[amsat-bb] Practical L Band Antenna?

[Mark Brueggemann K5LXP <brueggemail-k5lxp@xxxxxxxxx>]

I am (and have been for a while now) in the throes of getting a
satellite station set up.  I currently have V and U circularly
polarized yagis, and recently acquired a K5GNA barbecue dish and
converter.  What would be a practical antenna for 1.2GHz?  A helix is
the first thing that comes to mind, but is the ability to switch
polarization important?  I was told this was worthwhile for V/U, so I
went through the extra trouble and expense to add that feature to those
antennas.  How important is polarity switching for L and S band?

I am limited to what will fit on a 6' horizontal fiberglass mast of a
5400 AZ/EL rotor, so I am interested in finding out what would be a
modest performance antenna for 1.2GHz for A0-51, and potentially future
birds.  Rig is an Icom 910.  Thanks.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM

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