2 x 8 element yagi for EME

Which type of antenna is suitable for EME? I have been pondering this question for a long time. Now I have decided to put up two 8 element yagi antennas with elevation. They will be mounted vertically, and they will fit nicely on my roof due to their modest size. The array will be elevated by my Yaesu G-550 rotor.

One of the deciding factors in choosing this array was Moon time. Using elevation, many operating hours each day will be available.

Another factor was simplicity. It is easier to mount two yagis vertically than horizontally, and the mechanical balance is good.

Two 8-element yagis.

What is the expected gain of this array? As each 8 element yagi provides 11 dBd, an array with two antennas should provide 3 dB more; that is 14 dBd (25 times). I hope this antenna gain is sufficient for EME with JT65B. By using 1 kW of output power from my newly built SSPA, the total ERP on 144 MHz will be 25 kW.

OZ1BXM Lars Petersen