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The Patch Antenna Array was constructed and used for various satellite up and down links at my previous residence in Melbourne, Victoria from 2003 - 2007

Antennas and Accessories for Satellite Radio and AM FM HD Short Wave Radio, satellite antenna, shortwave magnetic loops.

Demonstrates a range of specialized radio frequency equipment and consulting services for amateur and professional applications. The offerings include _Vector-Finder_ direction finding antennas, various test equipment such as _gate dip meters_ and RF sniffers, and communications receiving adjuncts. Additionally, the company produces satellite antennas for weather satellite reception, voice amplification devices like the _Flex-Mike_, and custom prototype circuit boards. The company's product line addresses needs for precise RF measurement, signal detection, and specialized antenna systems, particularly for direction finding and satellite communications. Their historical association with National Radio (HRO) suggests a legacy in radio technology. The site also highlights a subsidiary, Sierra Mountain Products, which offers outdoor recreational gear, indicating a diversification beyond core RF manufacturing.

Operating the AO-51 amateur radio satellite with a handheld transceiver (HT) presents a practical entry point for newcomers to satellite communications. This resource details the necessary steps and considerations for making basic contacts, focusing on accessible equipment. It covers fundamental concepts such as _Keplerian elements_ for satellite tracking and the importance of understanding Doppler shift effects on both uplink and downlink frequencies. The tutorial outlines a straightforward approach to satellite passes, emphasizing the use of readily available gear. It provides insights into antenna orientation and timing for successful two-way communication. The content aims to demystify satellite operation, enabling operators to achieve their first **AO-51** contacts with minimal specialized equipment. Key aspects include frequency management and basic operational techniques.

A 7 dB directional gain is reported for this portable VHF Yagi antenna design, which utilizes cut metal tape measure sections for its elements. The resource details the construction process for a 2-meter band antenna, emphasizing its ease of build and portability. It specifically mentions the design's suitability for radio direction finding (RDF), fox hunting, and communication with satellites and the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting its practical applications for amateur radio operators. The construction cost is estimated at under $20, with potential for even lower expense if salvaged materials like old tape measures and PVC pipes are used. The article references _Joe Leggio's_ (WB2HOL) original design, noting specific alterations made by the author. It also compares this design to other DIY Yagi antennas, including _FN64's_ 2-meter band and _manuka's_ 70-cm band tape measure Yagis, underscoring its unique combination of simplicity, portability, and effective performance with a 1:1 SWR achievable on the 2-meter band.

The page provides a detailed guide on how to build your own NOAA weather satellite receiving station, covering hardware, antenna, computer setup, and software installation. It offers a straightforward explanation suitable for beginners and serves as an educational project. The content includes step-by-step instructions and tips for observing satellites in the night sky.

This home made antenna provides around 10.5dBd gain on 70cm, and 6.5dBd gain on 2m, which is more than adequate to work the FM satellites with a handheld dual band radio

How to receive automatically NOAA wather satellite images with a Raspberry Pi and a RTL SDR. This project requires a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B a common NooElec SDR Dongle and a QFH Antenna in the attic. Article explains how to setup and configure software but no instructions on antenna.

This Antenna project is a bit more complex than other omni antennas for satellite use, but it is much easier and cheaper than a standard tower mounted circular polarized azimuth and elevation rotating beam system.

NOAA Satellite Signals With a PVC QFH Antenna and Laptop, this website also link to a github where you can find files and supporting documentation for constructing a QFH Antenna

This antenna was conceived mainly for high-speed digital transmission via satellite. The antenna is made of two full waves loops , mounted at right angles to each other. Then coupled together, 90 degrees out of phase over a horizontal circular reflector. With this configuration the antenna is omni directional and circularly polarized.

