Try this patch - its very easy to make, I used some scrap brass, and works very well. It is circularly polarised although for correct sense it is designed for reflection use, i.e., with a dish
http://www.kiwisat.org/23cm_patch.pdf
It was used to receive AO-40 direct and is currently in service in a 600mm dish. Gain can be increased by using a "V" or parabolic shaped reflector made of almost anything metal. An umbrella lined with aluminium foil would work fine.
The experts will tell you it is far from efficient however it wins on the simplistic, easy to make and good performance stakes.
Terry, ZL3QL.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Ronald Nutter" rnutter@networkref.com To: amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 11:02 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Suggested mode S antennas for K5GNA downconverter
I am trying to come up with a portable sat station that can fit in a briefcase. I have the dipole and reflector antenna that K5GNA sells for his downconverter but I am looking for something compact that can fit in the briefcase and the reflector cant. I have thought about the G3RUH patch antenna but that is a little pricey for me at this point. Are there any other antennas that someone can suggest that I try for this quest ?
Thanks, Ron KA4KYI _______________________________________________ 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
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