EQUIPMENT
The antennas are 4*9 el Vårgårda (boomlength 4.5 m = 2.16 lambda) in
horizontal polarization. The gain of the array is 17.7 dBd. Stacking
losses are 0.5 dB. Pre-amp approximately 0.8 dB NF. Feeder loss is 0.7
dB. In 1997 we used IC-706 Mk2 with 500 Hz filter.
Starting in 1998 we will also have 250 Hz filter.
Improved elevation readout at low elevation angles.
CONDITIONS
There are lots of local QRM! One of the worst sources are a number of
very strong paging transmitters on 144.000 MHz! They transmit constantly
except 01-06 local time (17-22 UTC). We prefer to operate only during
those hours.
Another source of QRM is a computer room located directly below the ham
club, and directly above the shack.
There are also many other unindentified sources which make our RX
performance very unpredictable. Suddenly when we move the antenna a few
degrees the noise can drop 10 dB. The noise is worst close to the
horizon, but can be bad even at high elevation.
The band is also full of birdies. Often they move right into what
yesterday used to be a clear sked QRG. If this happens we will move to
the nearest clear QRG, and you will have to listen around to find us.
Remember to move your TX to our QRG even if we
are just slightly off the QRG!
HORIZON
We have low horizon (0-3 dergees) in all directions, but there is a 14
MHz yagi and a small "house" less than 10 m from our antenna.
These might influence our performance.
To avoid them we need to avoid azimuths 65-83 degrees.
QRV
We usually prefer to operate on Saturdays, but Fridays might be
possible. We can not operate on Sundays (17-22 UTC on Sunday is 01-06
local time on Monday here).
We announce all operations on EME on the e-mail reflector MOON-NET.
COMMUNICATIONS
We are usually QRV on a mobile phone B4, during, and just after all
announced EME activities:
+86-10-90854674.
Info came from SM0KAK