D. Field, G3XTT, RSGB 2020, 224 Pages, Size 24 x 17,4 cm, ISBN: 9781-9050-9397-6
A Guide to 6 m and 4 m Amateur Radio
The Six Metre (50MHz) and Four Metre (70MHz) bands are known as the 'Magic bands' by radio amateurs across the world. Written by the well-known 6m enthusiast Don Field, G3XTT, this book provides a comprehensive guide to these fascinating bands and lets you into the secrets that make them so popular. The 'Magic bands' attract a special kind of enthusiast, someone who is prepared to put in long hours on a seemingly dead band, waiting for a fleeting opening or finding ways to make QSOs by means of meteors or even by reflecting signals off the moon. Propagation on these bands, especially 6m, lies between that of the HF bands and that of the higher VHF/UHF bands, and often brings surprises to those who are prepared. As such, these bands attract enthusiasts from both the HF and VHF worlds. The Magic Bands builds on Don's earlier books the 6 Metre Handbook and Six and Four by adding lots of material on data modes operation, which has grown enormously in popularity in recent years with the advent of FT8. There is detail of the many of the new radios that have appeared in recent years with 6m and, increasingly, 4m capabilities. Readers will find two new antenna designs from Justin Johnson, G0KSC, of InnovAntennas especially produced for this book. There is detail of software too, not just for data modes but for remote operation, tracking of achievements and much else. There is even material highlighting the achievements of several of the leading operators on the 6m band. The 6m band is now almost universally available across the amateur radio world, while in recent years 4m access has been granted to many more countries, often on a permanent basis. So why miss out on the 'Magic bands'? The Magic Bands is recommended for anyone who wants to try these bands out and is a comprehensive guide for those who are already hooked on these fascinating pieces of spectrum.