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.

--
Jim Bob Buckeye
AKA
**** Jim Leder****
K8CXM since 1961
IBM retiree since 1999
http://home.fuse.net/k8cxm/

"Jim Leder" wrote in message
...
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.


There is not really a good answer for simple sat antennas. You may want to
look at the eggbeater types. Also someone was putting together something
called a potato masher. It is a variation on the eggbeater. Crossed
dipoles about 3/8 wavelength over a ground plane or reflector works ok , but
may need to be switched from right to left polorization.

On Apr 13, 1:08 pm, "Ralph Mowery" wrote:
"Jim Leder" wrote in message

...

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.

There is not really a good answer for simple sat antennas. You may want to
look at the eggbeater types. Also someone was putting together something
called a potato masher. It is a variation on the eggbeater. Crossed
dipoles about 3/8 wavelength over a ground plane or reflector works ok , but
may need to be switched from right to left polorization.

I remember seeing a projet for a GPS antenna, perhaps this could be
scaled to meet your requirements.

Jimmie

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.

Thanks for the input. I suspected as much, but wanted to hear what others
thought. I have a few dozen contacts on VO-52 with the vertical Diamond
X-50, so it has given me decent results. I also know that my chances of
using the more distant satellites are pretty nil, but I'm OK with that. I
don't plan on being big into satellite communications, just looking for
something maybe a little better then the X-50. Matter of fact, the X-50 may
be better than the loop because it does a have a little gain associated with
it. And, yes, I am aware of the rapid fading due to satellite rotation and
changes in polarity. On the other hand, the loop would offer me an antenna
that will work better on 144/440 SSB/CW. So, the dual band loop does offer
me a use other than satellite work.

Thanks to all who gave advice!

--
Jim Bob Buckeye
AKA
**** Jim Leder****
K8CXM since 1961
IBM retiree since 1999
http://home.fuse.net/k8cxm/


"Jim - NN7K" wrote in message
. net...
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.