Hi Art, I've got a BBQ Grill too, but used a 3 1/4 turn helix for a feed. I was able to work AO-40 at apogee with it. Definitely a nice system.
How big is your dish? I've not seen a Grill antenna much bigger than the one I currently have, and I'm told it's not big enough for 1.2 ghz (only 30"). Supposed to need at least 4'. So instead I built a helix for that band and did some L/S and L/U through AO-51. Then I found a commercial long boom 1.2 ghz yagi at another Ham Swap (gotta keep me away from those!), and replaced the Helix. But, you know, I don't think the new antenna improved things. Mechanically, yes, but not RF. The Beacon off to the West is about the same on either one. Given the lack of S-band on the current birds, I was thinking about taking down the Grill for a while, just to lighten the load on the rotor motors. Maybe put up a Wi-Fi flat panel, just to keep the band open. But if I can get both 1.2 and 2.4 out of the Grill instead, might that be better? Greg KO6TH > From: kc6...@cox.net > To: ko6th_g...@hotmail.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org > Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] Re: 70cm Helicoil Good/Bad expensive? > Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:26:17 -0700 > > Greg, > Do not overlook the 2.4 GHz grid dishes. I have successfully added a quad > loop for 23 cm (1.2GHz) and have been pleasantly surprised with the > performance. I have used one for transmit on 2.4 and receive on 1.2 for ATV > work. A single dish with two microwave bands. > > Art, > KC6UQH > _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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