[AReU] Signal Source

[w4tas]

I finished the signal source for 2.4 GHz today. It is about 300 KHz low but
that is OK as it is fairly stable once it gets warmed up. The signal
strength
was great as I had to put a 40 db pad in the output to get my receiver "S"
meter on scale. I am connected to a 3.5 turn RHCP helix and it seems to
work well also. I was testing from a distance of about 75 ft. which is not
nearly far enough away for a good test. I did compare my 2.5 turn helix
with the patch antenna I brought to AREU last week. Believe it or not the
patch was about .5 db better that the helix. I got about 3.5 db of sun noise
relative to the cold sky with the patch while I got about 3 db with the
helix.

I didn't check my R Myers dish or my 30 turn helix as the hot water heater
tanked last night. The cold water line started leaking because of a bad
seal and screwed up one of the thermostats and the high temperature
sensor took it out. Cold showers are a blast at this time of year and you
can definitely take my word for that. I also started out to buy some parts
for the water heater and had a flat on my Nissan. I will have to get that
fixed sometime this week.

It's looking good for an antenna test in February. I am thinking that the
weekend after the Orlando hamfest will be good. Get your old dishes
collected up and wind your helix antennas and we will check them out
then.

73

Tony