[amsat-bb] Re: How to get started on SSB birds (antennas)

[Edward R. Cole]

Joe,

First off the FT-817 makes a nice satellite rig even though not 
cross-band duplex.

At 04:02 PM 6/27/2011, Joe Krepps wrote:
>All,
>
>I appreciate that this topic has been brought up (especially _after_ FD,
>HiHi!!).
>
>If I may inject a question: for the seriously budget minded, is there any
>value to building a "better antenna" (i.e. more elements for improved
>gain) versus adding a pre-amp? I realize a higher gain antenna will be
>more sensitive to positioning/aiming and, unless I go the U-110 rotator
>route, I won't be doing much elevation adjustment.

IN stepping up from say HT and Arrow to a "permanent" antenna there 
are two choices:
1)  A good omni-directional antenna with preamp, or
2)  A small yagi mounted at 15-degrees elevation and rotated with a 
cheap TV rotator.

If you can afford both #2 and a preamp that is even better.


>I'll be using either my current FT-817ND or an eBay all mode 2m
>transciever, for AO-7. In Mode A, rx with the FT-817ND & tx with a "well
>loved" 2m all mode. In Mode B, rx with the 2m all mode and Tx with the
>FT-817ND. Of course, dialing the power down as often as practical!

Sounds good.  I used my 3-element 20m yagi for mode-A AO-7 quite 
well, but my 2m Lindenblad was not adequate for uplink with 50w.
For mode-B AO-7 you probably need a yagi with preamp (others more 
AO-7 experienced feel free to confirm or refute).


>(Now, I kinda' wish I could have held onto my old IC-820H, Yaesu Az/El
>rotators and "Oscar link" crossed yagis...but I needed $$ at the time.
>Now, I'm married so, by definition, I'm broke. HiHi!)

As they say" "been there, done that".


>I appreciate ALL the wisdom shared so far! :)
>
>Mny tnx & 73!
>Joe WB3CFN
>P.S. I _do_ have an Arrow but not sure how suitable it is for continuous
>outdoor use.
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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