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How to Use EME Amateur Radio Communication

Among the many different modes of communication that amateur radio operators, or hams, enjoy is the weak signal Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) mode. A transmitting radio station will send Very High Frequency (VHF) or Ultra High Frequency (UHF) signals to the moon where they are reflected back to a receiving radio station on Earth. The difficult nature of the EME transmission makes Morse code preferred over voice transmissions.

Things You'll Need

Radio transceiver
Signal preamplifier
Signal amplifier
Transmit-receive sequencer
Yagi antenna
Morse code key

Instructions

- 1
  Decide which amateur radio band to use. Many successful EME transmissions are made on the VHF 2-meter band between 144.000 and 144.045 MHz. Set up the radio station for the chosen band including the transceiver, preamplifier, amplifier, transmit-receive sequencer and the Morse code key.
- 2
  Set up the EME Yagi antenna with a movable mount to follow the moon's track during the transmission.
- 3
  Make an appointment with another ham at a distant location to make an EME contact at a predetermined time and on an agreed-upon frequency. EME transmissions can be technically difficult to complete, and a cooperating ham waiting for your call will make the task simpler and more enjoyable. EME-dedicated Internet sites bring hams together for such appointments.
- 4
  Send your call sign repeatedly in Morse code between 12 to 20 words per minute for 1 1/2 minutes at the appropriate time on the agreed-upon frequency. Wait 30 seconds for a response. The receiving station will send a Morse code reply informing you of your signal quality.
- 5
  Copy the other ham's call sign for the next 1 1/2 minutes in Morse code after receiving the reply. Respond with your coded reply. You will have then completed a Morse code EME transmission.
- 6
  Connect with other hams who might have monitored your EME transmission by sending the Morse code "QRZ" which is the internationally recognized "Who wants to talk." If another ham has heard your request, you will receive that ham's call sign for the next 1 1/2 minutes, beginning a new EME transmission.

Ham Radio