Hi Gary, welcome to the world of satellites.
Don't get too bogged down initially with antenna issues. Although I have the directional beams, pre-amps, rotators, controls etc - none of it is in the air at present and I work the LEO's with a single 2m/70cm collinear at about 40'. A very good friend of mine, David G8OQW also uses the same set up so if you need any help (if I am qualified to give any!), then please e-mail me off list!
With this config I can work VO-52 and FO-29 very successfully and AO-51 sometimes - its actually more of a challenge working them that way! Of course the ISS (when its operational) is a doddle with this antenna.
You are right, the Arrow handheld is not available from any UK retailers but if you have a word with Jim Heck of AMSAT - UK, he could probably help you out if he has any or put you on the waiting list for one. I bring back a dozen or so for him when I return from the US and may be coming back with some in March.
73's
David M0ZLB/KG4ZLB
Gary McKelvie wrote:
Hi to the List,
My names Gary, I'm just getting started in the sats, initially looking to work the LEO's with FO 29 in particular. The station is going to consist of a Yaesu FT 847 cat controlled by Ham Radio Delux to control the radio for Doppler.
It's suitable antennas that I have a problem with from web pages etc a lot of people seem to use the arrow antenna, which unfortunately as far as I can see is not available here in the UK. There is an antenna by Tonna which is a 9 element on 2 and 19 element on 70 claimed gain is 13 dBi on 2 16 dBi on 70. The feed line I will be using to get to the antenna will be a short run of West Flex 103 (which is half the loss of RG 213) I'm hoping to avoid the use of pre amps if possible as getting power to them is a problem. This antenna set up will be temporary in nature, with it being set up each time it is in use. I will be able to rotate the antenna in azimuth by hand or using a azimuth rotator. So would this setup work? So really all I'm not sure is how effective this setup will be and am looking for ideas and suggestions.
Regards
Gary G7USC
Gary McKelvie G7USC Web : www.garym.org.uk Mobile : +447968501863 MSN Messenger : gm7usc@hotmail.com So Long and Thanks for all the Fish
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