When I lived in France (F5VKM) I was totally focused on the low bands. I spent years trying to get the Falkland Islands on 160m. Now living in the UK with a typical small garden I no longer have the luxury of big antennas. Currently I’ve just got my EFHW Vertical for 20m at the end of the garden.
Today I heard the Falkland Islands on 20m for the first time since setting up the new station, I was amazed to say the least.
![](https://m0aws.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/M0AWS-VP8VK-FY8-20m-190222--1024x587.png)
I decided to give the two stations a call, didn’t get an answer from VP8ADR but, VP8VK then popped up and I snuck in and got a quick QSO with just 25w.
![](https://m0aws.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/M0AWS-VP8VK-FT8-QSO-20m-190222-.jpeg)
Working DX is so much easier on 20m than it is on 160m, I’m amazed!
-23dB is very close to the limit for FT8 but, it was enough to get a complete QSO and the Falklands in the log.
I also got VK6AS on 20m FT8 today, again with just 25w. This EFHW Vertical for 20m really is an excellent DX antenna, it’s perfect for the small garden too!
![](https://m0aws.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/E4ABA554-C47F-4E77-9580-FF0642270349-1024x672.jpeg)
More soon …