[amsat-bb] Circular Polarization vs. Preamps

[Stefan Wagener]

Hi Fred,

any preamp will only amplify what the antenna receives. No preamp can
compensate for polarization mismatch.

Stefan, VE4NSA

On Fri, Nov 25, 2016 at 5:12 PM, Fred Castello <fredcastello at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Folks,
>
> I have now finally become active again on some of the satellites with a
> handheld Arrow and my bulky but beloved Kenwood TS-790A.  See my QRZ page
> for picture of how I have it setup outside when I operate.  I am trying to
> put together a more permanent antenna system within my budget.  I have been
> rather surprised how much fade is apparent in some of the birds which
> responds usually to some degree by twisting the axis of the Arrow antenna.
> So, my question is as follows:
>
> Would you rather have:
>
> A)     The ability to switch polarization, presumably from RHCP to LHCP
> (or maybe even vertical to horizontal)? Unfortunately my research shows to
> date that this option is still rather expensive.  Any suggestions on how to
> achieve this on a modest budget would be appreciated.
>
>  OR
>
> B)     A reasonable preamp on both 2 meters and 70 cm?  (I have never
> worked with a preamp yet-though I have ordered the "Original Broadband
> Satellite RX Preamp” from the AMSAT store and plan on using that and
> switching it manually depending on what bird I am using into the receive
> side).
> For information, I will have about 70 feet of feedline.
>
> Assuming that one cannot have both.
> As usual, I really appreciate your time and input.
> Best,
> Fred-KF4FC
> Fishersville, VA
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