DIY Comms and Control for Amateur Space

Chapter 7. Antenna Design

Radio waves are actually photons. We almost always deal with their wave-like properties, but we can discuss them the same way we discuss light. First is that, if you focus a light source, you increase its power in the direction focused, at the cost of reducing its visibility from other sides. This is a key point of antennas. Second is that, like camera lenses and telescopes, larger antennas tend to capture more radio signal than smaller antennas. Finally, as with audio speakers, you need to make the fundamental size of your antenna match the frequency of the radio waves you are using.

Fortunately, your task is easier than that of a general radio user, since your satellite will be broadcasting at or near a single specific ...