We only run V/S and L/S, with V/S being far more common. I'd use the 435 IF. I'd also put a preamp at the feed, and the downconverter in the shack where it can be easily swapped if needed.
73, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations On 1/11/2011 2:12 PM, Edward R. Cole wrote: > In the process of re-building my wind-damaged satellite antenna array > and got thinking about the mode-S sats. > > I will be installing a 8dBic (RHCP) patch antenna (bought from L-Com) > and have two different Drake downconverters to chose from depending > on what the uplink band is. I am guessing that AO-51 is the only > S-band sat available, currently. I have 435 and 123 MHz IF's for > S-band converters depending on whether the uplink is VHF or UHF, respectively. > > So the question is whether mode-US or mode-VS is the norm on > AO-51. I can install both downconverters with a coax switch and run > two IF coax lines, but it would be simpler to have only > one. Especially, since installation is at a current +3F temperature. > > I am installing a downsized array from what I had up: using 2/3 of > my 436CP42 which I call my "436CP26", a M2-2m7 yagi, and the > patch. I am not re-installing the 33-inch S-band dish or the 1268 > loop-yagi this winter. The dish was probably what caused the support > mast to bend over (65mph winds get some credit). > > > 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 > ====================================== > BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com > EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w*, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? > DUBUS Magazine USA Rep [email protected] > ====================================== > *temp not in service > _______________________________________________ > Sent via [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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
