Assuming the antennas you reference do produce circular polarization, radiation wise, it doesn't matter whether you mount them in an X or + orientation. The only difference would be the phase of the radiation, and you are not concerned with that. There could also be a difference between right- or left-circular polarization, but whether that matters depends on the polarization the the satellite's antenna. But X or + does not change that.
There might be some mechanical reason for an X or +, such as weather proofing, but not signal wise.
Ron W5RKN
Date: Sun, 18 May 2008 14:28:34 -0400 From: Sebastian w4as@bellsouth.net Subject: [amsat-bb] AOP-1 Circular Polarization? To: Amsat - BBs amsat-bb@amsat.org Message-ID: 2D502798-0BC1-4507-98F8-C86CEF5A7590@bellsouth.net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
Hello all, I'm getting ready to put back up my old AOP-1 antennas (the old Cushcraft antennas that were popular in the days of AO-10 & 13). I'm wondering whether I should follow the same procedure of cross polarization for the 440 beam? It was recommended at the time to place the antenna in an X pattern instead of the cross pattern. Also, at the time, the 2 meter antenna was suggested to be placed in the standard vertical/horizontal polarization.
Please let me know which would be the best method to use for most of today's birds.
73s de W4AS