I've been running EME on 2m for about 6 months now using JT65B, and I'm considering making the switch to QRA64. I keep reading that QRA64 is 1-3 dB more sensitive than JT65, but I'd like to hear from operators who've made the transition.

My current setup: 4x 17-ele M2 yagis, 1kW SSPA, 0.7dB NF preamp at the feedpoint. I'm working about 8-10 stations per weekend during peak moon periods with JT65.

Questions:

• What kind of improvement have you seen in copy ability with smaller signals?
• Are the big gun stations making the switch, or still primarily on JT65?
• Any issues with timing or frequency accuracy compared to JT65?

K1JT himself expects QRA64 to replace JT65 for EME use over time, and I can tell you from my VK perspective that weekend activity on QRA64 is definitely picking up. The sensitivity improvement is real - I'm copying -28dB signals that would have been impossible on JT65.

I made the switch 8 months ago and haven't looked back. QRA64 has better performance on the very weakest signals - you'll notice it most with the JA stations and guys running single yagis. The only downside is less activity than JT65, but that's changing rapidly.

Been running both modes simultaneously with my IC-9700 and second antenna. QRA64 definitely pulls out signals that JT65 can't decode, especially during libration fading nulls. Weekend QRA64 activity on 2m EME is becoming significant - I'd estimate 30-40% of my contacts are now QRA64.