Home Satellite Station - Antenna Mounting Question
Hello, I will be moving to a new QTH, and have the opportunity to set up a nice satellite home station, but I'm running into some issues in finding information: So far I know I want the "M2 Leo Pack antenna system", with a Yaesu 5500 Elv / Az Rotator. This setup will be mounted directly on the roof of my house. At this time a tower install is out. The issue is: What is the best system for mounting this on the roof? Is there a tripod? or will I need to custom make something? Any help would be appreciated. I have contacted M2 and DX engineering, but each tell me to talk to the other, so not much help there. Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone know of these for sale, let me know. Thanks!!!!
Paul Overn KE0PBR Twitter: @KE0PBR `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>
Paul,
I used a Glen Martin roof top tower for my old setup. It worked well. I still have my old one and in great shape if you want a used one.
http://glenmartin.com/rt-424-4-5%e2%80%b2-roof-top-tower/
Bob W7OTJ
On Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 8:36 AM Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB [email protected] wrote:
Hello, I will be moving to a new QTH, and have the opportunity to set up a nice satellite home station, but I'm running into some issues in finding information: So far I know I want the "M2 Leo Pack antenna system", with a Yaesu 5500 Elv / Az Rotator. This setup will be mounted directly on the roof of my house. At this time a tower install is out. The issue is: What is the best system for mounting this on the roof? Is there a tripod? or will I need to custom make something? Any help would be appreciated. I have contacted M2 and DX engineering, but each tell me to talk to the other, so not much help there. Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone know of these for sale, let me know. Thanks!!!!
Paul Overn KE0PBR Twitter: @KE0PBR `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º> _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Hi Paul.
A couple of people have written with nice comments after seeing pictures of my non-penetrating criss-cross roof platform that I have a variety of antennas mounted on.
Since the following picture was taken, several other omni antennas and a small dish have been added to my platform - it was designed on purpose to provide a lot of mounting options. A priority for me was flexibility.
https://www.qsl.net/k/k4kdr//images/2016-05-14--xquads.jpg
... but of course priority is given to the X-Quads (+ a 2.4 GHz helical installed since the picture was taken) on the G-5500 rotator.
https://www.qsl.net/k/k4kdr//images/antenna-trio.jpg
With the weight and friction of four treated 4x4's, several 4x4 & 2x6 cross pieces, and a half-dozen 1" concrete blocks, I don't have any concerns about wind.
And finally, standing inside the confines of the platform makes it very comfortable to work up there. You feel quite secure with a thigh pressed against the raised sections compared to that uneasy feeling that normally comes with being on a roof peak.
I hope that helps & best of luck with your project!
-Scott, K4KDR
===========================
On Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 11:37 AM Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB [email protected] wrote:
Hello, I will be moving to a new QTH, and have the opportunity to set up a nice satellite home station, but I'm running into some issues in finding information: So far I know I want the "M2 Leo Pack antenna system", with a Yaesu 5500 Elv / Az Rotator. This setup will be mounted directly on the roof of my house. At this time a tower install is out. The issue is: What is the best system for mounting this on the roof? Is there a tripod? or will I need to custom make something? Any help would be appreciated. I have contacted M2 and DX engineering, but each tell me to talk to the other, so not much help there. Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone know of these for sale, let me know. Thanks!!!!
Paul Overn KE0PBR Twitter: @KE0PBR `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>
Very nice! How do you handle the routing of cables? Are they just laying on the roof and then dropped over the edge or do you have some sort of a trough?
Jeff, KE9V ________________________________ From: AMSAT-BB [email protected] on behalf of Scott [email protected] Sent: Monday, January 14, 2019 12:05 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Home Satellite Station - Antenna Mounting Question
Hi Paul.
A couple of people have written with nice comments after seeing pictures of my non-penetrating criss-cross roof platform that I have a variety of antennas mounted on.
Since the following picture was taken, several other omni antennas and a small dish have been added to my platform - it was designed on purpose to provide a lot of mounting options. A priority for me was flexibility.
https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qsl.ne...
... but of course priority is given to the X-Quads (+ a 2.4 GHz helical installed since the picture was taken) on the G-5500 rotator.
https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qsl.ne...
With the weight and friction of four treated 4x4's, several 4x4 & 2x6 cross pieces, and a half-dozen 1" concrete blocks, I don't have any concerns about wind.
And finally, standing inside the confines of the platform makes it very comfortable to work up there. You feel quite secure with a thigh pressed against the raised sections compared to that uneasy feeling that normally comes with being on a roof peak.
I hope that helps & best of luck with your project!
-Scott, K4KDR
===========================
On Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 11:37 AM Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB [email protected] wrote:
Hello, I will be moving to a new QTH, and have the opportunity to set up a nice satellite home station, but I'm running into some issues in finding information: So far I know I want the "M2 Leo Pack antenna system", with a Yaesu 5500 Elv / Az Rotator. This setup will be mounted directly on the roof of my house. At this time a tower install is out. The issue is: What is the best system for mounting this on the roof? Is there a tripod? or will I need to custom make something? Any help would be appreciated. I have contacted M2 and DX engineering, but each tell me to talk to the other, so not much help there. Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone know of these for sale, let me know. Thanks!!!!
