Hi Art,
I've got a BBQ Grill too, but used a 3 1/4 turn helix for a feed. I was able to work AO-40 at apogee with it. Definitely a nice system.
How big is your dish? I've not seen a Grill antenna much bigger than the one I currently have, and I'm told it's not big enough for 1.2 ghz (only 30"). Supposed to need at least 4'. So instead I built a helix for that band and did some L/S and L/U through AO-51. Then I found a commercial long boom 1.2 ghz yagi at another Ham Swap (gotta keep me away from those!), and replaced the Helix. But, you know, I don't think the new antenna improved things. Mechanically, yes, but not RF. The Beacon off to the West is about the same on either one.
Given the lack of S-band on the current birds, I was thinking about taking down the Grill for a while, just to lighten the load on the rotor motors. Maybe put up a Wi-Fi flat panel, just to keep the band open. But if I can get both 1.2 and 2.4 out of the Grill instead, might that be better?
Greg KO6TH
From: kc6uqh@cox.net To: ko6th_greg@hotmail.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: 70cm Helicoil Good/Bad expensive? Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:26:17 -0700
Greg, Do not overlook the 2.4 GHz grid dishes. I have successfully added a quad loop for 23 cm (1.2GHz) and have been pleasantly surprised with the performance. I have used one for transmit on 2.4 and receive on 1.2 for ATV work. A single dish with two microwave bands.
Art, KC6UQH