Narrowband Transponder

_images/AMSAT-QO-100-NB-Transponder-Bandplan-Graph.png

Resources

Receiving

Hardware Options

Satellite Dish

Recommended to start with atleast an 80cm dish,
go for bigger if you plan to use the wideband
transponder in the future.

LNB

You want a PLL based LNB
(In South Africa a newer model lnb used for DSTV
works just fine to start with)

Bias-T

This provides power to your LNB
(Different voltages can switch the polarization)

SDR or DownConverter + Radio

Your receiving side can be as simple as a rtlsdr,
but consider getting an sdr with transmit capabilities
(For Example: PlutoSDR).
A downconverter + Radio can also be used.

Transmitting

Hardware Options

The table below assumes you have all the receiving hardware and only want to add to it to start transmitting.

SDR or UpConverter + Radio

SDR must have transmit capabilities
An upconverter + Radio can also be used.

Pre Amplifier

Most SDR’s have a very low power output
Depending on your amplifier you might
need a pre-amplifier

Amplifier

1w-5w depending on your dish size.
3w on 80cm dish works perfectly

Antenna

Poty or Helical
Lots of DIY options eg. Ice Cone feed