[50mhz] VP6D 6m EME operations - PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY!

[Lance Collister, W7GJ]

Hello 6m DXers!

As you have undoubtedly heard, VP6D is planning to be QRV on 6m EME starting next 
month. EME CNDX look relatively good every day of their trip, and the days after 
October 30 include the best days of the month (lowest Degradation) for EME ;-) 
Operation is planned for 50.200, with VP6D transmitting during the first period JT65A 
mode. If local QRM from the HF stations requires any change from this frequency, it 
will be announced on the ON4KST EME CHAT page.

http://www.on4kst.info/chat/login.php?band=5

They will be using a 6M8GJ yagi and >1000w output. Since they will be using their 
K3's on FT8 when on HF, they are currently expecting to be using WSJT-X for their 
JT65A mode operation. For the convenience of those of us still using WSJT10 for 
JT65A, they are planning to use an offset of 1270 Hz. This is their first time to use 
JT65A on EME, and the first time to use it during a pileup situation, so please be 
patient with them! Because of this, it is especially important to coordinate your 
calling frequencies on the ON4KST EME CHAT page, so the callers will be spread out. 
Ideally, please try to space yourselves out every 200 Hz to make it easier for them 
to decode individual callers. They will be using the W7GJ EME DXpedition procedure, 
so please familiarize yourself with that before calling them!

http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/DXpedition%20Procedure.pdf

They will be operating horizon-only, and will be primarily concentrating on each 
moonrise, which will provide a clear shot directly out over the ocean to their east. 
Look for them to be QRV starting then their moon is -2 degrees elevation and possibly 
as high as 20 degrees. After their first few days, we all will have a better idea 
exactly where they have the best ground gain lobes. Because there are a number of 
days during low Degradation when their moonset is to the northwest, there is a good 
possibility that they also will be able to be QRV during certain moonsets with the 
moon setting out over the ocean. Moonset operation will largely depend on the final 
siting of all the various operating stations and antennas.

Updates on their anticipated moonset operation, as well as confirmation of their 
upcoming moonrise status and a list of stations worked will be provided on a daily 
basis. They will not have real time internet access, but this information will be 
relayed on the ON4KST EME CHAT page. There will be a number of opportunities for 
horizon-only station in Region 1 to contact them on the Ducie moonrise, although 
stations in western EU will need elevation to catch them during their moonrise. While 
most East Coast NA stations in Region 2 will need elevation to contact them during 
their moonrise, many horizon-only stations in Region 2 will be able to contact them 
during their shared moonsets with Ducie. Region 3 stations will need elevation to 
contact them during Ducie moonsets.

Many MANY thanks to the VP6D team for undertaking this limited 6m EME operation ;-) 
With the excellent EME CNDX during their trip, and the spectacular siting of their 6m 
yagi overlooking the ocean, it will be very interesting to see how many small 
stations end up in their log!

GL to all and VY 73, Lance

-- Lance Collister, W7GJ(ex WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX, 3D2LR, 5W0GJ, E6M, TX5K, KH8/W7GJ, V6M, T8GJ, VK9CGJ, VK9XGJ)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT  59834-0073
USA
TEL: (406) 626-5728
QTH: DN27ub
URL:http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
Skype: lanceW7GJ
2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815 Interested in 6m EME? Ask me about subscribing to the Magic Band EME
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