AMSAT Antenna Deal

AMSAT-NA and M2 Antenna Systems Announce Member-Only Special Pricing

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. of Fresno, CA introduced the new satellite antenna
LEO-Pack using their 436CP16 and 2MCP8A yagis during the 2015 HamCation in
Orlando, FL.

The 436CP16 and 2MCP8A are light weight, circularly polarized antennas
optimized for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite communications or other applications
where a small circular polarized antenna is required. Optimum match and gain
designed for the satellite band.

Rear mounted for easy coaxial cable routing. A preamp (not included) can be
mounted close to the antenna for almost no coax loss before the preamp,
maximizing your receive performance.

Computer design techniques help keep spurious side lobes down for optimum
signal to noise rations. Both the 436CP16 and 2MCP8A feature the same CNC
machined, O-ring and silicone-gel sealed, driven element assemblies common to all M2Yagi Antennas. This insures years of trouble free performance regardless of weather.

M2 designed a custom LEO cross boom to pair these two antennas together for
a very manageable amateur satellite ground station.

AMSAT-NA and M2 Antenna Systems are pleased to announce that the LEO-Pack
system is being offered to members only at $499, shipping included (US only). Non-
members can join AMSAT-NA at time of purchase to participate in this special
purchase. The M2 list price is $545.99.

To place your order, visit the AMSAT store at:
http://store.amsat.org/catalog/

M2 Antenna System’s LEO-Pack page can be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/nyhgmcr

M2 LEO-Pack Antenna
M2 LEO-Pack Antenna
M2 LEO-Pack Antenna
M2 LEO-Pack Antenna

Updated AMSAT LVB Tracker to be Shown at Dayton

AMSAT has sold the popular G6LVB Tracker for several years.  This year we will have a new version which replaces the amber LCD display with an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display.  The new display offers a high visibility contrast with a wide angle of view.  It will be available in blue, green and amber.  LVB Trackers will be available with the recommended serial (RS-232) I/O.  The recommended minimum donation will remain $200.  An FTDI USB/Serial module is available as an option for an additional $25.

 

NEWOLDTRACKER
Comparison of new OLED (top) and old LCD (bottom) displays

Current LVB Tracker owners may update their own units. The OLED displays used are manufactured by Newhaven, NHD-0216KZW series, and are available from Mouser and other online parts suppliers.   The OLED displays have less depth so the PEM fasteners need to be shortened for correct fit and viewing thru the front of the case.  The LVB Tracker firmware will also require updating.  Current owners may send their LVB Tracker to WB8CXO for retrofit if they don’t wish to do the modifications themselves.  Upgrading existing trackers will be $50 + shipping.  Contact WB8CXO for upgrade details.

AMSAT would like to acknowledge the many contributors to this effort.  Mike Young, WB8CXO for his vision and initiative to develop this update.  John Drago, W8FAA modified the LVB Tracker firmware to support the OLED display.  Ken Baker from Ridge Machine manufactured the PEM fastener cutting jig.  Steve Belter, N9IP, Mark  Hammond, N8MH and John Papay, K8YSE did beta testing. And finally Gould Smith, WA4SXM, LVB Tracker project manager for his continuous guidance and support.

Details on the Tracker may be found at www.lvbtracker.com.