[NLRS] ARRL EME Contest (A.K.A. The 2 M Single Yagi Report )

[Ronald Bergantzel]

Hello . I participated this weekend in the ARRL EME contest ( 50 - 1296 weekend ). My QSO count was 46 on 144 MHz using a single modified 17B2 , 1.5kw and my TS2000X . Also , a notable mention is 1 QSO on 432 using a single Directive systems new FO25 and 50 watts !!! ( Barefoot FT991 directly thru 51 ft of LDF4-50 ) . The 432 QSO was completely random . All EME QSOs were using JT65b . I did not complete one of the 432 QRO amps ( aka "FQA Special " ) but will be putting RF into it this week or so ( limited stash of high power T/R relays ). I do have pictures of the 432 QSO if anyone is interested - email me direct . It seemed that EME conditions were much better on the Saturday night moon pass along with higher activity noted too . I seen and heard Charlie N0AKC was active but couldn't get an EME decode separated from his tropo ( otherwise I would have called him via EME -did in past years with W0XG and Dennis NT0V ). There was no other locals on 2 m except a guy in EN36 trying at moonrise on Friday night .
So ... that's the 2 M Single Yagi EME Report from EN35ct . Again , if anyone needs any info or cell phone pics of the 50w 432 QSO , feel free to contact me direct . 73s , Ron Bergantzel KA0RYT