[VHFcontesting] 6m, 2m, 70cm EME

[RT Clay]

 I'm not very experienced in EME, but in the 2022 and 2023 ARRL EME contests I set up a simple small (2x18 yagi) array for 432 (fixed polarization). I did have manual az/el pointing, but could not see the moon at rise/set. I only had 100w. Everything was set up outside so feedline loss was a minimum.

In the 2023 contest I was able to copy 10 stations on 432 (part time operation). 8 yagi stations were pretty easy to hear- typically about -20 to -23, but couldn't hear me. Only the biggest of the big guns (3 out of the 10) could hear my 100w.  So my advice is that you really will want more than 100w. I'm sure that rotatable polarization would help also.

Tor N4OGW

    On Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 05:23:25 AM CDT, Ev Tupis via VHFcontesting <vhfcontesting at contesting.com> wrote:  
 
  Hi Joel,Thanks for the tip and perspective.  I've reached out to Peter first.  Two questions to ask, if you don't mind...

When you refer to a single-yagi station, what size (or gain) antenna do you think was in use on 2m and 70cm?
Do you think that elevation control at play for them or were they home stations aiming at the horizon?

I'm thinking what it would take to setup at a hamfest or a field day to demonstrate EME, and make it a plausable approach for observers who are not likely to go home and setup H-frames. :-)

I'll take further questions direct after this to avoid flooding the list with non-contest stuff.

I sure appreciate your insights.
Ev


    On Friday, September 27, 2024 at 08:28:57 AM EDT, w5znjoel at gmail.com <w5znjoel at gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 Hello Ev,

I operate EME on all of those bands (current and "back in the day) plus 222 MHz. Of course, the best person to get feedback from for the type of operating you're inquiring about would be Peter, KA6U. Also Gene KB7Q.

144 MHz will have the most activity, followed by 432 then 50 MHz. With a small portable station you will have to use the digi modes. The 2-meter folks still hang on to JT65B, the 50 and 432 gang use Q65. 

When Farraday rotation is not in play I can work a single yagi station with 100 watts on 144 and 432. 6-meters is more difficult as you will need some power with a single yagi.

Chat with Peter or Gene, they can tell you more than you probably want to know about portable EME operating !!!!!

73 Joel W5ZN

50 MHz - 4x7 LFA 1.5KW
144 MHz 4x17 1.5 KW
222 MHz 4xFO15 1.5 KW
432 MHz 8xFO25 1.5 KW


-----Original Message-----
From: VHFcontesting <vhfcontesting-bounces+w5znjoel=gmail.com at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Ev Tupis via VHFcontesting
Sent: Friday, September 27, 2024 6:47 AM
To: VHF Contesting eMail Remailer <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
Subject: [VHFcontesting] 6m, 2m, 70cm EME

Of the 6, 2, and 70cm bands (those that are most likely to be in a modern HF+ radio), which band has been shown to support EME with the least overall ERP?  I'm thinking "portable EME" where it isn't possible to transport big antennas or a generator to have a kw amp. :-)

Assume that this portable station would target QSOing with only the "top tier" of well equipped DX stations.

I'd be interested in only recent experience rather than "back in the day". Also interested in both CW (human decode) and FTx (machine decode) modes.
How little power and antenna (ERP) has been successful in making EME contact(s) and on what band/mode?
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