VO100QO succeeded!
After trying for almost a full week, we finally succeeded in connecting with folks on QO-100 from Newfoundland via SSB. In the early afternoon local time, conditions improved, and we were able to align the big dish to the satellite signals, especially the pileup around FT8. Thanks to David G0MRF and Graham G3VZV, who made lots of FT8 contacts.
Once the dish was aligned, the first step was to see if we could reach QO-100. After changing from a 20 W amp to a 100 W amp (60-80W out), our signal was visible and identifiable on QO-100. The first two contacts were made via WebSDR before switching over to SDR Console and direct reception! The following pileup was huge, and the constant fading did not help. Nevertheless, John VE1CWJ, using the special callsign of V0100QO, was able to register 25 QSOs before conditions rapidly deteriorated.