My 10M antenna is a 4 element quad which is part of a 10/15/20 M quad.  I have noticed since the days of RS10/15 etc that the reception is much better off the back  on 10M.  If I remember (not sure) it is cut for the lower part of 10M, so at 29.45 either the reflector is acting like a director or the first director is acting like a reflector.  In any event when I operate mode A I  always aim the "back" to the satellite, there is a  significant difference in reception between the front and back.  So if you're  using a multi band beam of some sort you might try "flipping " it around and see how it works.  At one time I built a horizontal 10M loop hanging from a pole, then later added a reflector a few feet below it, essentially a 2 element round quad looking up.  I would switch between the horiz. quad and the round quad depending on what the elevation was.  Yes indeed those RS days were the good old days.  I enjoyed and learned a lot back then.

73 Bob W7LRD

.----- Original Message ----- From: "John Neeley" w6zkh@att.net To: "amsat-bb" amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2010 8:52:43 AM Subject: [amsat-bb]  AO-7 Mode A antennas

I notice, looking at the logbook on the AO-7 website that the Europeans utilize Mode A alot more than use here in NA.  Since the downlink frequency is in the upper 10 meter band, and I wondering what antenna they are using for receive?  I have tried dipoles, horizontal loops, G5RV, etc to pretty much zero luck in hearing the bird, even with close passes.

Any info would be appreciated..

John W6ZKH _______________________________________________ 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