Thread by @M0SKN_SA5IKN

If you work via #GreenCube, try #EME with big guns. I promise, you will be amazed! As a proof of concept, I made a quick #moonbounce QSO with DL7APV with just a Yaesu FT-818, 40W, 1dB NF LNA and 15 el Diamond antenna held by hand! Easy QSO. Read on🧵
#amsat #io117 #hamradio #hamr

2/9 There are a number of extremely capable #EME stations on 70cm: DL7APV, HB9Q, NC1I. If you are enjoying decode rates above 80% on #GreenCube, don't wait and try #EME. You will likely complete your first QSO over the Moon faster than on the congested #IO117
#amsat #hamradio

3/9 I used my portable #Greencube set: Yaesu FT-818ND - 40W amp / 1dB NF preamp - Diamond A430S15 14.8dBi on wooden extension, held by hand and pointed visually. With a low NF frontend you can go with a 7el Arrow
#EME #amsat #hamradio #hamr #moonbounce

https://twitter.com/M0SKN_SA5IKN/status/1614665437622554624

4/9 Don't see the Moon? Use ISS Detector, which you likely employ in your portable operations. Make sure that the pointing accuracy stays within 5 degrees. The beam width of a small #Yagi is large but every dB is a fortune when the path loss is 250dB #moonbounce #amsat #hamradio

5/9 Be prepared that the Faraday rotation will try to spoil your #EME fun. This is not an issue if you can twist your boom by 90 degrees. Discuss with your sked whether you start with Hpol and Vpol
#moonbounce #amsat #hamradio

6/9 Familiarise yourself with #EME function of WSJT-X. You will likely need to use Q65-60B. Discover "Astronomical Data" tab. And don't forget to tick the "Decode after EME delay" box in the settings.
#EME #amsat #hamradio #hamr #moonbounce

7/9 Head over to mmmonvhf.de to find days with low degradation. Not necessary to pick lowest possible. To plan further you can use VK5DJ #EME planner or any Moon forecast service (e.g. TimeandDate)
#amsat #hamradio #hamr #moonbounce

8/9 When ready use the HB9Q Chat but never use it to exchange reports while the QSO is ongoing
#amsat #hamradio #hamr #moonbounce

9/9 I have also made a random (unscheduled) #EME QSO with Bernd DL7APV today using this small #GreeenCube setup while he was calling CQ. His signal was audible at times.
#amsat #hamradio #hamr #moonbounce

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