Hi Paul.

Are you DXing for Es, tropo, or just doing a bandscan? If it's the last two, elevation is key. I know a lot of 6 meter hams will climb fire towers, hills, parking garages, and so on to get an advantage in terms of elevation.  Sporadic E doesn't need so much elevation.  Good luck.

73,
Dave in Indy (Noblesville)