VK9XY Plans 6-Meter Moonbounce From Christmas Island
Back to Radio in the NewsVK9XY plans a dedicated 6-meter moonbounce station during its Nov. 16–Dec. 4, 2026, Christmas Island DXpedition, adding an Earth-Moon-Earth opportunity to the youth-led operation. The team says it has experimental authorization for 1,000 watts PEP between 50.180 and 50.220 MHz, with 425 watts average power.
The team’s Oct. 26 announcement, reproduced by M0OXO lists a Flex 6700, receive preamplifiers, a kilowatt amplifier and a 6M8GJ Yagi. EME setup will follow HF setup.
A 7.3-meter (24-foot) mast will support elevation to about 75 degrees. The planned cliff site is approximately 12 meters (40 feet) above the ocean, with unobstructed views east through north to west.
6-Meter Moonbounce Depends on the Receiving Site
That combination makes the siting important as well as the transmitter power. An elevating antenna can follow the Moon above the horizon, while open low-angle views preserve opportunities near moonrise and moonset. Nearby noise can still determine whether a weak reflected signal is usable.
Experienced EME operator Lance Collister, W7GJ, described the value of quiet locations and unobstructed terrain in an ARRL discussion of single-Yagi EME operation. Ground reflections can reinforce the direct signal at certain low elevation angles, giving a fixed-elevation station useful opportunities as the Moon passes through those antenna lobes.
For stations without elevation control, that makes local moonrise or moonset potentially important. A usable window also depends on the Moon being accessible to the expedition, the receiving noise level and the capabilities of both stations. A coastal location alone does not establish the strength of any ground-gain enhancement.
Noise and Moonrise Shape the Operating Plan
The team will monitor LiveCQ and ON4KST EME chat. The announced authorization covers a frequency range; it is not a single calling frequency.
A cemetery is available as a backup if noise compromises the cliff site, but terrain there obstructs the eastern view. Moving could improve reception while limiting moonrise access.
Young Operators Will Lead the Expedition
The expedition’s official website identifies Max Freedman, N4ML, as leader of ten young operators from six countries. Experienced DXpeditioners Gregg Marco, W6IZT, and Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, will advise the group, while the young team takes responsibility for the operation.
The project also plans remote participation by 40 or more young operators using NexGenRiB2 stations, supported by an equipment grant from the Northern California DX Foundation. Those remote stations are a separate component of the expedition; the EME announcement describes an on-island station.
The expedition dates are an overall operating window. EME availability will depend on station setup and the lunar windows the team can cover.
Sources and Further Reading
- VK9XY: October 26 EME Announcement, Reproduced by M0OXO
- VK9XY: Official Expedition Dates, Leadership and Remote Participation
- ARRL: W7GJ on Single-Yagi EME, Ground Gain and Quiet Sites