Difference between revisions of "Antennas"
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<p>The type of antenna largely depends on the type of ground station. A no rotator ground station will benefit from a different type of antenna (omnidirectional) than a rotator based ground station (directional). The two different approaches are explored below. In addition to the choice of antenna the choice of location for the ground station will have an effect on the quality of observations.</p> | <p>The type of antenna largely depends on the type of ground station. A no rotator ground station will benefit from a different type of antenna (omnidirectional) than a rotator based ground station (directional). The two different approaches are explored below. In addition to the choice of antenna the choice of location for the ground station will have an effect on the quality of observations.</p> | ||
− | ==Non-Rotator Ground Station== | + | ==Non-Rotator Ground Station (Omnidirectional)== |
+ | This type of ground station will require an antenna that will give a broad coverage from its fixed position. It is therefore not just the antenna that needs to be considered but also the proximity of buildings, geography or metallic structures that might be in the path of a line of sight between the ground station and satellite.<p>Typical ground stations have had success with simple wire antennas that can be commercially bought or made at home. Colinear or ‘white stick’ antennas are vertically polarised omnidirectional antennas. These have anecdotally been used for successful satellite work but should be avoided. The following are considered suitable choices:</p><p>'''It is highly recommended that you use a mast-mounted Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) with these antennas.'''</p> | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;" | {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;" | ||
! style="width: 49%" | | ! style="width: 49%" | | ||
− | === Commercial Antennas === | + | ===Commercial Antennas=== |
! | ! | ||
! style="width: 49%" | | ! style="width: 49%" | | ||
− | === Homebrew Antennas === | + | ===Homebrew Antennas=== |
|- | |- | ||
|[[File:WiMo TA-1.gif|left|frameless|160x160px]] | |[[File:WiMo TA-1.gif|left|frameless|160x160px]] | ||
− | ==== WiMo TA-1 ==== | + | ====WiMo TA-1==== |
+ | VHF Turnstile | ||
− | |||
Estimated cost: 90€ | Estimated cost: 90€ | ||
− | Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: | + | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> |
[https://network.satnogs.org/stations/141/ 141 - balcony-only-east-passes] | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/141/ 141 - balcony-only-east-passes] | ||
Line 25: | Line 26: | ||
[https://network.satnogs.org/stations/129/ 129 - Chabot Space And Science Center] | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/129/ 129 - Chabot Space And Science Center] | ||
− | [http://oz9aec.net/antennas/air-tests-wimo-ta-1-turnstile-antenna OZ9AEC Review] | + | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/984/ 984 - KJ6DZB] (with modified reflector) |
+ | |||
+ | *[https://www.wimo.com/scanner-antennas_e.html#004 Product link] | ||
+ | *[http://oz9aec.net/antennas/air-tests-wimo-ta-1-turnstile-antenna OZ9AEC Review] | ||
| | | | ||
+ | |[[File:VHF Turnstile.jpg|left|frameless|100x100px]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Turnstile==== | ||
+ | Estimated cost: TBD | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/13/ 13 - OZ9AEC-VHF1] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/7/ 7 - Stony] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/16/ 16 - VK5QI-70CM] | ||
+ | |||
+ | *SatNOGS Turnstile Antenna (TBD) | ||
+ | *[https://vk4adc.com/web/index.php/vhfuhf-projects/26-multiband-ants/156-turnstile-vhf-uhf-fds VK4ADC instructions for VHF and UHF Turnstile antennas] | ||
+ | *[https://www.aeronetworks.ca/2017/12/amateur-satcom-rx-antenna-for-2-meter.html Six-element tape-measure VHF Turnstile with modeled patterns (could be used as directional) by Herman Oosthuysen] | ||
+ | *[https://iz7boj.wordpress.com/2018/12/02/double-turnstile-construction-for-satellites-receiving-in-435mhz-band/ Double turnstile construction for 435MHz] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |[[File:M2 Eggbeaters.png|left|frameless|100x100px]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====M2 Eggbeater==== | ||
+ | VHF / UHF Eggbeater Antennas | ||
+ | |||
+ | Estimated cost: $304 (VHF), $280 (UHF), $573 (combo) | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/50/ 50 - N5CNB-UHF] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/77/ 77 - N5CNB-VHF] | ||
+ | |||
+ | *[https://www.m2inc.com/FGEB144RK2M Product link for VHF] | ||
+ | *[https://www.m2inc.com/FGEB432RK70CM Product link for UHF] | ||
+ | *[https://www.m2inc.com/FGSATPACK1 Product link for combination package] | ||
| | | | ||
+ | |[[File:VHF EZ-Lindenblad.png|left|frameless|112x112px]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Lindenblad==== | ||
