On 8/21/12, Clayton Coleman W5PFG <[email protected]> wrote: > I think it's time to stop recommending people use AL-800 or SRH320 > -style extended whips for LEO newcomers. These antennas are very poor > performers for working either SO-50 or AO-27. Even under an ideal > pass, using these antennas will likely result in many missed calls. > We all know "it can be done..." So can running a dogsled race with > Chihuahuas.
<snip> > When we had AO-51, reception on an extended whip was more viable. Now > with AO-27 and SO-50, these "extended" rubber ducks have become much > less viable options. Often the stations on a whip do not take into > account their "handicap" and try to make contacts even though they are > not hearing the bird. > > It’s time to retire these extended whips as a recommendation since > there are both inexpensive commercially-available gain antennas and > many good home-brew designs. I made my first satellite QSOs with my FT-817ND and the stock antenna that came with it. That combination was adequate provided the satellite was at a higher elevation and the downlink was strong and clear. One drawback, however, was that I had to rotate my radio in order to hear the signal during a pass but that also meant that it affected my uplink. There were a lot of exchanges along the lines of "Huh?" and "What did you say?" during those contacts. I'm sure I missed a lot of potential QSLs because of that. Those limitations alone persuaded me to get my Arrow Yagi. 73s Bernhard VA6BMJ @ DO33FL <snip> _______________________________________________ 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