Sixty-meter repeaters typically use a 1 MHz frequency separation between input and output, while 2-meter repeaters commonly employ a **600 kHz** split and 70-centimeter repeaters use a **5 MHz** offset. This article details the fundamental technical principles of amateur voice repeaters, explaining how they extend VHF/UHF communication range by receiving on one frequency and simultaneously retransmitting on another. It covers essential components such as receivers, transmitters, filters, and antennas, often situated on elevated locations for optimal coverage. The resource delves into the critical challenge of _desensing_—where the repeater's strong transmit signal overpowers its own receiver—and the engineering solutions employed, including antenna separation and the use of high-Q cavity filters. It also explores various control and timing systems, from basic squelch activation to more sophisticated microcontroller-based boards that manage functions like voice identification, time-out timers, and fault protection. Different access methods are discussed, including open access, toneburst, CTCSS subtone, and DTMF, each offering distinct advantages for managing repeater usage and mitigating interference. Furthermore, the article examines repeater linking, both conventional RF methods and modern internet-based solutions, highlighting how linking expands coverage and promotes activity across multiple repeaters or bands. It introduces less common repeater types such as 'parrot' repeaters, which use a single frequency and digital voice recording, and linear translators, capable of relaying multiple signals and modes simultaneously across different bands, often found in amateur satellites.

Delta Electronics Manufacturing, a global manufacturer, specializes in _RF connectors_, adapters, and cable assemblies, providing custom interconnect solutions with superior performance. Their Advanced Vertically Integrated (AVI) global facilities emphasize efficiency, quality, flexibility, and cost control across their product lines. The company serves diverse industries, including broadcast and audio, test and measurement, military, aerospace, and public safety communications. For instance, Delta supplies RF interfaces for military aircraft, satellite launch vehicles, and missiles, maintaining a long-standing QPL supplier status. Their field-tested RF interconnects are also crucial for two-way radios, base station equipment, and antenna systems in public safety applications, ensuring reliable performance in critical communication infrastructure. Delta's solutions extend to commercial aircraft and semiconductor manufacturing, where their RF interconnects power etch equipment, deposition equipment, and chip testing systems worldwide.

Modified 80cm Offset Dish for 2.4 GHz Satellite Reception. This 50-ohm impedance antenna allows, when connected to 2.4GHz preamplifier and downconverter, to receive Amateur satellites with 2.4GHz transponders such as AO-40.

Helix antenna 432/435 MHz 14 turns. This 50 ohm impedance antenna allows, when fed with 25/50W of SSB RF, to join the orbiting satellites like AO-40 and AO-10 very easily

Operating an amateur radio club, VE2CEV details its activities, including regular meetings and a significant project involving the construction of a **satellite ground station**. The resource outlines the project's inception, team formation, equipment acquisition, and the physical installation of antennas and rotator systems. It specifically mentions the use of a dual-axis AZ/EL rotator and antennas for VHF, UHF, and SHF (2 meters, 70 centimeters, and 13 centimeters), along with the strategic use of **Heliax cables** to minimize RF signal loss. The club also provides information on its interconnected repeater network covering southwestern Montérégie. The content highlights the practical application of the satellite station for communicating via amateur satellites and the International Space Station (ISS). It details the collaborative effort of members in securing a powerful Linux server, negotiating antenna installation with local authorities, and the precise alignment of antennas. The club emphasizes its role in guiding new amateurs, offering demonstrations, and potentially organizing courses, indicating a focus on community engagement and technical education within the amateur radio hobby.

Scan Antenna supply precision antennas to some of the world’s most advanced, market leading companies. Their antennas fit in satellite voice/data, mobile/wireless GSM, GPS, marine/land based radio and other specialty systems.

The DIY 137 MHz WX SAT V-dipole antenna project details the construction of a specialized antenna for receiving weather satellite transmissions. It provides specific dimensions for the dipole elements, designed for optimal reception around the 137 MHz band, which is commonly used by NOAA and Meteor weather satellites. The resource outlines the materials required, such as aluminum tubing for elements and PVC for the support structure, along with the necessary coaxial cable and connectors. The article presents a clear, step-by-step assembly process, including how to form the V-shape and connect the feedline. It emphasizes practical considerations for mounting and weatherproofing the antenna for outdoor deployment. The design focuses on simplicity and effectiveness for amateur radio operators interested in satellite imagery. Key aspects include the precise angle of the V-dipole and the lengths of the radiating elements, which are critical for achieving the desired circular polarization response for satellite signals. The resource includes photographic documentation of the construction phases and the final mounted antenna.

Ham radio, amateur radio, satellite communication, radio, radios,antenna, antenna design, yagi, cross yagi, power divider, splitter, Brisbane.

In this article author illustrate a homemade yagi antenna for satellite operations. The antenna includes a VHF antenna and an UHF antenna with a band splitter.

