Hi All.
I’ve been on the lookout for a directional antenna operating @1.5GHz for both so I can get some more power for Outernet purposes and also for receiving other Inmarsat signals etc. I came across these Grid Antenna’s that RFS World sell as below, however after contacting them I was told they don’t make them anymore. I’m just wondering what other people have used for directional inmarsat antennas. I’m thinking of building one myself with the outernet patch and a standard parabolic reflector, but I’m hoping I can find a nicer complete antenna on the market.
Ok… It still weighs 15 lbs. and is almost 4 ft. diameter. Is that $118 for one single unit? What about shipping?
So, let’s say you spend $150 on this antenna, which for Outernet essentially will accomplish the same thing as a small patch antenna with LNA, but has to be mounted outside, and requires a fairly substantial mount. It also does have enough gain to work indoors, I would imagine. Maybe make a nice conversation piece in the living room.
LNA & patch antenna = $45 Can sit on the windowsill and work.
Parabolic grid antenna = $118 plus shipping. Can be mounted on a roof or eave mount, or pole.
If you want to simplify the receive chain by getting rid of the LNA, and still have plenty of leftover gain to drive a considerable coax length into the house, this antenna would be the thing to use. Would be interesting to see how a 22dBi gain antenna with no filter would perform for general Inmarsat use.
I would classify this antenna as more of a general L-band hobby antenna rather than specifically for Outernet use.
