From my experience of years ago, must say: most
likely makes makes little , or no difference!
Reason, is 1) depends WHERE you are , relative to
the satelite , and 2) the polarity of the
satelite , relative to your location , and most
likely NOT in the plane of your antenna, at
any given time. The antenna on a satelite is
more or less locked towards earth, with a
magnet, so far-so good, but at WHAT polarity?
This is the reason MOST great stations use
Circular Polarization. Max loss is 3 dB, for
polarity consideration, tho there would be a
loss, from the ANGLE of the pattern , from the
satelite (if I understand this correctly)
With linear polarization, there will be times
of deep fades, and also periods of great signal
strength. This dates me, and from A-06 and A-07
used 1/4 whips, bent against a metal ground
plane, about 30 degs, tip of antenna faceing NORTH
and worked considerable stuff. For the Eleptical
orbit sats, you may need gain , and circular
polarization to be heard, tho better stations can
be contacted (the "Umph" is on their end)!
In sum total, then if you use linear polarization
you must accept the fadeing, tho you can make
many contacts, and hear I.S.S. qso's but not as
a solid signal. Hope this helps. Jim NN7K

Jim Leder wrote:
This is a question I posted a little while back on
rec.radio.amateur.satellite, but never received any response, maybe because
there is not a good answer. But here it is again:

I like to try to make occasional satellite contacts, usually on VO-52, and
have a place for only one antenna. In the past I have used a dual band
Diamond X-50 vertical, but now I am wondering if something like KU4AB's dual
band
E-factor horizontal loop might be a better choice. Any opinions?

Thanks.