1296Mhz

After deciding to stop with active UHF contesting, I started to construct an EME station together with PA0JCA. The first station was constructed with our contest stuff and a manual driven 2m solid dish. After some initials (VE3ONT!!!), we re-built a 6.3m dish to proceed. PA3AGS, PE1JBK and PE1BTV joined us. Unfortunately this dish never gave us the expected results on 23cm. 

Due to various circumstances in 1997 we lost this QTH and consequently the dish. After this experience I developed my first EME activities with the 3m dish in 2009. To avoid effects from Faraday Rotation on this frequency, the use of Septum feeds for the dish was introduced. Additional to this advantage, the feed contains two seperate connections for TX and RX. A high power coaxial relay in not needed anymore.

The application of digital modes do not require a lot of RF power compared to CW mode. The decoding by the computer is much more sensitive compared to the human ear. Nevertheless many operators do prefer CW operation. I am in between and like both modes, particular because the digital mode decodes weaker signals, which can not be heard yet. For beginning EME operators the digimodes will give them a thrill and push to enlarge the capability of their setup and run CW QSO’s as well in the future.

This band is by far the most popular band and there is always activity.