[AReU] Ao40 downlink antenna testing

[w4tas]

Hi Darrell,

I thought I might notify you that the AREU group in Brandon is planning a
get
together at Davis Park in Brandon in February to test AO40 downlink
antennas and downconverters.

I don't know the exact date yet but am leaning toward the Saturday
after the Orlando hamfest weekend. How does that sound to you?

I have constructed a signal source for 2.4 Ghz with a 3.5 turn
RHCP helix so that the signal will be polarized identically to the AO40
downlink. I have several converted MMDS down converters and a R. Myers
BBQ grill dish to be tested as well as an old Primestar solid oval dish that
is about 2 ft. by 3 ft. I also have a homebrew (very homebrew) 29 turn
helix to test. I have a 2.5 turn LHCP helix and a LHCP patch that can be
alternately attached to the feed point of the Primestar dish to compare
their performance.

Ed (W7LGD) has a steel BBQ grill dish and a small 1 ft. by 1 ft. aluminum
reflector with a dipole feed or a center mounted Transsystem 3733
MMDS converter with a 2 meter IF output. The steel unit has the
3733 downconverter mounted at the feed point.

Al (WD4A) has a Direct TV 18 in. off set fed dish that I am very interested
in testing. We haven't figured out how we are going to feed this one as of
yet.

I have a 0.8 to 2.5 GHz LPDA antenna on order but am having trouble
getting it shipped. I hope I can get it here in time for the test. It will
make a good feed antenna for several of the above dishes especially
the 18 in. Direct TV dish.

How about putting this out to the WCF guys and see if anyone is
interested in attending and if they have any antennas to test or
if anyone has any test equipment that will enhance the accuracy
of our tests.

73

Tony
W4TAS