This request is for temporary permission to operate a 144 MHz amateur transmitter with a peak power output up to 2500 watts on CW and SSB modes. Transmissions will be confined to the EME (earth-moon-earth, or moonbounce) mode.
A summary is enclosed of my equipment and experiments over the past few years using this mode of communication at the 1000 watt average power input level. Also enclosed is a series of EME notes I have compiled and mailed to over 300 VHF enthusiasts to help them learn about this fascinating method of amateur radio communication. A photograph of my present 144 MHz moonbounce antenna installation is also enclosed.
The moon is approximately 2160 miles in diameter and orbits the earth at a distance that varies from 221,463 to 252,710 miles. The reflection coefficient of the moon is 7%, 93% of the energy that strikes the moon being absorbed. The re-radiated signal is mainly diffused through space as the earth, as viewed from the moon, subtends an angle of only 2 degrees.
The VHF signal that returns to earth is spread over a surface area of about 98,470,000 square miles. Of this area, only a very small portion is taken up by the receiving antenna. Thus, only a small fraction of the transmitted signal in an EME circuit is picked up by the receiving antenna. This problem has challenged the ability of many of the world's most skilled VHF amateurs.
Under the best of conditions, using the maximum legal power, the most sensitive receiver and the largest possible antenna array, two-way EME communication is a marginal operation. A boost in the EME circuit by 3 t0 6 decibels would improve chances of communication immensely and raise the level of interest among amateurs who do not have the time, space and money to erect the large antenna array necessary for effective EME communication. ... continue..
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