Receiving & Decoding NOAA Weather Satellites using a simple rtl-sdr dongle, a helix antenna and a Windows PC

Receiving **GOES-16** and **GOES-17** weather satellite imagery requires a specific hardware and software configuration, detailed in this practical guide. The author outlines the necessary components, including a Raspberry Pi, an RTL-SDR dongle, a suitable LNA with SAW filter for 1.69 GHz, and a parabolic grid antenna. This setup enables direct reception of high-resolution weather data, a fascinating aspect of amateur radio satellite operations. The installation process begins with preparing the Raspberry Pi, followed by updating the system and installing essential dependencies like `git`, `build-essential`, and `cmake`. A critical step involves compiling and installing `librtlsdr` from source, ensuring proper driver setup and blacklisting conflicting DVB drivers. The guide then walks through testing the RTL-SDR dongle to confirm device recognition and troubleshoot common issues like USB power or driver installation problems. Finally, the instructions cover cloning and building `goestools`, a software suite essential for processing the satellite signals. This compilation, while time-consuming on a Raspberry Pi, is crucial for decoding the raw data into usable imagery. The guide concludes with the initial steps for creating the `goesrecv.conf` configuration file, preparing the system for active satellite reception.

Explore the detailed setup, essential software, and operational nuances for Greencube (IO-117), a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite with a 70cm digipeater, offering DX possibilities for amateur radio enthusiasts. From antenna configurations to software choices, this guide covers everything for a successful Greencube experience.

Construction of an antenna for experimental satellite communication, 8el. (435 Mhz) x 4el. (145 Mhz) Satellite Yagi crossed. No difficulty to built this antenna. Except the gamma match. that requires a little more attention

Learn how to build a simple 12vdc azimuth and elevation motor unit for the Arrow Satellite Antenna to improve your FM satellite communication experience. This DIY project involves using a camera tripod and basic materials like aluminum tube and standoffs. Get detailed instructions, including the gearhead motor product number for optimal performance. Discover where to purchase the necessary components and stay updated on alternative motor options. Enhance your ham radio operations with this homemade rotator setup, designed for easy satellite tracking and communication. Share feedback and connect with other radio enthusiasts for more tips and ideas.

Zenith Tracker offers real-time satellite tracking, pass predictions, and radio hardware integration for ham radio operators. The platform includes an interactive world map showing satellite positions, footprints, and ground tracks, as well as a polar radar visualization for detailed pass analysis. Users can view upcoming passes, set filters, and receive notifications. Integration with CSN Technologies S.A.T Hardware and QTRigDoppler allows for automatic radio control, antenna tracking, and transponder management. The platform also offers APRS message interface, grid square-based location input, and API integration for rover activations. Zenith Tracker is recommended for both general users and those needing advanced hardware integration.

Low Cost Satellite Antennas article was originally presented at a Project OSCAR seminar on September 30th, 1990. AMSAT-UK printed an abridged version of this presentation in their OSCAR News, Number 88, April 1991. The original presentation has been reedited and updated for AMSAT's Web page.

SkyRoof is an open-source, 64-bit Windows application designed for amateur radio operators and satellite enthusiasts, combining satellite tracking and Software Defined Radio (SDR) functionality in a unified platform. The software provides real-time satellite tracking, pass predictions, and visual representations through Sky View, Earth View, and Timeline displays. It features an SDR-based waterfall display covering VHF/UHF satellite segments with Doppler-corrected frequency scales, automatic satellite labeling, and visual tuning capabilities. SkyRoof supports various SDR devices (Airspy Mini, SDRplay, RTL-SDR), external transceiver CAT control, and antenna rotator integration. The application automatically downloads satellite data from SatNOGS and other sources, offers voice announcements for satellite passes, and includes comprehensive frequency control with Doppler tracking, manual corrections, and RIT functionality for enhanced satellite communication operations.

