John, I'm in Canberra mate.
I have had the thought on polarisation. I have a HAM radio friend only 2 suburbs away with a vertically polarised antenna and it is ok picking him up, but I think polarisation combined with the fact that my power supply only puts out 10 volts, is a bit of a problem.
I am considering applying for the licence and sitting the test. Time and money will play their usual part. THe pace is slow but continues steadily mate.
I am also looking at alternative antennas that dont look like a sack of s**t above my observatory, as it is in the front yard for all neighbors and passers by to see. I looked at a quad, but for 18 to 30 mHz, the size is prohibitive.
I may have to consider higher frequencies and changing to satelite tracking stuf and uhf, although as far as I can tell, most natural space phenomena are at frequencies hf and below
and thats where my interest really lies.
It would be cool to talk and listen to the international space station though.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/i...cons/icon6.gif
Baz.
