[amsat-bb] Re: Beam Elevation

[Dee]

Don't forget to use a preamp!!!
Dee, NB2F

-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org]
On Behalf Of Bob Bruninga
Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 1:23 PM
To: Lowell White
Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Beam Elevation

>> I have a dual band beam in my loft space 
>> on a standard East West rotator .
>> Can hear and work the Sat's on it but 
>> receive is quite poor... what sort of elevation 
>> should I erect the antenna..

It depends!

If your antenna can see down to the horizon (where you need  max gain)
then the answer is 15 deg.
See Analysis: http://aprs.org/rotator1.html

But if you cannot hear down there anyway, because you are working
through trees and 10 dB of structural wood, tar and asphault (roof)
then you should give up on the low elevations and improve your higher
angle performance.

But just remember that almost 70% of all satellite access times are
BELOW 20 degrees!  But if your site cannot see them or work them down
there, then give up on horizon gain and plan on having a better signal
but only able to work 1/3rd of the pass well.

Bob, WB4APR


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