2metre contacts

Broke my FT8 distance record during the June 2nd Es.
Broke over 2000kms to Greece KM08ix SV6SYQ

Here is his eQSL confirmation

That's amazing Mike. That's over twice the distance of the furthest 2m contact I have ever managed.

It was a brilliant Es  that rolled on for 2hours and a bit.
My first contact was IT9HTV JM76 15:23 but a lot of Gs were working stuff I could'nt hear.
Really got going here around 16:10, mostly Italians and towards the end SVs.
Finished around 17:45 for me.
Southeast is a tough direction with 600feet of chalk a couple of miles away.

Just broken my 2metre record by 8km.

After I worked the SV6 at 2109kms KM08ix worked HB9CAT/MM, no idea where he was.
Just found out he was 8kms further south at Lefkada Island so record now 2117km KM08iu
but not confirmed yet.

Well my two metre record goes again. what an Es season so far.

Today FT8 a 100watts to a 9ele Dual yagi.

1500utc SV9CJO KM25if 2627kms

Confirmed on QRZ

That's awesome Mike, well done!

Well if you couldn't get round the world twice with 100W and 9 element dual yagi using FT8 you would be doing something very wrong, now try it with 1W and a dipole, then I'd be impressed...
But we'll done....

If only FT8 operations were as easy as everyone makes out, eh Malcolm.


Very well done with the VHF DX contacts there Mike, bet you're well pleased.

I've constructed a 2m five element beam and even luckily obtained an Icom IC706 MKII so should really get my butt into gear for some VHF FT8 fun......once I find a cheap enough rotator that needs fixing. (I do love a good tinker and repair!)

Well done again, inspirational stuff.

G6CTX wrote:

Well if you couldn't get round the world twice with 100W and 9 element dual yagi using FT8 you would be doing something very wrong, now try it with 1W and a dipole, then I'd be impressed...
But we'll done....

The only way to work the world on 2metres is via EME, which is possible with a small station.

If you see my location which is surround by the Southdowns scrap slope, SE 500feet of chalk not far away, it is quite remarkable. Most of the time I sit and do not hear the stations others are working.

Another point, FT8 is a weak signal mode not necessary a low power mode.

As Victor points out FT8 mode is not an easy mode for everyone.
Really depends on location equipment etc.

I never ever worked Greece on two metres until now, Victor and to get Crete was a real dream.
Have a go with you new beam, you just never know and digital opens up some good opportunities.