The lesson for the New Year is to get out and check your antennas!. Lately I have noticed the satellite signals were not as strong as i like. The, the other day I am out side looking at the antenna. Hmm, I thought it was parked due north, seems a bit east of north to me. Checked, yep the control says it is due north. I shoot it with a compass, yep, it is east of magnetic north. I scratch my head a bit, wait, should be west of magnetic north. That night I check it against polaris, and finally admit, it is almost 40 degrees east of where it should be. That will make the antenna system not work as well as it should. So today the antenna is down and being realigned as well as some other delayed maintenance.. Should be back up and running in a week. So, it's a good idea to go out and check, is the antenna really pointing the direction you think it is...
-- Mike Herr WA6ARA DM-15dp Home of The QRP Ranch _______________________________________________ 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
