L-Band Antenna Assembly Instructions

Follow these instructions for a full L-band antenna build up which is ready to be mounted to a 1-1/4inch (42.4mm) mast like in the picture below. Other mounting options are possible and may require less parts depending on your personal setups. This is just one mounting example that we are supporting.

You can experience the L-Band antenna live using our WebSDR

Parts

This table lists all parts required for a full build up. All parts are available from nolle.engineering and 3rd party vendors.

PartDescriptionSource
RHCP L-Band Antenna BundleBundle consisting of 7 or 10 turn L-Band helix antenna + all mechanical parts required for full build upL-Band Antenna RHCP Bundle
Saw filterLNA module for capturing L-band signals, especially Inmarsat AERO and STD-Cahttps://amzn.to/3TolsiQ
SDRSoftware Defined Radio / USB donglehttps://amzn.to/3TF7udS
SMA male-male adapter2 requiredhttps://amzn.to/4cgy3gF
USB extension cable3m extension to wire SDR with PC / Raspberryhttps://amzn.to/43kByPe
Full assembly parts list

Tools

  • Phillips head screw driver
  • 8mm spanner / SMA torque wrench (1Nm)

Assembly

Screw in N type to SMA adapter
Insert 6x M4 bolts into elevation clamp
Align antenna and clamp
Tighten M4 bolts
Losen the 2 M4 clamping bolts and insert 40mm pipe piece. Tighten M4 bolts.
Prepare SDR, LNA and SMA adapters
Screw on 2 SMA adapters to both ends of LNA
Connect LNA output port and SDR
Connect LNA input port with antenna
Hold the antenna with one hand, do not rest on the antenna reflector. Push cover pipe over RF assembly with other hand. Be careful to push along the antenna center line and do not angle the pipe which may damage the RF connectors.
Tighten clamping screw
Plug in USB extension cable
Run USB cable along pipe bottom side
Push end cap on pipe, align with USB cable
Prepare cross clamp
This step may take place outside at your specific installation. Place both clamp parts such that the 2 triangles point to each other. Screw in and tighten the 2 M4 bolts so that both clamp parts touch and the gap is closed.
Tighten the opposite bolts. A 1-2mm gap will remain.
Adjust elevation and tighten 2 screws