+2 with what Drew says. I've been using my M2 2M7 and 420-50-11 like this for years. When I first had them on the roof at my apartment, they were on a single mast, with azimuth only rotation. I had to carefully choose my passes for low elevation so the satellite didn't rise out of the pattern, but they worked fine. Now I have them on a Glen Martin 9' tower mounted on a small Harbor Freight trailer, with a G5400 rotor set, and an unknown manufacturer fiberglass cross-boom. I use a Fox Delta ST2 controller, and SatPC32 running the rotor and my FT-847. I can work the satellites even better, as I now have an SSB Electronic preamp on each antenna. And I still get to do weak-signal work, though not as well, as the antennas are no longer on the roof of a large two-story commercial building. Don't be afraid to try horizontally polarized antennas. Yes, you'll get some fades (sometimes), but if it's what you have, use it. You'll be surprised how well they work, regardless of what some people may say. 73, Jim KQ6EA
On 03/18/2011 08:42 PM, Andrew Glasbrenner wrote:
On Mar 18, 2011, at 4:13 PM, Jeff Moore[email protected] wrote:
Horizontally polarized beams will not work very well for satellite use
I disagree, at least for 2m. For several years I've used a 2m7 or cushcraft 10 element horizontal yagi on 2m with fine results. Being horizontal allows me to play on terrestrial as well as meteor scatter where the extra gain from polarity makes a huge difference. Sat links are generally good enough that it doesn't matter much at least on 2m. Obviously there is some compromise in this setup, but it hasn't been a problem yet.
73, Drew KO4MA _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb