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

[Dan Larson]

Wow, thanks for all of the replies!

OK, so it seems that if I build a 2.4GHz antenna that I might
as well just build it as accurately as I can from the design
and "put 'er on the air" so to speak. Since it is for receive
only I guess that isn't so bad.  

Further "surfing" on AO-51 revealed that not much gain is required. 
I found a picture of one HAM using a 1/4 wave whip sticking out of 
an N-connector on his downconverter! 

Another was using a dipole / corner reflector.

So, as long as my antenna is close, it ought to work FB. 

I also see the wisdom in not having too much gain! I have a hard enough
time keeping a homebrew arrow style antenna pointed at a LEO satellite 
with one hand, and working the radio with the other. 

I think I will just build a shorter helix and save the DirectTV dish
for 10GHz someday.

That 2.4GHz patch antenna on eBay is a great deal for $5 and I may 
order one, but this isn't much of a project unless I build
at least *some* part of it!

Dan KC0LUY