I'd just hang on to the 12 footer Never can tell when one of several events can occur with satellites I recall when the French put up theb Arsene satellite ( early 90's) The bird was up side down with all the antennas pointed away from earth. That was mode S and there was about 4-5 10 foot dishes in the US that could work that bird I doubt that the P5 mission has any use of a 12 footer but never can tell. As with AO-40 the 24 gHz freq was only turned on at apogee There was no pointing needed for that apogee location. Just let the bird run into the beam width

Just thinking.

Joe K0VTY ======================= On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 03:38:05 +0000 w7lrd@comcast.net writes:

Hello I have this 12 foot dish waiting for "something". I want a dual L/S dish system. Given the beamwidth of a 12 footer would be small. What would happen if the feed were placed at a spot other than the focal point? I realize I would be not using the dish to it's full potential. Would that broaden the beam width? I also have a four footer which would be more applicable. I am planning for the next HEO and retirement in six months. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle _______________________________________________ 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