BATC Forum

I have found that Waitrose flapjack containers are just the right size to go over the MJW patch and do not affect RF performance.

I cut a 22mm hole in the center of the lid and then a long slot so I could drop it over the 22mm pipe between the back plate of the patch and the mouting bracket. I then cut a slot in the actual container to accomodate the Tx feeder and used a cable tie to secure the remaining flap to the tx feeder to secure the cover whiich just clipped on to the lid as normal.

BTW - other suppliers are available but not tested!

Enjoy both the flapjack and the container

73

Noel

PS sorry about the uncorrected iphone sideways pictures

Looks very interesting!

Please excuse my ignorance, as I'm very new to satellite work, but is the purpose of this solely to protect the antenna from the rain?

And the real question is, does it work with M&S double chocolate minibites?! Those I could eat for days.

Hi 2I0JMT

The object is to protect the patch from the rain.
Any enclosure that is not affected by microwaves is suitable.

If you have a Microwave oven put your chosen enclosure into the microwave and blast it on full power for a minute (without the chocolate contents)
If the plastic melts or distorts then you know not to use it.

73

Nick

Thanks!

2I0JMT

I don't know if M+S chocolate bites would work but worth a try even if not in the interests of science.....

73

Noel

That's neat. I went for a more technical approach:

It needs replacing occasionally. I might try Noel's solution but what to do with the flapjacks?

Mike

Edit - Action shot

Reminds me of the blank CD/DVD cakes I use for keeping the water off aerials I make.
They come in different sizes, not tested them above 1500MHz however!

I pass Waitrose on my way back from Dunstable Downs, so I went in. There is a two-radomes for £4 offer on at the moment, so I now have one to try and a space for when I make a mistake.

Mike

I use a hemispherical acrylic dome easily obtained from ebay ; Clear Plastic Acrylic Craft Ball Sphere Baubles For Christmas Wedding Decoration.
these are sealed with self amalgamating tape stretched around the periphery.
they have no measureable effect on signal strength at either frequency