+ | Estimated cost: TBD | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/12/ 12 - W2BFJ] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/98/ 98 - Grove-UHF-01] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/442/ 442 - DL1UNX-FFB VHF] | ||
+ | |||
+ | *[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/An-EZ-Lindenblad-Antenna-for-2-Meters2.pdf AA2TX EZ-Lindenblad design can be found at this AMSAT PDF] | ||
+ | *[https://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/DCA.pdf KD6JDJ instructions can be found at this QST PDF] | ||
+ | *[https://www.amsat.org/articles/w6shp/lindy.html W6SHP instructions for VHF and UHF Lindenblad] | ||
|- | |- | ||
+ | |[[File:Winkler Turnstile.jpg|left|frameless|100x100px]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Winkler Turnstile==== | ||
+ | VHF/UHF Turnstile Antennas | ||
+ | |||
+ | Estimated cost: 40€ (VHF), 30€ (UHF) | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/47/ 47 - DB0RV] | ||
+ | |||
+ | *[http://www.winklerantennenbau.de/sonst.htm Pricing page] | ||
+ | *[http://www.winklerantennenbau.de/kreuz137.htm Product link for VHF] | ||
+ | *[http://www.winklerantennenbau.de/kreuz446.htm Product link for UHF] | ||
| | | | ||
+ | |[[File:UHF Paralindy.jpg|left|frameless|100x100px]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====UHF Parasitic Lindenblad==== | ||
+ | Estimated cost: $15 (with access to a 3D printer) | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/300/ 300 - KB9JHU-Experimental] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/32/ 32 - SV1QZZ - UHF #2] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/187/ 187 - K3LRD UHF Lindenblad] | ||
+ | |||
+ | *[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/70ParaLindy.pdf Instructions can be found at this AMSAT PDF by AA2TX] | ||
+ | |- | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
+ | |[[File:Quadrifilar Antennas.png|left|frameless|100x100px]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Quadrifilar Helix Antenna (QFH)==== | ||
+ | Estimated cost: TBD | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/272/ 272 - K3LRD VHF QFH] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/255/ 255 - EA5BZ - Elche] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/183/ 183 - SPUTNIX-R2ANF-VHF/UHF-stationary] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/890/ 890 - Valpo WIRED Lab 3] | ||
+ | |||
+ | *[http://www.g4ilo.com/qfh.html G4ILO QFH Instructions] | ||
+ | *[https://www.aeronetworks.ca/2017/12/parasitic-quadrifilar-helical-antenna.html VHF Model/patterns for QFH by Herman Oosthuysen] | ||
+ | *[http://jcoppens.com/ant/qfh/calc.en.php QFH Calculator by ON6JC/LW3HAZ] | ||
+ | *[https://community.libre.space/t/an-easy-3d-printed-quadrifilar-helix-antenna/1487 3D Printed UHF QFH Antenna by surligas] | ||
+ | *[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4737259 3D Printed VHF QFH Antenna based on G4ILO's dimensions] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
− | | | + | |[[File:Vhf moxon turnstile.png|left|frameless|100x100px]] |
− | + | ||
− | < | + | ===="Turnstiled" Moxon==== |
+ | Estimated cost: TBD | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
− | + | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/305/ 305 - VK5KJP-VHF] | |
− | + | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/331/ 331 - VK5KJP-UHF] | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | *[https://sat.fg8oj.com/images/VHFUHFSatelite.pdf Instructions can be found at this QST article by W4RNL] | |
+ | |} | ||
+ | <p></p> | ||
==Rotator Ground Station== | ==Rotator Ground Station== | ||
+ | A rotator based ground station is able to make use of directional antennas. These will have a directional gain, meaning that you will need to point them in the direction of the satellite but the signal you receive will be stronger and for longer. They will allow much lower to the horizon passes to be received and more successful observations. These are not complex antennas but the choice will depend on the type of satellite and there are variations on the main types: yagi, helical and quad.<p></p> | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;" | {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;" | ||
! style="width: 49%" | | ! style="width: 49%" | | ||
− | === Commercial Antennas === | + | ===Commercial Antennas=== |
! | ! | ||
! style="width: 49%" | | ! style="width: 49%" | | ||
− | === Homebrew Antennas === | + | ===Homebrew Antennas=== |
|- | |- | ||
− | |[[File: | + | |[[File:M2 Leopack.png|left|frameless|100x100px]] |
+ | |||
+ | ====M2 Circularly Polarized Yagis==== | ||
+ | VHF/UHF Cross-element Yagi | ||
− | + | Estimated cost: $296 (UHF), $296 (VHF), $638 (Combo kit) | |
− | + | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | |
− | |||
− | + | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/2/ 2 - KB9JHU] | |
− | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/ | + | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/109/ 109 - EA6WQ - Tomas Orzaez] |
− | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/ | + | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/25/ 25 - N7IPY] |
− | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/ | + | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/834/ 834 - Valpo WIRED Lab 1] - ([https://www.m2inc.com/FG2MCP14 2MCP14] and [https://www.m2inc.com/FG436CP30 436CP30] ~3.3m booms) |
− | [ | + | *[https://www.m2inc.com/FG2MCP8A Product link - VHF] |
+ | *[https://www.m2inc.com/FG436CP16 Product link - UHF] | ||
+ | *[https://www.m2inc.com/FGLEOPACK Product link - Combo kit] | ||
| | | | ||
+ | |[[File:Cross element UHF yagi.jpg|left|frameless|133x133px]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Yagi Antennas, Cross-element yagi antennas==== | ||
+ | VHF/UHF directional antenna | ||
+ | |||
+ | Estimated cost: TBD | ||
+ | |||
+ | A common type of antenna that is either horizontally or vertically polarised. Simple to construct and suitable for a large number of satellites. | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | TBD | ||
+ | |||
+ | *TBD: Assembly instructions | ||
+ | *[https://gitlab.com/librespacefoundation/satnogs/satnogs-antennas/tree/master/Yagi Source code for SatNOGS yagi antenna designs are here]. | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |[[File:Wimo xquad vhf.jpg|left|frameless|100x100px]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====WiMo X Quad==== | ||
+ | VHF/UHF Cross-element Quad | ||
+ | |||
+ | Estimated cost: 149€ (VHF), 149€ (UHF) | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/6/ 6 - Apomahon] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/49/ 49 - OZ7SAT] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/232/ 232 - VK5QI-AZ/EL] | ||
+ | |||
+ | *[https://www.wimo.com/xquad-antennas_e.html Product link] | ||
| | | | ||
+ | |[[File:Satnogs helical v1.jpg|left|frameless|100x100px]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Helical Antennas==== | ||
+ | UHF circularly polarized directional antenna | ||
+ | |||
+ | Estimated cost: TBD | ||
+ | |||
+ | A less common type that are circularly polarized. The antenna looks a bit like a corkscrew and can be either LHCP (Left hand circular polarisation) or RHCP (right hand circular polarisation). | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | [https://network.satnogs.org/stations/6/ 6 - Apomahon] | ||
+ | |||
+ | *v4 [https://satnogs.dozuki.com/Guide/Helical+Antenna+v4/11 Assembly instructions] | ||
+ | *[https://ohai.satnogs.org/project/helical-antenna-v5/ v5 Assembly instructions] | ||
+ | *[https://gitlab.com/librespacefoundation/satnogs/satnogs-antennas/tree/master/Helical Source code for SatNOGS helical antenna designs are here.] | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |[[File:Arrow Portable Yagi.jpg|left|frameless|100x100px]] |
+ | |||
+ | ====Arrow Dual-band portable yagi==== | ||
+ | VHF/UHF portable yagi | ||
+ | |||
+ | Estimated cost: $83-$149 | ||
+ | |||
+ | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | ||
+ | |||
+ | TBD | ||
+ | |||
+ | *[http://www.arrowantennas.com/arrowii/146-437.html Product price/ordering link] | ||
+ | *[http://www.arrowantennas.com/sub/arrowiiyagi.html Product details link] | ||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |[[File:Elk Log Periodic.jpg|left|frameless|112x112px]] |
− | | | ||
− | | | ||
− | | | ||
− | + | ====Elk Log Periodic==== | |
− | + | VHF/UHF portable yagi | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | Estimated cost: $130-$163 | |
− | + | <u>Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna:</u> | |
− | < | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | </ | ||
+ | TBD | ||
− | + | *[https://elkantennas.com/product/dual-band-2m440l5-log-periodic-antenna/ Product link] | |
+ | | | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |} | ||
− | + | <p></p> | |
− | <p> | + | <p>A radome design is available from SatNOGS. This will protect the ground station from the elements in all but extraordinary conditions. The design can be found [https://gitlab.com/librespacefoundation/satnogs/satnogs-radome/blob/master/satnogs-radome-v1-bom.ods here] and construction guide [https://ohai.libre.space/project/satnogs-radome-v1/satnogs/ here]. </p> |
+ | [[Category:Antenna]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Hardware]] | ||
+ | __NOEDITSECTION__ | ||
+ | [[Category:Omnidirectional Antennas]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Directional Antennas]] |
Latest revision as of 06:25, 26 August 2021
The type of antenna largely depends on the type of ground station. A no rotator ground station will benefit from a different type of antenna (omnidirectional) than a rotator based ground station (directional). The two different approaches are explored below. In addition to the choice of antenna the choice of location for the ground station will have an effect on the quality of observations.
