Tune your 1.2/1.3GHz patch to the proper resonance

[Jameson]

Alex, thanks for clarification. Tim is perfectionist :-) I've cut it 4.02x4.5, don't ask me why, now I'm going to fix it :-) Three times cut and then measure whether I hit it - that's me!

[flyboy321]

Quick question, If I need to trim off the width, say 1/2 inch, would I Cut off 1/4 on the left and 1/4 on the right?

And, is the 4.02 the height or width? Thanks! -Tyler

[IBCrazy]

Yes, you cut 1/4" off of each side. 4.02" is the height of the panel. The width is just over 4-1/4".

[flyboy321]

Ok, two more questions then I'm done!

1) Do I mount the patch with the antenna up or down? Or does that matter?

2) What angle should I mount it so that I have good video from the ground up?


Thanks Alex! -Tyler

[IBCrazy]

You mean the cable? Up or down makes no difference. 20-30 degrees of tilt is what I use.


-Alex

[CaliDave]

Thanks for this info Alex. I cut my patch down last night after getting to 3 miles and starting to have picture quality issues on my patch while a friends bi-quad had great picture. I didn't have the most precise cutting with my snips, but I do see a nice picture about 3 feet from the antenna..... we'll see if I helped or made worse the situation on a similar 3 mile test next week.

The only thing I might add is that I found using my heat shrink gun perfect for separating the 2 halves of the patch cover. I went around the edge with the gun heating up the plastic (not to a melting point) and then got a razor under the corner slowly working it up enough to get a think flat head screwdriver under the corner and then worked my way around heating as I went along. This works to loosen the glue which is on all sides, and by moving slowly nothing broke, bent or looked off.

After I did my cutting the 2 pieces snapped back together and I didn't even glue them. so far they feel very tight and short of me chucking the patch I don't see them coming apart.

[SineWave]

Hi Alex! I just purchased a 2.4 8dbi CP from L-com. Does 2.4 need to be tuned also? I wish I would of read this earlier I thought L-com was a good place to purchase them.

[IBCrazy]

I have tested the L-COM 2.4GHz patch. It's center frequency is channel 1 (2410 MHz). It works well.

-Alex

[marcin.gala]

Is it safe to cut patch antenna cable and make short as possible ?
Bought in online shop and original cable got 3' .

[flyboy321]

If you open it up on the inside you should be able to desolder the wires, cut them to length, and then resolder. I did that and it did not cause any problems. -Tyler