Amateur radio blog about Homebrew equipment,ham radio antennas, satellites, QO-100 operations, rf amplifiers, 2m ldmos amplifier, 70cm ldmos amplifier, 23cm ldmos amplifier

The article describes the construction of a Lindenblad antenna, which is well-suited for receiving signals from low-orbiting weather satellites. The key points are: The Lindenblad antenna has an omnidirectional horizontal radiation pattern and is optimized for low to medium elevation angles, making it ideal for tracking passing satellites near the horizon. It is designed to receive circular polarization, which is common for weather satellite signals. The antenna is constructed using 4 folded dipole elements arranged on a cross-shaped frame. The necessary materials include a plastic junction box, PVC tubing, and aluminum rods to form the dipole elements. The article provides detailed instructions for preparing the components, assembling the dipoles, and connecting the feed lines to create the complete antenna. The completed antenna can be mounted on a vertical support, with the dipole elements angled at 30 degrees from horizontal, to optimize reception of the passing satellites. The author notes that the design was originally published in a now-defunct magazine, Meteo Satellite Inf", in 1993

This Satellite Antenna Elevation System project involves mounting horizontally polarized Yagi antennas on a fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) crossboom. A Yaesu G-800DXA azimuth rotator is in place, requiring only an elevation rotation system. Elevation is controlled by a 12VDC linear actuator connected to a U-bolted arm on the crossboom, rotating within a DIY bearing arrangement. Common handyman tools suffice for assembly. The setup includes FRP crossboom, aluminum tubing, PVC couplers, nylon camshaft bushes, and a K3NG-based controller for azimuth and elevation control. Detailed guides and resources are available online.

Ground Station offers real-time satellite tracking and radio communication capabilities, primarily for amateur radio operators engaged in satellite operations. It utilizes **TLE data** from sources like CelesTrak and SatNOGS for precise orbital prediction and integrates with various SDR devices, including RTL-SDR, SoapySDR, and UHD/USRP radios, to receive live signals. The software provides automated antenna rotator control and **Hamlib-compatible** rig control with Doppler correction, crucial for maintaining signal lock on fast-moving LEO satellites. It supports IQ recording in SigMF format and decodes several digital modes such as SSTV, FSK, GFSK, GMSK, and BPSK with AX25 USP Geoscan framing. Dedicated interfaces are available for satellite tracking, SDR waterfall displays with live transcription and packet decoding, and telemetry packet viewing. Users can manage TLE data synchronization and SDR hardware, along with browsing decoded outputs through an integrated file browser. An observations dashboard and DSP topology view further enhance the operational experience, providing comprehensive tools for monitoring and analyzing satellite passes.

An ingenious portable satellite antenna designed for the IC-705. Addressing its lack of full duplex, the IC-705’s Split Mode enables FM satellite communication, with memory channels programmed for Doppler correction. The antenna combines a 2m Moxon and 70cm Yagi for mechanical simplicity and a single feed point, ideal for handheld use. Built with 3D-printed parts, TIG welding rods, and PVC pipe, it’s lightweight, transportable, and effective. STL files and detailed instructions ensure easy replication for enthusiasts.

Showcasing German engineering, ANjo Antennen develops and manufactures a diverse portfolio of amateur radio and commercial antenna products. Their offerings span a wide frequency range from 1.8 MHz to 3000 MHz, emphasizing electrical and mechanical precision for longevity. The company actively participates in events like FUNK.TAG Kassel, providing opportunities for direct engagement and order pickup. ANjo's product line includes high-performance **Yagi antennas** optimized for Tropo and EME, along with multi-stacked Quad antennas designed for contest operations, featuring wide horizontal and narrow vertical beamwidths. They also produce circularly polarized satellite antennas, some with switchable LHCP/RHCP, leveraging their commercial satellite antenna expertise. Beyond amateur applications, ANjo provides flexible, custom antenna solutions for commercial sectors such as BOS, EMC measurements, and telemetry. Their commitment to quality is evident in the Premium-Line antennas, which utilize **1.4301 (V2A) stainless steel** for mast clamps and connectors, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance. They also offer end-fed HF multiband wire antennas, known for their compact footprint and discreet installation.

The Slim Jim VHF antenna, originally designed by G2BCX, is a folded half-wave dipole fed by a quarter-wave matching section. This version, built from a recycled professional aluminum dipole, demonstrates that various materials—such as copper, brass, or twin-lead—can be used. The article details the antenna’s construction, required materials, and tuning process, emphasizing mechanical stability and ease of assembly. With proper adjustment of the feed point, it provides excellent SWR across the band. Its durability and simplicity make it a practical and efficient VHF antenna solution.

This page provides information and links about Quadrifilar Helix Antennas, the best antenna for APT satellite reception. It explains the basic design and configuration of QHA, including the research and developments that have been made over the years. The page offers insights into the radiation patterns and benefits of using QHA for APT ground stations, with examples of polar diagrams. If you are interested in learning more about QHA and its applications, this page is a valuable resource.

