[amsat-bb] Re: Using a scanner to hear the FM sats?

[Tony Langdon]

At 10:38 AM 5/31/2007, Michael Tondee wrote:
>Due to some money issues, I had to sell all my sat gear including my
>beloved  TS-2000X. I've been going through some of my old gear and
>rustled up a Radio shack VHF/UHF scanner that covers ham frequencies. Do
>you think it would be possible to hear the FM sats with it? I have a

Depends on the scanner.  You have some possible issues to contend 
with.  Firstly, scanners are likely to be a little deaf, compared to 
the Kenwood, but with a decent antenna (and possibly preamp) it 
should have the sensitivity.  Secondly, if you're in an RF heavy 
area, intermods and image responses might cause interference.  Suck 
it and see. :)

>homebrew 11 element  linearly polarized yagi and I can still track the
>sats via computer rotator control.

That solves the antenna problem.  I'd say your chances are good.

>I can make it where I have a short run of cable to the antennas since I
>don't have preamps anymore.
>I'm also wondering about using some 75ohm RG6 quad shield satellite TV
>cable for receiving. Would this be better or worse than 9913 with the
>scanner? Kind of grabbing at straws here but I'm wondering if anyone
>thinks it would work before I invest too much time into it.

The 75 ohm cable will probably work fine for receiving.  If you 
already have the cable, suck it and see.  The most difficult part 
will be fitting connectors to it.

Worth a shot I'd say.

73 de VK3JED
http://vkradio.com