Ramsey Electronics URC1 Instruction Manual download pdf (Page 28)

WSR-1A• 28

BUILDING AN ANTENNA (for your WSR-1 weather satellite receiver)

We will show you the dimensions and the connections required as well as the

materials we used to make a turnstile antenna, but if more information is

needed, we advise you to look into an ARRL handbook, or one of the many

antenna books out on the market.

Look at Fig A, the antenna wiring diagram. You'll notice that there are two

different types of coaxial cable involved. You must use the coax specified to

ensure proper phasing of the crossed dipoles.

Weather satellite transmissions are transmitted circularly polarized, meaning

the signals can be more easily received with antennas that are also circularly

polarized. When a signal is circularly polarized, it can be either right hand

polarized or left hand polarized. In the case of weather satellites, you will want

your antenna to be right hand polarized to receive the signal well. Wire your

antenna as shown in the diagram, and it will be right hand polarized. If you

mess up, it it easy to fix. You can either flip the antenna upside down, or

reverse the connections on any two opposing elements. For more information

and theory on polarized signals, you can consult a ARRL handbook or antenna

book.

The four elements of our antenna will work best if they are on the same plane,

in other words, in the shape of a right angled X. You can make the elements

out of thin threaded stock found at the hardware store, stiff metal wire, or brass

or copper tubing. You can mount your elements onto a piece of circuit board or

fabricated holder that insulates the four elements from each other. Then mount

this into a piece of PVC pipe to use as a stand. Make a base for the other end

of the PVC using an end cap and some plywood. See the diagram for ideas.

You can also enhance this antenna design with a little ingenuity and silicon

sealant to make it weatherproof. If you wish, you can leave a center portion of

the mast unglued to allow you to repair or replace the preamp inside the pipe at

a later time.

If you have trouble receiving a satellite when one comes over, try flipping the

elements over to reverse the polarization. Otherwise check your cable lengths

and element lengths. They need to be fairly close to what we show you for best

reception.

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Ramsey Electronics URC1 Instruction Manual Page 28