat FRA150L and VH-SKR an Avcon Conversion 160 hp C150M.
I currently own my 4th aircraft VH-CTF a PA28 Cherokee conversion to 160hp, in IFR category.
I hold a Command I/R S/EA and conduct regular Angel Flights in Eastern Australia and SE SA.
 
My current US call-sign is KG6SIX and my HF call is VK3OT.
I can be emailed at VK3OT at arrl.net if you want.
 
Stephen R Gregory BOCP ACE DipElec DipTeach HIE BEd PGDipEd Melb Uni, M Ed Deakin.
Updated Sept 09 2009 at 09:09
Copyright S. R. Gregory, VK3SIX Hamilton Victoria Australia