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Author Topic: Homebrew Omni antenna designs, preferably dual band.......  (Read 6083 times)

W4HIJ

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Well it looks like despite all my efforts, my old SAEBRTrack box and OR-360 rotors have given up the ghost.  Not being able to afford a Yaesu rotor system and not being a guy that strong arms antennas on tripods (I am a base station) I guess I need some Omni sat antenna designs. Preferably dual band ones.
 My setup will be as such that my Funcube is my RX  with a dedicated RX antenna and preamp. My 991 will have it's own dedicated TX antenna.
  I was going to do this with WA5JVB cheap yagis even if only rotated in the Azimuth but now the rotor problems preclude that. Thoughts and suggestions are welcome
73,
Michael, W4HIJ
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N4UFO

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RE: Homebrew Omni antenna designs, preferably dual band.......
« Reply #1 on: June 22, 2015, 08:41:39 PM »

  I was going to do this with WA5JVB cheap yagis even if only rotated in the Azimuth but now the rotor problems preclude that. Thoughts and suggestions are welcome

Antennacraft TDP-2 rotor? Less than a hundred bucks with cable, I'd guess. Used one with some homebrew PVC cheap yagis and worked into SA and EU. Would beat omnis by a long shot. Can send you a pic of that setup if you like.

73, Kevin N4UFO
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W4HIJ

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RE: Homebrew Omni antenna designs, preferably dual band.......
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2015, 07:25:35 AM »

My budget is completely tapped out with no hobby money coming in. Not a big fan of cheap rotors without computer control anyway. It probably has to be homebrew omnis for now. Maybe in a few months I can change that. Link budget ought to be better with the new birds so maybe an omni get's by.
73,
Michael, W4HIJ
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K6LCS

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    • Clint's Stuff
RE: Homebrew Omni antenna designs, preferably dual band.......
« Reply #3 on: June 23, 2015, 09:00:43 AM »

>> ... I guess I need some Omni sat antenna designs ...

They will frustrate you. Modest home-brew beams will provide far batter results.

Many are simply "aiming" mast-mounted Yagis/beams about 20 degrees of elevation,
 towards either the east or west for working a few satellites ...

A couple DIY plans - with measurements that can be used for more "sturdy" beam materials -
are on the ANTENNAS page at ... http://www.work-sat.com  for you.

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Clint Bradford, K6LCS
AMSAT Ambassador, ARRL Affiliated Club Coordinator
http://www.work-sat.com
909-999-SATS

W4HIJ

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RE: Homebrew Omni antenna designs, preferably dual band.......
« Reply #4 on: June 23, 2015, 11:24:31 AM »

Frustration is already here. Been pouring over the rotators and this homebrew controllers for days. I am at a brick wall as to why it won't work properly. Omnis appear to be my only option right now! I used to have this same rotor control system in place with multi element homebrew antennas on it.  AZ and EL tracking. So yeah, I know, an Omni isn't the ideal situation but telling me that isn't helping. I can't afford even one of the 75.00 rotators like you used to get at Radio Shack. Rotating antennas are out at this QTH for right now.
Thanks and 73,
W4HIJ
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N8HM

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RE: Homebrew Omni antenna designs, preferably dual band.......
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2015, 04:57:55 AM »

It looks like you are out in a nice low RF area, so simple omni antennas shouldn't be too bad for the Mode B satellites and on your uplink, you can always generate more power to overcome your lack of antenna gain.
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W4HIJ

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RE: Homebrew Omni antenna designs, preferably dual band.......
« Reply #6 on: June 24, 2015, 05:52:02 AM »

It looks like you are out in a nice low RF area, so simple omni antennas shouldn't be too bad for the Mode B satellites and on your uplink, you can always generate more power to overcome your lack of antenna gain.
Yes, I do kind of live out in the sticks a bit! Cell service is even hit or miss till you get up the road from the QTH.  I do have the little AMSAT preamp which I plan on putting in a weatherproof box and mast mounting on the RX side. So any thoughts on the type of Omni's? Homebrew Eggbeaters, simple ground planes, Turnstiles?
73,
Michael, W4HIJ
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