[amsat-bb] Re: Crushcraft A144-10T "VHF Twist" Antenna

[Bill Bordy, NJ1H]

I have a Cushcraft A144-20T. Twice as many elements in each plane than 
yours. I run both a vertical and horizontal coax to my shack and use a 
crossover coax switch with phasing and impedance matching coax to 
generate switchable circular polarization in the shack.  Works great for 
me. The polarization change makes a big difference at times on the 
satellites..

I can also run just vertical or horizontal polarization by changing the 
coax configuration in the shack. In fact, you can use the same crossover 
switch as a SPDT to experiment with changing between horizontal and 
vertical polarization. I do this during VHF contests sometimes. I have 
also worked meteor scatter with it.

I have been using this antenna for 25 years with no problems. I used it 
with AO10, AO13 and AO40 with no problems. The low orbit birds are 
really loud compared to the high orbits birds.

73,
Bill
NJ1H



On 10/3/2013 10:18 PM, Les Rayburn wrote:
> I just acquired a "new" in the-box, never assembled Crushcraft 
> A144-10T "VHF Twist" antenna. It includes the cabling to allow the 
> user to select left or right hand polarization. My questions are 
> numerous:
>
> 1.) How is the performance on this antenna, compared to more modern 
> designs?
>
> 2.) If I were going to install it inside my attic, should I chose left 
> or right hand polarization?
>
> 3.) Any caveats or things to watch out for?
>
> Any information that could be provided would be great. I was thrilled 
> when a friend stopped by and asked me if I'd be interested in the 
> antenna. Good price too.
>
>