Non-Rotator Ground Station (Omnidirectional)
This type of ground station will require an antenna that will give a broad coverage from its fixed position. It is therefore not just the antenna that needs to be considered but also the proximity of buildings, geography or metallic structures that might be in the path of a line of sight between the ground station and satellite.
Typical ground stations have had success with simple wire antennas that can be commercially bought or made at home. Colinear or ‘white stick’ antennas are vertically polarised omnidirectional antennas. These have anecdotally been used for successful satellite work but should be avoided. The following are considered suitable choices:
It is highly recommended that you use a mast-mounted Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) with these antennas.
Commercial Antennas |
Homebrew Antennas | |
---|---|---|
WiMo TA-1VHF Turnstile Estimated cost: 90€ Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: 141 - balcony-only-east-passes 129 - Chabot Space And Science Center 984 - KJ6DZB (with modified reflector) |
TurnstileEstimated cost: TBD Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: | |
M2 EggbeaterVHF / UHF Eggbeater Antennas Estimated cost: $304 (VHF), $280 (UHF), $573 (combo) Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: |
LindenbladEstimated cost: TBD Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: | |
Winkler TurnstileVHF/UHF Turnstile Antennas Estimated cost: 40€ (VHF), 30€ (UHF) Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: |
UHF Parasitic LindenbladEstimated cost: $15 (with access to a 3D printer) Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: | |
Quadrifilar Helix Antenna (QFH)Estimated cost: TBD Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: | ||
"Turnstiled" MoxonEstimated cost: TBD Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: |
Rotator Ground Station
A rotator based ground station is able to make use of directional antennas. These will have a directional gain, meaning that you will need to point them in the direction of the satellite but the signal you receive will be stronger and for longer. They will allow much lower to the horizon passes to be received and more successful observations. These are not complex antennas but the choice will depend on the type of satellite and there are variations on the main types: yagi, helical and quad.
Commercial Antennas |
Homebrew Antennas | |
---|---|---|
M2 Circularly Polarized YagisVHF/UHF Cross-element Yagi Estimated cost: $296 (UHF), $296 (VHF), $638 (Combo kit) Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: 834 - Valpo WIRED Lab 1 - (2MCP14 and 436CP30 ~3.3m booms) |
Yagi Antennas, Cross-element yagi antennasVHF/UHF directional antenna Estimated cost: TBD A common type of antenna that is either horizontally or vertically polarised. Simple to construct and suitable for a large number of satellites. Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: TBD
| |
WiMo X QuadVHF/UHF Cross-element Quad Estimated cost: 149€ (VHF), 149€ (UHF) Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: |
Helical AntennasUHF circularly polarized directional antenna Estimated cost: TBD A less common type that are circularly polarized. The antenna looks a bit like a corkscrew and can be either LHCP (Left hand circular polarisation) or RHCP (right hand circular polarisation). Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: | |
Arrow Dual-band portable yagiVHF/UHF portable yagi Estimated cost: $83-$149 Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: TBD |
||
Elk Log PeriodicVHF/UHF portable yagi Estimated cost: $130-$163 Some SatNOGS stations using this antenna: TBD |
A radome design is available from SatNOGS. This will protect the ground station from the elements in all but extraordinary conditions. The design can be found here and construction guide here.