AO-40 Deck Receiving System


decktestp.jpg (17881 bytes)

Backyard receiving system for AMSAT OSCAR 40.

deckset.jpg (56991 bytes)

The 2.4 GHz antenna is a 80 cm diameter DH Satellite dish (f/D 0.34) with a modified TSI AIDC 3733 2.4 GHz converter (1.1 dB NF, 37 dB gain) and the feed is a helix feedhorn. I compared this antenna and feed with the DSS antenna and feed featured here: experimental and portable satellite antennas. At apogee and with very low squint angle, during orbit 449, I could receive the beacon with a S8 signal, with the DSS antenna and feed the signal became S6. In every comparison signals received with the DH dish and feed were 2S units (about 6 dB) stronger that with the DSS dish (using the same converter and IF receiver).

 


ft817.jpg (24885 bytes)

IF Receiver is a Yaesu FT-817 HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Transceiver, shown here receiving a signal in the AO-40 passband. This is an outstanding tiny rig with great receiving capabilities on par with many bigger and more expensive rigs.


Copyright  � 2001 Antonio Fern�ndez