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Arrow II Satellite Antenna

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The WA5VJB pair has been wonderful for a year, but taking a step to an Arrow II 146/437-10BP satellite antenna, sans duplexer, would enhance enjoyment and, quite likely, signals received via the birds.

EDIT: Ordered, arrived, and mostly assembled. New feedlines will be necessary.

Thanks, KT.

WB1AAT summarized Arrow versus Elk on the AMSAT-BB...

ELK
+ cheaper all around
+ can be easily set up for permanent use
+ easier to aim due to wider beam width. Log periodic are like this.
+ smaller and very fast setup/teardown
+ one connector for dual band.
- no handle for handheld use. You have to make one, but it's extremely easy to do. And no threads for tripod.
- inconvenient if using 2 rigs. Must buy a separate duplexer.

ARROW
+ copies a few degrees (just a few) lower than the Elk at my QTH
+ convenient built in handle and built in threads for tripod
- narrower beam width - have to "aim" better.
- not easily set up for permanent use. No simple mount and you wouldn't want to leave that "in handle" duplexer outside
- Can easily use for 2 rigs. Just don't use the duplexer (if so equipped) and plug into the separate UHF and VHF


From the CSVHFS 2006 Antenna Gain Measurements, these from WA5VJB's iterations on the Arrow. The measurements are estimates. Gain is based on difference from a reference antenna.

436 MHzCallDesignGain (dB)
WA5VJBArrow Antenna w/8-32 nuts on elements~7.3
WA5VJBArrow Antenna w/plastic inserts on elements~7.3
WA5VJBArrow Antenna w/star washers on elements~7.1
WA5VJBArrow Antenna w/o Diplexer~7.0
WA5VJBArrow Antenna w/"torqued" elements~7.0
WA5VJBArrow Antenna w/Diplexer~4.6

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