[amsat-bb] SDR Front End Protection and Spin Modulation Fading

[Mike N8MR]

I have an SDRplay RSP1 that I’d like to use as a downlink receiver, along with an Arrow 146/437-10 antenna and Yaesu G-5400 az/el rotators. Uplink will be an Icom IC-7000. Using this setup, will the SDRplay need a Front End Protector to keep it from overloading? If so, which ones are recommended?

Also, I am considering upgrading the antenna to an Alaskan Arrow. Is there a noticeable improvement in antenna performance and gain between the standard Arrow and the Alaskan? Would the improvement in gain also result in deeper fading during spin modulation?

73,
Mike, N8MR