[amsat-bb] Re: 70cm Helicoil Good/Bad expensive?

[Greg D.]

Hi Art,

I've got a BBQ Grill too, but used a 3 1/4 turn helix for a feed.   I was able to work AO-40 at apogee with it.  Definitely a nice system.

How big is your dish?  I've not seen a Grill antenna much bigger than the one I currently have, and I'm told it's not  big enough for 1.2 ghz (only 30").  Supposed to need at least 4'.  So instead I built a helix for that band and did some L/S and L/U through AO-51. Then I found a commercial long boom 1.2 ghz yagi at another Ham Swap (gotta keep me away from those!), and replaced the Helix.  But, you know, I don't think the new antenna improved things.  Mechanically, yes, but not RF.  The Beacon off to the West is about the same on either one.  

Given the lack of S-band on the current birds, I was thinking about taking down the Grill for a while, just to lighten the load on the rotor motors.  Maybe put up a Wi-Fi flat panel, just to keep the band open.  But if I can get both 1.2 and 2.4 out of the Grill instead, might that be better?

Greg  KO6TH


> From: kc6uqh at cox.net
> To: ko6th_greg at hotmail.com; amsat-bb at amsat.org
> Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: 70cm Helicoil Good/Bad expensive?
> Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:26:17 -0700
> 
> Greg,
> Do not overlook the 2.4 GHz grid dishes. I have successfully added a quad
> loop for 23 cm (1.2GHz) and have been pleasantly surprised with the
> performance. I have used one for transmit on 2.4 and receive on 1.2 for ATV
> work. A single dish with two microwave bands.
> 
> Art,
> KC6UQH
>