At 11:38 PM 10/17/2006, w7lrd@comcast.net wrote:

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

Hi Bob,

All you have to do is under-illuminate the dish. Use a beamwidth on your feed that is smaller than the dish diamter. For example, if your feed only illuminates a 5-foot diameter part of your 12-foot dish, then the beamwidth (and gain) on your dish will be like a 5-foot dish.

73, Tony AA2TX