[amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
Hi Michael, I followed instructions from Howard Long, G6LVB, posted here a few years ago. (If the archives go back far enough, it was in November of 2001). I don't have it electronically, but the instructions went something like this: Get a long piece of thick bare copper wire (#10 is what I think I used), and put a small mark on it every 5 3/4 inches (146mm). Sharpie marker works well. Wrap it around a cardboard tube that's about 1 3/4 inches in diameter. The tube from a roll of paper towels works fine; the dimension is not critical. Space the turns about 1 1/4 inches (32mm) apart. Now, here's the magic part: once you get the helix about right, sight down one edge, and you'll see those 146mm marks you made in the first step. Twist and stretch the coils so that they all line up, AND at the same time, keep the turns spaced (center to center) 32mm apart. Take your time. The diameter of the turns will take care of itself. For the first 1/4 turn (the matching section), decrease the pitch so that it gently slopes away from the reflector, which needs to be something around 4 or so inches in diameter. The rest of the mechanical stuff you can pretty much make up yourself. There are a lot of examples if you browse around the web a bit. Helix antennas are pretty forgiving in construction, and really cheap to make. Greg KO6TH p.s. If you already have a Wi-Fi antenna, it should work too. Conversely, I've found that a Helix easily outperforms those Pringles can Wi-Fi antennas that were popular a few years ago, in a Wi-Fi application. Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:03:02 -0400 From: mat...@netcommander.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans? I threw this out there on the eham satellite forum looking for answers but I'll try here too. I'm looking for some fairly simple plans for this antenna. Everything I find either seems to be intended for WiFi or if it is ham related is full of mathematical formulas to figure length, diameter, spacing etc. Math was never my strong suit so I'd prefer to find something with the actual already computed dimensions clearly stated. Preferably in English rather than metric measurements. I found an article in the May/June 2008 AMSAT Journal that looked promising but there are no hard numbers, just the formulas and I don't have a calculator capable of some of the computations, much less being able to work them out in my head. Been a long time since I was in school!.. hi hi... I have a downconverter I'm not sure even works and I don't want to spend a huge amount of time and trouble to be able to test it. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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 _ Windows 7: Simplify your PC. Learn more. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen1:102009 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
http://www.csgnetwork.com/antennahtcalc.html http://www.rac.ca/tca/2006-01%20Helix%20Design%20Calculator.html Hello Mike Here are a couple I have used. Also find attached are a few pictures of past and some present antennas. I have followed the same process and building methods for L band antennas. I have used Drake, Transystem, Keps and SSB downconverters. The helix is pretty forgiving in measurements. I have the book Antennas by Kraus and have tried to follow the math and theory. Sort of fair in that regard. I find once I have built few and actually used them, I start to get a feel for them. Which downconverter do you have? There are several good articles in past AMSAT journals. Specifically by Clair-VE3NPC, also K0VTY -Joe, he has forgotten more than I'LL ever know. I have corresponded with them many times. I have built many short helix feeds (5 turns) for off center dishes. In fact that's what I used for AO-40 (sobsob). So, good luck with your efforts. If I can give you any hints, suggestions or whatever, just drop me a email. 73 Bob W7LRD Seattle - Original Message - From: Michael Tondee mat...@netcommander.com To: Amsat BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 9:03:02 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans? I threw this out there on the eham satellite forum looking for answers but I'll try here too. I'm looking for some fairly simple plans for this antenna. Everything I find either seems to be intended for WiFi or if it is ham related is full of mathematical formulas to figure length, diameter, spacing etc. Math was never my strong suit so I'd prefer to find something with the actual already computed dimensions clearly stated. Preferably in English rather than metric measurements. I found an article in the May/June 2008 AMSAT Journal that looked promising but there are no hard numbers, just the formulas and I don't have a calculator capable of some of the computations, much less being able to work them out in my head. Been a long time since I was in school!.. hi hi... I have a downconverter I'm not sure even works and I don't want to spend a huge amount of time and trouble to be able to test it. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
On 31 Oct 2009 at 0:03, Michael Tondee wrote: Date sent: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:03:02 -0400 From: Michael Tondee mat...@netcommander.com Subject:[amsat-bb] Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans? To: Amsat BB amsat-bb@amsat.org I threw this out there on the eham satellite forum looking for answers but I'll try here too. I'm looking for some fairly simple plans for this antenna. Everything I find either seems to be intended for WiFi or if it is ham related is full of mathematical formulas to figure length, diameter, spacing etc. Math was never my strong suit so I'd prefer to find something with the actual already computed dimensions clearly stated. Preferably in English rather than metric measurements. I found an article in the May/June 2008 AMSAT Journal that looked promising but there are no hard numbers, just the formulas and I don't have a calculator capable of some of the computations, much less being able to work them out in my head. Been a long time since I was in school!.. hi hi... I have a downconverter I'm not sure even works and I don't want to spend a huge amount of time and trouble to be able to test it. