[amsat-bb] Re: Extended rubber ducks / whips on an HT for LEOs

[Gordon JC Pearce]

On 21/08/12 19:31, B J wrote:

> I made my first satellite QSOs with my FT-817ND and the stock antenna
> that came with it.  That combination was adequate provided the
> satellite was at a higher elevation and the downlink was strong and
> clear.

Yeah, but look how far south you are - you get far more chances at 
high-elevation passes.  Even just a couple of degrees of latitude makes 
a hell of a difference.

>
> Those limitations alone persuaded me to get my Arrow Yagi.

I had heard the birds with a K5OE "Handi-Tenna" design pretty well, but 
when I actually tried to work them I found a WA5VJB "Cheap Yagi" design 
with three elements for 2m and five elements for 70cm was excellent.

Do bear in mind that not everyone *wants* to go for a huge 
computer-controlled setup with everything done for you.  If you want 
something incredibly portable a simple crossed Yagi and a dual-band HT 
is the weapon of choice.

-- 
Gordon JC Pearce MM0YEQ