[amsat-bb] Re: Antennas For AO-7 Mode A

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

Hi Bernhard!

> I'm looking for a suitable antenna that I can use to operate over AO-7 in
> mode A .  The main requirement that it be hand-held.

Other than what KA3HSW suggested, the closest thing to a handheld
10m antenna may be a whip of some sort.  Or possibly go with some
sort of wire antenna.  Still not truly handheld, but a small antenna for
10m will make hearing the downlink a tough exercise.

During the past summer, I took out my Buddipole dipole and its 8-foot
mast and tripod to work with AO-7 in mode A.  I settled on an L
configuration, where the horizontal part of the antenna pointed toward
the satellite.  I would move the antenna every minute or so, and held
my Elk antenna toward the satellite for the 2m uplink.  That worked
OK, but not great.  I could easily hear my 5W CW signals from an
FT-817ND through the mode A transponder.  It was much harder
when I went to SSB at the same power level.  I made one mode A
SSB QSO with W7JPI, and that was hard work.  Now that I have a
back yard to work from, coupled with the end of the summer heat
here in Arizona, I may revisit that over the next few months.

Good luck, and 73!





Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/