Yes, I agree with that, Clint. I have been looking at Jerry Brown's, K5OE, archived pages available here:

http://web.archive.org/web/20000824013151/http://members.aol.com/k5oe/

After looking at it, I think I like the radiation patterns of the TPM II's better than any other LEO antenna I've seen thus far. There may be better out there that I have not seen. I have worked Jerry several times with him using those antennas.

I don't have a problem with large arrays where I live, but they're just overkill IMHO. I only have one large tree to the SW and with the beamwidth of 22 elements on VHF and 44 on UHF, my rotor is constantly working.

73, Joel, W4JBB

On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 10:45 PM, Clint Bradford clintbradford@mac.comwrote:

...

...

... Does it -matter- if he uses a preamp on FM, SSB, or freaking two

cans and a string?

Absolutely not. It has just been my "mantra" the past four years advising folks that you do not need 100 Watts of TX power, expensive Yagis on the roof, and a rotator under computer control to get into working the FM satellites.

Now, then, if I lived in Drew's neighborhood, all that equipment sounds pretty appealing ... working the birds while adding fire to the fireplace with a hot toddy (or three) at hand.

Clint, K6LCS _______________________________________________ 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