Ice Cone Feed

The IceConeFeed is a 3D-printed helix dual-feed for QO100 satellite stations. It lets any standard offset dish operate on both the uplink (2.4 GHz TX) and downlink (10.7 GHz RX via LNB) without modifying the LNB — just push it on and tighten. Available as free DIY files or fully assembled and tuned from the shop.


The IceConeFeed Product Line

🔨 IceConeFeed DIY

Free STL files. Print in PETG, wind from copper wire, tune to 2.4 GHz. Full build guide included. Commercial use requires a license.

⚙️ IceConeFeed v2

First commercial version. 3.5-turn helix, fully assembled and tuned to 2.4 GHz. Plug-and-play for any QO100 station with LNB up to 61 mm.

⭐ IceConeFeed v2.1 — Current

Improved geometry: 1.3 dB less LNB shadowing. Better RX sensitivity. Current production version — recommended for new stations.


Performance at a Glance

SpecificationIceConeFeed DIYIceConeFeed v2IceConeFeed v2.1
SWR @ 2.4 GHz< 1.1< 1.1< 1.05
LNB attenuation~2.0 dB~2.0 dB~0.7 dB
Helix turns3.5 turns3.5 turns2.2 turns
ConnectorN-typeN-typeN-type
Max. LNB diameter61 mm61 mm61 mm
MaterialPETG (self-print)PETG, UV-resistantPETG, UV-resistant
Wire diameter3.5 mm3.5 mm1.4 mm
AssemblySelf-buildFully assembled & tunedFully assembled & tuned
The 1.3 dB improvement in LNB attenuation (v2 → v2.1) translates directly to better receive SNR — critical for weak-signal QO100 narrowband operation.

📄 Download Datasheet (PDF)

3D Radiation Pattern

Note: Pattern shown is from the S-Band IceConeFeed (2490 MHz, custom variant for ESA research). QO100 v2.1 (2400 MHz) pattern will be added once the standard version measurement campaign is complete. Rotate with mouse, scroll to zoom. About the Antenna Test Facility →


Documented in the Lab

UPDATE: IceConeFeed v2.1

Why v2.1 was developed: geometry change to reduce helix shadowing of the LNB, with before/after measured data.

IceConeFeed TX Performance

Measured SWR, radiation pattern, and uplink signal quality on the QO100 narrowband transponder — the data behind the v2 specs.

Review by TechMindsYT

Independent YouTube review — assembly, installation on a 60 cm dish, and on-air results.

Installation Tips

Alignment, adapter selection, LNB compatibility notes, and common gotchas from field deployments.

United Nations on QO100

An IceConeFeed donated and operated from the UN Vienna rooftop for the 4U100QO amateur satellite station.

IceConeFeed v2.1 on DATV

Running digital amateur TV (DATV) through the QO100 wideband transponder using the IceConeFeed v2.1.


In the Field — Customer Stations

IceConeFeed installations from the community — from portable SOTA setups to permanent rooftop stations. Click any image to enlarge.

Got an IceConeFeed on your dish? Send a photo to info@nolle.engineering — we’d love to add your station to the gallery.


Want to Build Your Own?

The original DIY IceConeFeed is fully open-source. STL files, reflector drawings, and helix winding tool are all available. Build instructions with dimensions, matching vane geometry, and tuning procedure are in the build guide. Commercial use of the design requires a commercial license.