I have to agree with Gary. Being able to switch polarization of a linear-polarized Yagi will help, especially at lower elevation angles. At higher elevation angles the signal will be strong enough that it will be discernible on the Arrow regardless of the polarization. However, when the satellite is at lower elevation angles, the ability to switch the polarity so that it matches the signal coming from the satellite will provide a few extra dB of gain, which may be the difference between solid copy and noise. This has been my experience.
73, Zach KM7I
On Jan 2, 2008 4:39 PM, Garie Halstead K8KFJ khyberpass65@yahoo.com wrote:
Clint Bradford clintbrad4d@earthlink.net wrote:
> You are talking about the two satellites I regularly access using ahandheld radio at about 2.5W and either an Arrow dual-band antenna
> or simply a longer duck.In my experiences, orienting the Arrow 90 degrees in either direction gives no discernable improvement on the RX signal: It's clear and wonderful no matter how I twist the Arrow.
My experience has been quite different Clint. There have been times when I've noticed a drop in signal strength, rotated my Arrow antenna 90 degrees, to find the signal strength back up. I had been told earlier by an experienced sat op of the FM birds that there would be shifts in polarization during passes that I would have to correct for. It appeared to me his advice was correct.
73, Gary -K8KFJ- AMSAT #32574 Sat VUCC #125
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