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ Here is another variation on the same subject. Even if some maths are present they are not too much out of range for the non maths incline. What i like is there is no need for a circular reflector as they used a square sheet of metal for the reflector. http://helix.remco.tk/ But here is some cheap and very effective antennas at 20$ it is a deal if you just look at the cost and time spent on building an helix plus if you want to received something in the other circular polarisation you will not have this huge attenuation near 60 db's only 3 db's and don't forget AO-51 2.4GHZ is linear polarized not circular. http://cgi.ebay.com/16-dBi-2-4-GHz-802-11b-g-Wifi-Yagi- Antenna_W0QQitemZ170388251288QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27abee6298 Another one with a N type connector even cheaper with free shipping...I just ordered one... http://cgi.ebay.com/New-2-4GHz-Directional-Antenna-18Dbi-for-Wifi- Wireless_W0QQitemZ190333956933QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c50c9b345 http://cgi.ebay.com/16-dBi-2-4-GHz-802-11b-g-Wifi-Yagi-Antenna-N- F_W0QQitemZ280408804827QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4149aacddb - Luc Leblanc VE2DWE Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe DSTAR urcall VE2DWE WAC BASIC CW PHONE SATELLITE ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
I'll come back to my recommendation of the standalone HelixCalc.exe by Jason Hecker or his web app Web http://www.wireless.org.au/~jhecker/stuff/Helix.php Standalone http://www.wireless.org.au/~jhecker/helix/HelixCalc.zip Why? Most other web apps allow for 2 inputs - frequency and number of turns. You then have to do a lot of measuring on a tube of a diameter dictated to you to wind with the correct pitch and allow for the coil to spring open to a larger diameter. The Hecker program allows for multiple inputs and most important for the DIYer IHMO is the tube diameter you plan to use. PVC pipe, conduit, mailing tube, dowel or whatever - you use what you have or what you can find at Home Depot close to you initial calculations. You can also play with diameter, # of windings etc to see how they effect the theoretical gain. Print out the form, wrap and tape it on your tube and then wrap the wire along the printed lines. No calculations and minimal measuring. After testing your first wire wrap and measuring the amount that the coil springs open you can enter that new diameter in the calculator. i.e. a 2 O.D. PVC pipe will not give you a 2 I.D helix - it will be slightly larger as the coil springs open unless you use standoffs on each loop a la W7LDR helix construction. As to the comments on the Wiki... Until it happens... Google! The AMSAT BB archives are searchable. -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Michael Tondee Sent: October 30, 2009 11:03 PM To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans? I threw this out there on the eham satellite forum looking for answers but I'll try here too. I'm looking for some fairly simple plans for this antenna. Everything I find either seems to be intended for WiFi or if it is ham related is full of mathematical formulas to figure length, diameter, spacing etc. Math was never my strong suit so I'd prefer to find something with the actual already computed dimensions clearly stated. Preferably in English rather than metric measurements. I found an article in the May/June 2008 AMSAT Journal that looked promising but there are no hard numbers, just the formulas and I don't have a calculator capable of some of the computations, much less being able to work them out in my head. Been a long time since I was in school!.. hi hi... I have a downconverter I'm not sure even works and I don't want to spend a huge amount of time and trouble to be able to test it. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
Actually: A comprehensive FAQ with a good search engine linked from the Amsat webpage would serve well. I know you want me to do it. Sorry, I don' t have the computer skills. But if such were to exist, when someone new asks one of the standard questions then all you need is to refer them to the FAQ (and anyone else reading the mail can also look for themselves). If the FAQ does not completely cover the question that a reader has - - then come back and ask on the -bb. Many good new questions come up and can be handled, here, so I do not think a separate forum list is needed. I already read about 8 lists as it is. Those that often answer certain questions could submit the item to be included in the FAQ. (i.e. I would offer noise figure and preamp answers). Others, might offer answers on fixing the Yaesu az-el rotor or software questions, Doppler tracking, Transponder on the Moon, what happened to AO-40, etc. my two cents. Ed, KL7UW At 11:47 PM 10/30/2009, Andrew Rich wrote: You know this amsat-bb needs to collect up all the info and make a forum web page Same old info over and over - Original Message - From: Greg D. ko6th_g...@hotmail.com To: mat...