[amsat-bb] Masthead RF preamp suggestions?

[Noel Petit]

Stephen:

I don't recommend scrimping on any thing that operates outside. You 
probably only need a pre-amp for UHF due to cable and connection losses 
coming into the shack. I use the M2 Satellite array of 2m and 70cm 
antennae with ARR 160 watt capable pre-amps on both. The incoming cables 
are LMR-400 coax about 35' long.

I rarely need the 2M pre-amp with the M2 LEO Pack. The LEO pack 2 M 
antenna has 4 elements on each phase circularly polarized and the 
readability difference with and without the ARR pre-amp is very small. 
The 10 elements of the Leo Pack on UHF is usually enough but the pre-amp 
helps for near the horizon and it makes up for cable losses.

Anything that doesn't need electricity and more connectors on the roof 
will make your life simpler. The main advantage of the M2 Leo Pack is 
that it is circularly polarized and you will not have phase phading 
(couldn't resist). A higher gain 2 M antenna would be better near the 
horizon but fade if not circular. You may consider one of the omni 2m 
antennas with a simple pre-amp enclosed for receive. We always have a 2m 
omni turnstile or quadrafilar helix with preamp for receive when making 
an ARISS contact (145.800 Mhz to the International Space Station). These 
can be homebrewed and the pre-amp contained inside the housing.

I cannot service the antenna during the winter (it is -14 F with winds 
forecast for today). So, having something reliable and simple is worth 
the few extra dollars.

Noel Petit
WB0VGI
Harris, MN