[NLRS] 2.4GHz helix for AO-51 & Aurora

[Dan Larson]

I am planning on building a 2.4G Helix for AO-51.

I have few questions:

1) RHCP or LHCP?

2) I have a "free" DirectTV dish that I would like to also play with on Ao-51.
Yes, I realize its not all that large of an arpeture on 2.4G, but from what I have found
on the 'net, others have successfully used them on AO-40. AO51 from what I hear
does not require a huge amount of gain anyway so it should work. Am I correct in 
assuming that a helix feed for a dish would be wound the opposite of a straight helix?

(for that matter, what would be the best choice for AO-51, a 12 turn straight helix or 
the 18" (I think...?) dish fed with a 3 turn helix?)

3) I have no equipment for tuning it on 2.4G , so will someone have equipment at Aurora
to help me get it tuned up  & matched?

I have a Norcal 2500 downconverter that I intend to use for this project which will bring
the 2.401GHz signal from AO-51 down to an IF of 123MHz.  I have no preamp for 2.4G
LNA to use on the front end of the downconveter.  I also have a 2.4G patch antenna
liberated from a crappy X-10 camera which I could also use with this setup, although
from my meager understanding, is not circularly polarized, but may be useful for testing.

This is my first project venturing into the territory above 70cm. So please forgive the 
"noob" questions! HI

Dan KC0LUY