Aves Specta

Santa granted, but not to me. Very fine. KCRW kudos.

The Winbook FX turns 13 in 10 days. The Axim X30 will be 4.

Has stood several listenings, but not yet the one that makes it click. It'll happen.

Tnx X.

On first listen and a half, a stellar submission.

Thanks, X.

The WA5VJB pair has been wonderful for a year, but taking a step to an Arrow II 146/437-10BP satellite antenna, sans duplexer, would enhance enjoyment and, quite likely, signals received via the birds.

EDIT: Ordered, arrived, and mostly assembled. New feedlines will be necessary.

Thanks, KT.

WB1AAT summarized Arrow versus Elk on the AMSAT-BB...

ELK
+ cheaper all around
+ can be easily set up for permanent use
+ easier to aim due to wider beam width. Log periodic are like this.
+ smaller and very fast setup/teardown
+ one connector for dual band.
- no handle for handheld use. You have to make one, but it's extremely easy to do. And no threads for tripod.
- inconvenient if using 2 rigs. Must buy a separate duplexer.

ARROW
+ copies a few degrees (just a few) lower than the Elk at my QTH
+ convenient built in handle and built in threads for tripod
- narrower beam width - have to "aim" better.

Copied these 15 calls (and 2 partials) on an AO-51 mid-continent pass starting about 0040Z and readable for about 12 minutes: N3TL, N5AFV, N5UXT, WB4?WQ, WQ1E, KD8ILL, WB5CKJ, W7JPI, W4TEJ, N5ZNL, KE5UBJ, VE7VW, VE3DRT, KC0TOH (not hearing), W5KUB, ??9L, and KB8OE. I didn't transmit till it was nearly too late, then called Leo after his question to Allen, "Are you still in the footprint?", went unanswered. I was shocked to sound so solid into the bird and easily completed a QSO on a nearly empty frequency. When we finished I heard Ron in BC rapidly turning to fuzz, did a quick click on the mic that seemed to have no effect, then grabbed the clipboard and ran inside to escape the mosquitoes.