[amsat-bb] antenna opinion?

[W0DXZ@aol.com]

I am going to put up a simple satellite antenna system. Simple means, that  I 
won't be able to control the polarization, I am going to use linear 144-432  
beams.  I will be able to rotate AZ of course, AND elevation. 
 
Question is,,, how big of beams  (how much gain) do I need for  each band. I 
don't want the pattern to be so tight I am constantly changing  the rotor,,, 
would something like 8 ele on 2 and  16 el on 432 do the job?  I can use a 
pre-amp on receive   (separate coax lines)  Any  recommendations for antennas? I 
just don't want to go through polarization  switching. 
 
And,,, would it be any benefit to turn the beams somewhere between  
horizontal and vertical,,, at a 45 degree angle, for polarization? Or is that a  waste 
of time, or would it make things worse. 
 
Bob W0DXZ  DM-33 AZ



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