While this may be heresy to some, I've used my terrestrial "weak signal" 2M and 70cm antennas many times for satellite QSO's. The 2M antennas is an M2 2M9, and the 70cm antenna is an M2 420-50-11. Each has an SSB USA preamp powered up the coax from my FT-847. They both work very well for weak signal use, and are mounted using a 4' mast extending out of the rotator mounted at the top of a 5' tripod (2M above the 70cm) on the roof of a large 2 story commercial building. I'm sure it helps that I have a 360* clear view for many wavelengths at 2M/70cm. The beamwidth of both antennas is roughly 35*, and I have NO problem picking up the satellites at 0*, and keeping good copy to 30* elevation, which is enough to keep me amused on the satellites when I want to operate. I guess the "moral" to my story is to not fret over having less than optimal antennas, and to get on the birds, or to at least try to listen for them. Just make sure whatever you're using can HEAR them before you try and transmit, and always use a preamp and good coax. 73, Jim KQ6EA
--- On Thu, 6/4/09, Jerry Felts nr5ajerry@gmail.com wrote:
From: Jerry Felts nr5ajerry@gmail.com Subject: [amsat-bb] Other Sat ants To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Date: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 3:50 PM I was wondering is there a small 144/435 antenna? I'm open to ideas, trying to come up with something simple cheap and fast. It would be put at the 20ft level on my tower. At 25 ft level is a 9 el M2 2m yagi but its not at a angle. I like the Elk cause it only has one feedline but would not want to mount it outside permanently.
-- Jerry - NR5A - South Dakota www.freewebs.com/nr5a
http://nr5abikeblog.blogspot.com/
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