RadioBanter - inmarsat receiving

I wrote a 2 part article on monitoring and configuration a system to
receive INMARSAT for Monitoring Times magazine Feb/Mar 94. From my
location in central Va. I can receive both the Atlantic Ocean Region East
and West INMARSATs. The analog voice traffic from type A and B INMARSAT
installations of different languages is much reduced from past years.
There are lots of analog fax. A large antenna, minimally 6 ft.,
preferably 10 ft., .9db NF LNA, length of RG-6, 12VDC power supply, 20 db
in line amp, "coffee can" feed for 1500-1600 mhz., 12VDC block that passes
1500 mhz. signals and necessary type F and N connector adapters are
needed. It is assumed that a worthy receiver such as a R7000, R7100 or
AOR 3000A is available. I can supply almost all of the components but in
total, it does get expensive. The most expensive component is the low
noise amplifier. The reception rules are different when attempting to
receive microwave signals. You are correct about the trend of using
INMARSAT M terminals.

Bob wrote:

Although a little off topic for the group, this is about the only
group around remotely related...

Anybody doing Inmarsat monitoring? A few years ago Inmarsat A was the
dominant mode, but it's analog. Seems Inmarsat M, a digital mode, is
now what's in vogue.

Is it worth setting up an Inmarsat receiving station? I was a
shortwave junkie in my earlier days and it seems Inmarsat has replaced
HF for lots of utility comms...

thanks all...

Bob/WF3H

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