The EME introductions I’ve watched involve huge quadruple-Yagi arrays or satellite dishes. Is it possible to hear reflected signals (not to mention participate) with more regular equipment? I have an Arrow 2m/70cm Yagi that I’ve used with satellites. How much power/gain do you need to play?
I know JT65 is the preferred digital mode for EME. I see the author of WJST suggests some frequencies 50.190, 144.125, 432.065, and 1296.065 MHz.
The contest is the full weekend 48-hour period (0000 UTC on Saturday through 2359 UTC Sunday), October 31-November 1, 2026 (and again November 28-29, 2026). 50 to 1296 MHz.
Did my homework. It sounds like to participate, you need some specialized equipment, but it may be possible to listen in to the most powerful transmitters.
- Presentation about EME including station setups
- Another presentation about EME setup and signal path
- EME blog post including a £5-10k station investment estimate, rig excluded, for two-way communication