Hello Burns,
You should try a handheld antenna like an Elk or Arrow antenna with your handheld. These are basically handheld antennas, but will greatly improve both your uplink and downlink.
73, Gould, WA4SXM ----- Original Message ----- From: "Burns Fisher" burns@fisher.cc To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 8:47 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] SP-2000 Preamp?
Hi,
I've been listening on a couple of ARISSat-1 passes, both with the bird in sunlight. The first time I vaguely heard what might have been a voice. The second time (and this one was 80 or 85 degrees elevation) I could clearly hear that there was a voice, but could not understand, although some of the pattern sounded like the call sign being announced. I may have heard a bit of SSTV too; not sure. I'm listening with a Kenwood handheld, sometimes with a 1/4 after-market antenna, sometimes with a 2M eggbeater.
So clearly I need something better. Since I can pick up the ISS well enough, I think I probably need a preamp. Maybe if I were retired and had more time, I'd build one, but for now, I'm thinking to go for the top-end; that appears to be an SSB Electronics SP-2000. But so far, no answer nor return call on my message to SSB. Does anyone know of a different place to buy these things, or do they only feel through their rep? How about second hand? Anyone looking to sell one?
Of course any other suggestions welcome too...
Thanks and 73,
Burns, W2BFJ _______________________________________________ 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