DL0SHF: A Gift to the Global 10 GHz EME Community

For microwave Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) operators around the world, few stations are as well known or as appreciated as DL0SHF. Operated by a dedicated team of volunteers in Germany, the station provides a continuous 10 GHz moon beacon that has become an invaluable reference signal for amateurs testing and improving their microwave EME systems.

The beacon is currently transmitting on 10,368.024 GHz using Q65 Submode E and can be received using the WSJT-X Doppler correction feature with the DX grid square set to JO54cg. At the heart of the system is an impressive 7.2 metre dish that automatically tracks the Moon whenever lunar declination is above approximately -10 degrees. The beacon normally operates with around 50 watts at the feed, although the team can increase power to approximately 400 watts for special testing activities.

The value of the beacon to the international EME community cannot be overstated. It provides a consistent and reliable signal source that allows operators to verify system performance, compare results with other stations and evaluate improvements to antennas, feed systems, low-noise amplifiers and receivers. Rather than waiting for a rare contact opportunity, stations can test against a known signal whenever lunar conditions permit.

Tasmanian EME operator Richard VK7ZBX is a regular user of the beacon and routinely receives it at around -6 dB using his 1.8 metre prime-focus dish while the beacon is operating at its standard 50 watt power level. During a brief period of high-power operation, Richard was also able to achieve a decode at +2 dB, demonstrating both the capability of the DL0SHF system and the usefulness of the beacon as a performance benchmark.

Projects such as DL0SHF represent amateur radio at its finest. Significant technical expertise, engineering effort and volunteer commitment have combined to create a resource that benefits microwave operators across the globe. Whether you are building your first 10 GHz EME station or refining a world-class system, the DL0SHF moon beacon provides a common reference point that helps operators measure, compare and improve their stations.

The WIA congratulates and thanks the DL0SHF team for their ongoing contribution to the international amateur radio community. Their beacon continues to help advance microwave experimentation and EME communications, one lunar reflection at a time.

Further information on the beacon can be found at:
Link

This service is produced by volunteers for the benefit of the global amateur radio community.

Page Last Updated: Wednesday, 24 Jun 2026 at 08:04 hours by Justin Giles-clark

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