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

[Pedro EB4DKA]

Hi Michael, if your scanner is pretty deaf you could use a CJU antenna. It's 
a small handheld antenna that hears the birds quite well (like a 7 elements 
UHF yagi) and, best of all, it's a simple homebrewed work. You will need 
nothing but a piece of plastic boom, a pair of rods and a short coaxial run 
with a BNC plug.
You can see the CJU in action in this video 
http://rcfo.batcave.net/fo29movil.html and here 
http://eb4dka.batcave.net/ea4cyq1.html
In the first one I'm working the FO-29 using a Kenwood TH-F7E HT as UHF SSB 
receiver and in the second one Juan Antonio EA4CYQ is using a Kenwood TH-D7 
as receiver on the FM birds.
The schematics and building instructions for this antenna can be found here 
http://miguel.servihosting.com/eb4dka/ea4cyq/cju.pdf It is in Spanish 
languaje, but if you want I could email you (or anybody interested) the 
English version (I´m working to translate my website to English).

Best 73 to all,

Pedro EB4DKA
www.eb4dka.tk
http://eb4dka.laserenadigital.com



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Tondee" <mat_62 at netcommander.com>
Cc: <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:41 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Using a scanner to hear the FM sats?


> Thanks to everyone who replied to my question. I'm going to give it a
> shot, I have nothing to lose. I've got a 2 meter mobile for the uplink
> so hearing the downlink well enough is the issue. Luckily I live out in
> the "boonies" and it's quiet out here as far as RF. I don't anticipate
> any intermod issues. My main concerns will be the scanner sensitivity
> and tuning for doppler it appears.
> 73,
> Michael
> Tony Langdon wrote:
>> 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
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb