In the Proceedings of the AMSAT-NA 22nd Space Symposium, Anthony Monteiro, AA2TX, presents a paper "From Sizzling Hot BBQ to Cool BUD-Lite," pages 168 -183. The article presents measured results of adding a screen surface, adding baffles, and using a newly design horn feed to 39" by 24" barbeque dish. If your antenna is down for modifications, I would highly recommend the article. Each step was a significant improvement. He reported the Sun noise increase with a dipole feed increased from 1.5 dB for the stock dish and feed to 1.9 dB by adding the aluminum foil. Screen wire should produce similar results.
John WA4WDL
----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Booth" 710138@ican.net To: Amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Friday, November 17, 2006 5:11 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] 1.2GHz and K5GNA BBQ Ant ??
Mark Brueggemann K5LXP recently inquired about a 1.2GHz antenna but mentioned he had a K5GNA barbecue dish and converter. Since I have my antennas down for rework, (since I moved) I am wondering the same thing.
I am also curious if covering the BBQ grill with screening material on the K5GNA unit is worth the trouble. There was lots of discussion about it when AO-40 was working, but I do not remember anyone saying it was worth the trouble. Anybody add the screen material to the unit and what kind of improvement did you hear......
Bill Booth VE3NXK Sundridge ON, Canada 79.23.37 W x 45.46.18 N FN05ns
Visit my weather WebCam at http://www.almaguin.com/wxcurrent/weather.html
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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