The Arrow Antenna for satellites has an optional diplexer that allows easy operation of 2m and 70cm from a single feedline. I've used this configuration for over ten years with no problems. I'm not sure, exactly, what happened but the diplexer failed. After ordering a new one I started digging …
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FO-29 Success
Yesterday I had a broken QSO with K9?H?. We were running CW and between the fading, the Doppler shift, and my poor CW skills I couldn't quite get the full callsign and exchange. And then, of course, I was also chasing myself all over the transponder. This morning was …
read moreFirst attempts at FO-29
I had a good pass of FO-29 this morning so I figured I'd give it a try with my 2m/70cm loop antenna. I wasn't expecting great things as this is not a gain antenna and I'm not sure how much of the signal is actually radiated up but I …
read moreQSL from YV4DYJ
Opened the mailbox this afternoon and found my QSL from Victor Cuesta YV4DYJ of whom I worked on AO-51 back in September. Very cool. Glad I was able to make this contact using 5 watts and my hand-held station in my front yard.
read moreSatellite Operations: Action items
Things I need to purchase:
- 2.4GHz Downconverter ($105)
- UT-10 1.2GHz Module for TS-790A ($450)
- 432MHz Yagi ($357)
- 432MHz Preamp (MSP432VDG-160) ($240)
- Yaesu G-400X rotator pole mount ($40)
- 2.4GHz Patch Feed
- LMR400 feedline (amount?) ($.92/ft or $.81/ft >= 100')
- Mast pipe for mounting the antennas.
- Rotator control …
Worked AO-16 from inside using???
I just worked a pass on AO-16. Heck yeah it was early. But having the bird all to myself at 5:45 in the morning means I get to test my antennas without stepping on anyone else. I did work N8OQ but it wasn't easy. And I'm not really sure …
read moreSatellite Operations: Antenna Support
Now comes the interesting part. How do I hold up my antennas so they can twist and turn as required? I don't plan to be in the same location in two years so I don't want to do anything permanent. I currently have a 30-foot pole up next to the …
read moreSatellite Operations: 2m and 70cm Antennas
The most important part to a radio station is the antennas. You could probably lump in the feedline as well but I think I have that figured out for the moment.
So what antennas do I already have and what do I need.
Have:
- 11-element 2m beam (single polarization, currently …
Satellite Operations
I'm ready to take the next step. I have a set of azimuth and elevation rotators and I even have a 2M beam. I think it is time I get serious about my satellite operations. Not that I don't have fun working the FM birds via my HT and an …
read moreThe ARRL Recognizes QSOs via the ISS
Ten days ago I reported on my blog that the ARRL wouldn't recognize QSOs taking place via the ISS for DXCC or WAS. I got the response I was looking for today from Norm Fusaro, W3IZ. Thank you ARRL for letting this happen. Now I have QSOs to upload to …
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