Les,
Advantage: Lower transmit power (because it has more gain), but the birds require such low power as it is with a yagi, that it is not important in the lower USA
Disadvantage: Harder to stay on bird (tracking), because its pattern is narrower (that's where the gain comes from)
If you have a clear view of the sky and no obstructions:
I'd stay with the standard size if you have 2.5 or 5 w output from your radio.
If you have obstructions, then more gain might help on rx, and certainly will help "some" on tx, but once you hit foliage or the house...your 70cm uplink signal will be greatly attenuated and there is little you can do about it.
I run eggbeaters (omni antenna with very little gain) and am being heard quite easily when the house doesn't get in the way, or there isn't thick foliage .
All these comments are predicated on 70 cm uplink and 2m downlink. The obstruction losses are MUCH less on the 2m downlink than on the 70 cm uplink.
73, N0AN Hasan
On Wed, Nov 14, 2018 at 9:56 PM Les Rayburn les@highnoonfilm.com wrote:
Not that experienced with satellite operation, so I’m hoping someone can fill me in. What would be the advantage of the Arrow 437 X 14 antenna be over their standard antenna with 7 elements on 437?
I’m considering it for fixed station use—not portable.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF 121 Mayfair Park Maylene, AL 35114 EM63nf
Member WTFDA, IRCA, NRC. Former CPC Chairman for NRC & IRCA.
Elad FDM-S2 SDR, AirSpy SDR2, SDRPlay RSP-2 Pro, Sony XDR-F1HD [XDR Guy Modified], Dennon TU-1500RD, Sangean HDT-1X, Ray Dees RDS Decoders, Korner 9.2 Antenna, FM-6 Antenna, Kitz Technologies KT-501 Pre-amps, Quantum Phaser, Wellbrook ALA1530 Loop, Wellbrook Flag, Clifton Labs Active Whip.
“Nothing but blues and Elvis, and somebody else’s favorite song…”
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb