For those who are interested in attempting the official Brendan Prizes transatlantic path at 144MHz this coming Es season, I've set-up a new FB page for all to easily keep in touch and swap ideas: https://www.facebook.com/groups/878792852538420/ See you there! MW1CFN
All I can say is ""Rot's of ruck!" (And no offense meant.) Many (MANY) have tried, but so far, none have succeeded. I'm not sure this current solar cycle will allow it, but then, miracles DO happen. I DO believe the Brenden will someday be achieved. SOME day. (BTW, satellite and/or EME contacts are NOT eligible.)
2-Meter Transatlantic Contact Reported. D41CV on Cape Verde Islands and FG8OJ in Guadeloupe spanned the Atlantic Ocean on 2 meters for the first time on June 16, 2019 according to reports. The distance was 3,867 kilometers (2,397.5 miles). https://hackaday.com/2019/06/22/a-two-metre-bridge-across-the-atlantic-for-the-first-time/ The distance between Newfoundland and Ireland is roughly 2007 miles. Maybe a little of Tropo, with maybe a mix of some Sporadic E, running max power, and some high gain beams, and some patience and perseverance, and anything is possible.
I fear F2 propagation will be required, along with the "bestest" of the best antennas and 1.5 kW amps will be needed. I'm not sure this Sunspot Cycle coming up (Cycle 25) will do the trick. But then again, miracles DO happen.
Here are the claimed North American Distance Records as of September 2019 for 2 meters and above: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/WA50-Standings/Distance-Records-5-Sep-2019.pdf