@netcommander.com; amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 5:15 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans? Hi Michael, I followed instructions from Howard Long, G6LVB, posted here a few years ago. (If the archives go back far enough, it was in November of 2001). I don't have it electronically, but the instructions went something like this: Get a long piece of thick bare copper wire (#10 is what I think I used), and put a small mark on it every 5 3/4 inches (146mm). Sharpie marker works well. Wrap it around a cardboard tube that's about 1 3/4 inches in diameter. The tube from a roll of paper towels works fine; the dimension is not critical. Space the turns about 1 1/4 inches (32mm) apart. Now, here's the magic part: once you get the helix about right, sight down one edge, and you'll see those 146mm marks you made in the first step. Twist and stretch the coils so that they all line up, AND at the same time, keep the turns spaced (center to center) 32mm apart. Take your time. The diameter of the turns will take care of itself. For the first 1/4 turn (the matching section), decrease the pitch so that it gently slopes away from the reflector, which needs to be something around 4 or so inches in diameter. The rest of the mechanical stuff you can pretty much make up yourself. There are a lot of examples if you browse around the web a bit. Helix antennas are pretty forgiving in construction, and really cheap to make. Greg KO6TH p.s. If you already have a Wi-Fi antenna, it should work too. Conversely, I've found that a Helix easily outperforms those Pringles can Wi-Fi antennas that were popular a few years ago, in a Wi-Fi application. Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:03:02 -0400 From: mat...@netcommander.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans? I threw this out there on the eham satellite forum looking for answers but I'll try here too. I'm looking for some fairly simple plans for this antenna. Everything I find either seems to be intended for WiFi or if it is ham related is full of mathematical formulas to figure length, diameter, spacing etc. Math was never my strong suit so I'd prefer to find something with the actual already computed dimensions clearly stated. Preferably in English rather than metric measurements. I found an article in the May/June 2008 AMSAT Journal that looked promising but there are no hard numbers, just the formulas and I don't have a calculator capable of some of the computations, much less being able to work them out in my head. Been a long time since I was in school!.. hi hi... I have a downconverter I'm not sure even works and I don't want to spend a huge amount of time and trouble to be able to test it. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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 _ Windows 7: Simplify your PC. Learn more. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen1:102009 ___ 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 No virus found in this incoming message
[amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans
I have built several 13 cm antennas from the site of G6LVB and WK4R all using PVC. It doesn' get any simpler than WK4R's design. 1 inch sch. 40 PVC and some #14 house wiring. Check out this site. http://wk4r.com/ If you need some tips, email me. I'll be glad to help. Here are some other good websites for 2.4GHz helix antennas. 2. http://ve2zaz.net/ Select 2.4 GHz helix. 3. www.g6lvb.com/ Select quadruple helix for AO-40. 4. www.qsl.net/ve3cvg/antennas/2400/ 73, Mike K9QHO ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
I apologize if I asked for redundant information but googling brought up a multitude of WiFi designs. Whatever ham radio application pages there were must have been buried in all that. My query here has given me just what I was looking for, several sources of solid information and also even some offers of help. I appreciate it very much. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ Andrew Rich wrote: You know this amsat-bb needs to collect up all the info and make a forum web page Same old info over and over ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
There's no such thing as a redundant question. New people are popping in and out of this bb all the time. Besides when different people are giving out similar information there must be something to it. 73 Bob W7LRD - Original Message - From: Michael Tondee mat...@netcommander.com Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 11:45:21 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans? I apologize if I asked for redundant information but googling brought up a multitude of WiFi designs. Whatever ham radio application pages there were must have been buried in all that. My query here has given me just what I was looking for, several sources of solid information and also even some offers of help. I appreciate it very much. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ Andrew Rich wrote: You know this amsat-bb needs to collect up all the info and make a forum web page Same old info over and over ___ 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 ___ 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
[amsat-bb] Re: Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans?
One I've used several times... http://www.wireless.org.au/~jhecker/stuff/Helix.php from http://www.wireless.org.au/~jhecker/ and his standalone program http://www.wireless.org.au/~jhecker/helix/ HelixCalc.exe to calc and print the form for winding the helix. It works... Did it my self and still using it... below http://picasaweb.google.com/ve4yz.alan/24Ghz#5241092279489872194 -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Michael Tondee Sent: October 30, 2009 11:03 PM To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Simple 2.4Ghz helix plans? I threw this out there on the eham satellite forum looking for answers but I'll try here too. I'm looking for some fairly simple plans for this antenna. Everything I find either seems to be intended for WiFi or if it is ham related is full of mathematical formulas to figure length, diameter, spacing etc. Math was never my strong suit so I'd prefer to find something with the actual already computed dimensions clearly stated. Preferably in English rather than metric measurements. I found an article in the May/June 2008 AMSAT Journal that looked promising but there are no hard numbers, just the formulas and I don't have a calculator capable of some of the computations, much less being able to work them out in my head. Been a long time since I was in school!.. hi hi... I have a downconverter I'm not sure even works and I don't want to spend a huge amount of time and trouble to be able to test it. Tnx and 73, Michael, W4HIJ ___ 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 ___ 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
