In my reference to my thread of last month concerning what folks were using for AO-7 Mode A RX antennas (29.45mhz), just about everyone had a different type, from CB mobile whips to Cubical Quads. In my quest to build something simple, that I hoped would fit my property footprint, I came up with a Vertical Wire Dipole, housed inside some PVC which is mounted against the wooden property fence. This antenna has seemed to work fairly well, and I've had numerous contacts using it. It seems to fit my bill and wallet also. No preamp is used at the antenna, which I am sure would/could help some, as only feeding this antenna with 50' of RG-58/u coax to the FT-847 transceiver. I have noticed that sometimes I hear the other station quite well, whereas I just barely can hear my own signal coming back on the downlink. I really think this is due to my uplink antenna which consists of just a single Arrow with the 2m elements in the horizontal plane. Unknown if it would improve if vertical, but too it could be a problem from RH to LH polarization, which I noticed when I still had my KLM's (which I should have never let go....). Anyway, for those looking for an easy downlink Mode A antenna, this vertical seems to fit the bill, at least for me.
photo at: http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab199/W6ZKHJOHN/NewImage.jpg John W6ZKH DM06 _______________________________________________ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
