Propagation Summary :: 50 - 54 MHz (6m)

The lowest amateur VHF band shares many of the characteristics of both lower and higher frequencies. In the absence of any favorable ionospheric propagation conditions, well-equipped 50-MHz stations work regularly over a radius of 300 km (190 mi) via tropospheric scatter, depending on terrain, power, receiver capabilities and antenna.
Weak-signal troposcatter allows the best stations to make 500-km (310-mi) contacts nearly any time. Weather effects may extend the normal range by a few hundred km, especially during the summer months, but true tropospheric ducting is rare.
During the peak of the 11-year sunspot cycle (especially during the winter months), worldwide 50-MHz DX is possible via the F2 layer during daylight hours. F2 backscatter provides an additional propagation mode for contacts as far as 4000 km (2500 mi) when the MUF is just below 50 MHz. TE paths as long as 8000 km (5000 mi) across the magnetic equator are common around the spring and fall equinoxes of peak solar cycle years.
Sporadic E is probably the most common and certainly the most popular form of propagation on the 6 meter band. Single hop E-skip openings may last many hours for contacts from 600 to 2300 km (370 to 1400 mi), primarily during the spring and early summer. Multiple-hop Es provides transcontinental contacts several times a year, and contacts between the US and South America, Europe and Japan via multiple-hop E-skip occur nearly every summer.
Other types of E layer ionospheric propagation make 6 meters an exciting band. Maximum distances of about 2300 km (1400 mi) are typical for all types of E layer modes.
Propagation via FAI often provides additional hours of contacts immediately following sporadic E events.
Auroral propagation often makes its appearance in late afternoon when the geomagnetic field is disturbed. Closely related auroral E propagation may extend the 6 meter range to 4000 km (2500 mi) and sometimes farther across the northern states and Canada, usually after midnight.
Meteor scatter provides brief contacts during the early morning hours, especially during one of the dozen or so prominent annual meteor showers.