Paul Overn KE0PBR Twitter: @KE0PBR `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amsat.o...
Thanks, Jeff.
Yes, all the cables are bundled together and angle down the roof towards one corner. From there they just drop down and loop back up to a window near the radios & rotator controller.
Another thing that works well for me with such a generic platform with so many horizontal & vertical mounting surfaces is that it's very easy to attach accessories as-needed. For instance, I house the S-Band downconverter in an outdoor electrical box that already had knock-outs in the bottom (used for LMR-400 in this case), a weather-resistant door, and holes for mounting. If I need a place to temporarily attach something experimental, it's never a problem.
-Scott
===========================
On Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 12:47 PM Jeff Davis [email protected] wrote:
Very nice! How do you handle the routing of cables? Are they just laying on the roof and then dropped over the edge or do you have some sort of a trough?
Jeff, KE9V
*From:* AMSAT-BB [email protected] on behalf of Scott < [email protected]> *Sent:* Monday, January 14, 2019 12:05 PM *To:* [email protected] *Subject:* Re: [amsat-bb] Home Satellite Station - Antenna Mounting Question
Hi Paul.
A couple of people have written with nice comments after seeing pictures of my non-penetrating criss-cross roof platform that I have a variety of antennas mounted on.
Since the following picture was taken, several other omni antennas and a small dish have been added to my platform - it was designed on purpose to provide a lot of mounting options. A priority for me was flexibility.
https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qsl.ne...
... but of course priority is given to the X-Quads (+ a 2.4 GHz helical installed since the picture was taken) on the G-5500 rotator.
https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.qsl.ne...
With the weight and friction of four treated 4x4's, several 4x4 & 2x6 cross pieces, and a half-dozen 1" concrete blocks, I don't have any concerns about wind.
And finally, standing inside the confines of the platform makes it very comfortable to work up there. You feel quite secure with a thigh pressed against the raised sections compared to that uneasy feeling that normally comes with being on a roof peak.
I hope that helps & best of luck with your project!
-Scott, K4KDR
===========================
On Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 11:37 AM Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB < [email protected]> wrote:
Hello, I will be moving to a new QTH, and have the opportunity to set up a nice satellite home station, but I'm running into some issues in finding information: So far I know I want the "M2 Leo Pack antenna system", with a Yaesu 5500 Elv / Az Rotator. This setup will be mounted directly on the roof of my house. At this time a tower install is out. The issue is: What is the best system for mounting this on the roof? Is there a tripod? or will I need to custom make something? Any help would
be
appreciated. I have contacted M2 and DX engineering, but each tell me to talk to the other, so not much help there. Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone know of these for sale, let me know. Thanks!!!!
Paul Overn KE0PBR Twitter: @KE0PBR `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>
Hi Paul, If you don't want to drill holes into the roof consider a NPRM - non penetrating roof roof. Not the little cheapie ones for DirecTV or Dish but the commercial kind.Baird is a very reputable maker of commercial mounts. They may be a little overkill for your needs but you might find something cheaper or make your own based on the examples on the Baird webpage: Baird Mounts - Non-Penetrating Roof Mounts (NPRM)
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| | | | Baird Mounts - Non-Penetrating Roof Mounts (NPRM)
Global Reach Internet Productions, LLC - Ames, IA - globalreach.com
Product lines include non-penetrating roof mounts (NPRM or NPMM), non-penetrating ground mounts, ridge or peaked... |
|
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73, Adrian AA5UK
On Monday, January 14, 2019, 10:37:13 AM CST, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB [email protected] wrote:
Hello, I will be moving to a new QTH, and have the opportunity to set up a nice satellite home station, but I'm running into some issues in finding information: So far I know I want the "M2 Leo Pack antenna system", with a Yaesu 5500 Elv / Az Rotator. This setup will be mounted directly on the roof of my house. At this time a tower install is out. The issue is: What is the best system for mounting this on the roof? Is there a tripod? or will I need to custom make something? Any help would be appreciated. I have contacted M2 and DX engineering, but each tell me to talk to the other, so not much help there. Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone know of these for sale, let me know. Thanks!!!!
Paul Overn KE0PBR Twitter: @KE0PBR `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º> _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
On Jan 14, 2019, at 11:34 AM, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB [email protected] wrote:
Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone know of these for sale, let me know.
As far as I know, the LEOpack is available from M2 direct, and AMSAT, only. AMSAT offers a discount over the M2 price, as well as free shipping, for members who purchase via the AMSAT store.
https://www.amsat.org/product/m2-leo-pack-antenna-system/
73, Drew KO4MA
Further info on my Glen Martin roof top tower.....I too used a non-penetrating mounting system. My setup was made of 2 x 10 x 8' long rectangles which were hinged together at the peak of the roof. The legs of the GM tower were bolted to the boards at the top of the rectangles. I didn't have wind concerns and was sheltered by trees so I didn't use any weights on the boards. This was in Fairbanks, AK about 10 years ago.