Fully functional weathervane conceals an efficient 2- meter base-station antenna. Your Neighbors and HOA won’t know it’s there and they will love the rooster-vane. The Rooster-Tenna is a covert 2-meter ham radio antenna disguised as a functional weathervane, ensuring seamless integration into residential environments. This improved version features a wide-spaced parallel-fed folded dipole in a compact skeleton slot design. Constructed from aluminum tubing and acrylic supports, it offers omnidirectional, vertically polarized performance suitable for repeater and satellite use. Easy to mount and tune, it achieves a low SWR across the 2m band. With 3D-printable parts available, the Rooster-Tenna blends practicality with stealth, making it an ideal solution for HOA-restricted areas

SAT_EXPLORER is a versatile software for tracking the Moon, Sun, and artificial satellites while controlling various antenna interfaces. Compatible with Windows XP and later (32/64-bit) and multilingual (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish), it integrates seamlessly with TRX-Manager for transceiver control. SAT_EXPLORER computes satellite and Moon positions with high precision, calculates EME Doppler shifts, and uploads real-time satellite positions and coverage maps to your personal web pages. Linux/Ubuntu users can run it using WINE or CROSSOVER.

This **PDF report** documents a _maritime mobile_ DXpedition operating from the _Southern Ocean_ near Antarctica, detailing antenna deployment strategies on a sailing vessel. It addresses power management systems for remote operations and propagation characteristics specific to polar regions on **20m and 40m** bands. Operational strategies include managing high-density pileups using split frequency operation and maintaining signal integrity during periods of high aurora activity. Equipment considerations cover specific transceiver models like the Icom IC-7300, antenna types optimized for marine vessel installation, and battery power systems for extended periods without shore power. The resource also examines the use of satellite communication for real-time log uploads and QSL confirmation from remote locations, and discusses mitigating signal degradation from ice accumulation on antennas. DXZone Focus: PDF report | Maritime Mobile DXpedition | Polar Propagation | Split Frequency Operation

The Beam project offers various features for controlling antenna rotators, including support for 2 or 4 line LCD displays, software or hardware clocks, open collector drives for azimuth and elevation control, and internal calculations for tracking the sun and moon. It can also track satellites and supports "Flip Mode" for inverted antennas. The 4-line version provides detailed readouts while the 2-line version offers a more compact display. New versions now support PWM and I2C H-bridge modes for adjustable speed control at the end of a move.

Operating amateur radio satellites presents unique challenges, particularly concerning antenna design and signal propagation. Juan Antonio Fernández Montaña, EA4CYQ, recounts his three-year journey into satellite communication, starting with initial guidance from EB4DKA. His early experiments involved a portable 1/4 wave VHF antenna with four 1/4 wave ground planes, designed for hand-held use to adjust polarity. This setup, paired with an FT-3000M transceiver, allowed full-duplex operation on **VHF** transmit and **UHF** receive, proving effective for early contacts on satellites like AO27, UO14, and SO35. EA4CYQ's experience highlights the critical role of coaxial cable loss and antenna polarization. After encountering significant signal degradation with longer RG213 runs, he experimented with a 1/2 inch commercial cable, noting improved reception but persistent fading due to varying satellite polarities. This led to the construction of an **Eggbeater II** antenna, an omnidirectional UHF design offering horizontal polarization at the horizon and circular right polarization at higher elevation angles. Subsequent modifications resulted in the directional **TPM2** antenna, which provided sufficient gain for LEO satellites with a wide 30-degree lobe, enabling consistent contacts from his home station. The article concludes with practical insights on the performance of the Eggbeater II for both UHF and VHF, and the TPM2 for UHF, emphasizing their utility for portable and fixed operations. EA4CYQ's journey underscores the iterative process of antenna development and the importance of adapting designs to overcome real-world propagation challenges in satellite communications.

SAT filters ensure effective full-duplex satellite QSOs by mitigating interference between 145 MHz uplink and 435 MHz downlink signals. Custom coaxial and SMD-based filters address transmitter harmonic interference and improve receiver isolation, achieving over 70 dB suppression in the undesired band. Designed for simplicity, these filters maintain optimal VSWR and are housed in shielded brass enclosures. Practical implementations with Yagi antennas demonstrate compatibility with SDR systems, enabling seamless communication even in challenging satellite conditions, such as low-elevation passes and DX pile-ups.