Progress

[2E0RXO]

Hey all,

Just got my Gibertini OP125L dish set back up again. And got my parts for the PicoTuner ordered from Digikey

Some more tuning and alignment to do, as I'm hoping I can get QO100 with my rotor on. But I have decided that my goal is to eventually be able to TX DATV on QO100, a lot of reading and learning to do (and money to spend) but it should be great fun.



Rose

[g0mjw]

Hi Rose,

You will need an LNB, one with a PLL. The Bullseye is a good choice.

Mike

[2E0RXO]

Thanks Mike,

I have looked at that LNB, but I'm guessing I would still down the line need to build a TX antenna. I'm assuming I couldn't use that for TX?

Just a guess but is it due to the low symbol rates that I need to use a TXCO LNB? Again still more reading required and that is just a guess.

I was planning to align to some of Es'hail 2's commercial FTA feeds to begin with.

Thanks,
Rose

[g0mjw]

Yes, that's correct. It needs to be stable enough and that means normally a PLL LNB, certainly for the lower symbol rates. You will also be able to receive QO100 SSB with the PLL LNB.

You don't use an LNB for TX, it is RX only and converts the 10.5 GHz to an IF around 750MHz. The TX is 2.4 GHz, there are several dish feed solutions for that, usually a patch or helix but in all cases they attach the LNB behind the patch or helix.

For example https://shop.amsat-uk.org/product/poty or https://nolle.engineering/product/iceconefeed-v2-1/

Or you can have two dishes.

You will also need a receiver - see PicoTuner in the BATC wiki. TX comes later perhaps. Not hard but quite a bit of power is needed for TV, typically 30-50W.

Mike

[2E0RXO]

Thanks Mike that makes a lot of sense, I have got all the bits for the PicoTuner coming so that will be fun build.

I'll get the bullseye LNB ordered, I was aware of people transmitting up to 100W but did not realise it was at 2.4GHz yet
I have built a L band helix antenna before, for my Inmarsat ACARS/STD-C setup so its good to know I can make something similar for that band. I'll definitely try to go for a build

I'll try to stick to one dish though! Thanks again!

For fun here's a picture of my pizza pan helix while I was testing it. Excellent things

[2E0RXO]

My mostly complete PicoTuner, waiting on some 20p headers and some backordered caps that I've now ordered separately.

Quite good to put together as I also have a hot air rework station.

[2E0RXO]

Been a bit busy lately but finally got some time this evening to finish off the last few bits.

All seems to have tested okay, hopefully I'll get some time to get it on the dish next week!

[g6hfs]

Hi Rose,

Nice progress, hope to see you on soon, good luck.

Brian