[amsat-bb] Antenna questions

[Burns Fisher]

Of course reality trumps theory every time, but the LEO pack circular
polarization SHOULD get you more consistent results as a satellite turns
during a pass and from one pass to another.  Since the LEO pack should have
more gain then the Elk, I would also expect that, as KO6TH says, you would
have much better luck at low elevations and maybe better reception on weak
transmitters like SO-50.  And finally you did not say what radio you were
using, but I'd guess that you could also turn the power down and get the
same results with the LEO pack vs the Elk.

Oh, one other thing:  I think that AO-7 actually has a circularly polarized
antenna (would have to look up which bands).  If you are using that band,
you might get much better and you might get much worse behavior depending
on the directional match of the Rx vs Tx antenna.

Just a thought:  With the LEO Pack, getting the aiming right is more
important than with the Elk.  I wonder if your rotator might be a bit off,
and the better performance of the LEO Pack is being offset by its narrower
beam being not aimed quite right.

73,

Burns WB1FJ

On Thu, Sep 20, 2018 at 12:47 PM wa7dxz via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
wrote:

>
> I had previously used an ELK, with a az/el rotor. Seemed to work fine for
> ao91, ao92, so50, and fo29.Decided to upgrade to the M2 Leo Pack. It works
> fine, but frankly no better than my ELK.  Is the major. (only?) advantage
> of the m2 system the circular polarization? If I had to do it again, Im not
> sure I would have spent nearly $600 for the system, as opposed to my
> cheaper ELK, but, I thought more is better, any comments?Bob Wa7dxzDm33
>
>