I wish i had a pic but I don't. It worked well with my in-progress Yaesu G-5500 rotator and 2M, 70cm, and 23 cm satellite antennas.
Bob W7OTJ
On Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 9:26 AM Andrew Glasbrenner < [email protected]> wrote:
On Jan 14, 2019, at 11:34 AM, Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB <
[email protected]> wrote:
Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone
know of these for sale, let me know.
As far as I know, the LEOpack is available from M2 direct, and AMSAT, only. AMSAT offers a discount over the M2 price, as well as free shipping, for members who purchase via the AMSAT store.
https://www.amsat.org/product/m2-leo-pack-antenna-system/
73, Drew KO4MA _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
I actually am in the process of building a station with the same M2 LEO Pack and G-5500. It's a popular combo. I ordered this 5 foot tripod:
https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=sky6030
A lot of people use tripods like these for a simple satellite setup like we're talking about here.
You'll also need these sealant pitch pads to go between the feet and the roof to keep water out: https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=ezp10
Ideally you want to NOT use the screws that come with the pitch pad and instead use bolts and nuts to go all the way through the roof. On the attic side attach plywood that the bolts and nuts will secure too.
Someone said you can use the screws provided they go into the roof support beams but I'd prefer the bolts.
I was told to get a sturdy mast of these specs and this is what I ordered: 5 foot 1.75” outside diameter and 0.25” wall thickness aluminum tube https://www.penningerradio.com/detail.asp?id=414&cc=
I am documenting the process I'm taking to build this station on my YouTube channel. Here is my first video on the process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hz4bWVByDw
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 11:37 AM Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB [email protected] wrote:
Hello, I will be moving to a new QTH, and have the opportunity to set up a nice satellite home station, but I'm running into some issues in finding information: So far I know I want the "M2 Leo Pack antenna system", with a Yaesu 5500 Elv / Az Rotator. This setup will be mounted directly on the roof of my house. At this time a tower install is out. The issue is: What is the best system for mounting this on the roof? Is there a tripod? or will I need to custom make something? Any help would be appreciated. I have contacted M2 and DX engineering, but each tell me to talk to the other, so not much help there. Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone know of these for sale, let me know. Thanks!!!!
Paul Overn KE0PBR Twitter: @KE0PBR `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º> _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
FYI...this gable end mount, with a proper sized mast, will be more secure than any tripod and there is no need to puncture the roof/shingle membrane or seal. The metal is very robust. Bolted though the fascia board is much stronger than wood screws into your roof sheathing (and does not leak)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DFTGUQ/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie...
73, K7TRK
-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Brier Sent: Monday, January 14, 2019 5:03 PM To: Paul Overn Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Home Satellite Station - Antenna Mounting Question
I actually am in the process of building a station with the same M2 LEO Pack and G-5500. It's a popular combo. I ordered this 5 foot tripod:
https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=sky6030
A lot of people use tripods like these for a simple satellite setup like we're talking about here.
You'll also need these sealant pitch pads to go between the feet and the roof to keep water out: https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=ezp10
Ideally you want to NOT use the screws that come with the pitch pad and instead use bolts and nuts to go all the way through the roof. On the attic side attach plywood that the bolts and nuts will secure too.
Someone said you can use the screws provided they go into the roof support beams but I'd prefer the bolts.
I was told to get a sturdy mast of these specs and this is what I ordered: 5 foot 1.75” outside diameter and 0.25” wall thickness aluminum tube https://www.penningerradio.com/detail.asp?id=414&cc=
I am documenting the process I'm taking to build this station on my YouTube channel. Here is my first video on the process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hz4bWVByDw
73, John Brier KG4AKV
On Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 11:37 AM Paul Overn via AMSAT-BB [email protected] wrote:
Hello, I will be moving to a new QTH, and have the opportunity to set up a nice satellite home station, but I'm running into some issues in finding information: So far I know I want the "M2 Leo Pack antenna system", with a Yaesu 5500 Elv / Az Rotator. This setup will be mounted directly on the roof of my house. At this time a tower install is out. The issue is: What is the best system for mounting this on the roof? Is there a tripod? or will I need to custom make something? Any help would be appreciated. I have contacted M2 and DX engineering, but each tell me to talk to the other, so not much help there. Also, I still need to buy the rotator and antenna system, so if someone know of these for sale, let me know. Thanks!!!!
Paul Overn KE0PBR Twitter: @KE0PBR `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.. ><((((º> _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
participants (8)
-
Adrian Engele -
Andrew Glasbrenner -
Bob Hammond -
Jeff Davis -
John Brier -
Paul Overn -
Scott -
Ted Krempa