DL6YCL - Yet Another Twin-Turn - Helix antenna for QO-100

I started using QO-100 in RX mode, with just the Bullseye LNB and 80cm dish and had good results pulling in signals from the Geostationary Satellite, however when I then added the POTY, and the LNB adaptor, etc the signal dropped off, especially on heavy cloud days. Clear skies were passable, but with a number of changes made and measurements taken, there was only so much I could do to get a signal that was workable, especially on SSB.

I had thought about the various Helix options from speaking to a number of stations who had a helix (from 2 turns to 3.5 turns) and how their signal presented to the satellite. Then came a chance google search which brought me to the extensive QRZ page of DL6YCL

Initially, this is being built for a Triax TDS80 dish (80cm, steel off-set) but could be moved on to the 1.2m Andrews Polar Mounted dish should I need the increased signal level. The 1.2m dish, however is used for International TV/Radio reception and therefore only a temporary measure unless I can find another larger dish !

Build

I started by collecting and printing the parts needed for the helix. I needed to order the Nylon bolts, Brass Plate and an N-Type connector. I already had in-stock what I thought would be good enamel coated copper wire.

Assembly

Calibration

Results