[amsat-bb] Eggbeaters--Extending Distance From Radials

[Wes Baden]

New AMSAT member here, hoping to get on the air in the new future.  I'm
looking at the M2 Eggbeaters and I have a question that perhaps someone has
thought about already or better yet done some modeling for.  Specifically,
has anyone replaced the 6 inch standoff mast on the EB-144 with something
longer, and if so, how long, thus increasing the distance between the
element loops and radials?  (Also, would this even be possible on the
EB-432 as it looks like there is no standoff mast and instead the body
assembly attaches directly to the radial plate?)  My thinking, perhaps
faulty, is that extending the distance between the element loops and
radials on both models would have the desired effect of flattening out the
elevation pattern.  That is, there would be less gain overhead (where
satellites appear less frequently and high gain really isn't needed) but on
the other hand gain would be increased in the 15-45 degree range.  Has
anyone modified the Eggbeaters in this way?  Alternatively, has anyone
modeled Eggbeaters with longer standoff masts?  Is there an optimal
distance for standoff masts for both models, for using satellites that are
on the air at the present time?  Thanks!  Wes NA1ME.