Description
What it does
The IceConeFeed DIY version is the open-source roots of our QO100 dual-feed product line. Download the STL files, 3D-print the structural parts in PETG, wind the helix from 3.5 mm copper wire, and tune to 2.4 GHz. Suitable for offset dishes 65–80 cm with LNBs up to 61 mm diameter.
What you get
- STL files for the radome, base ring, helix support, reflector cup
- PDF build guide with helix winding template, tuning procedure, photographs
- License for private (non-commercial) amateur radio use
Which reflector support do I print?
The package contains three reflector supports. All are 115 mm in outer diameter and 16 mm thick, so a slicer reports the same model size for each — the only difference is the centre bore the LNB passes through. Pick the file by the measured neck diameter of your LNB:
| File | Centre bore | For LNB neck |
|---|---|---|
| reflector_support.STL | 54.5 mm | approx. 55 mm |
| reflector_support_59mm_LNB.STL | 59.0 mm | approx. 59 mm |
| reflector_support_61mm_LNB.STL | 61.0 mm | approx. 61 mm |
Measure the round part of the LNB that pushes into the feed with a caliper before printing. Note that DX Patrol changed the neck diameter of their LNBs from 55 mm to 53 mm, so check yours rather than assuming. The two reflector PDFs follow the same split: reflector_LNB55_59mm.PDF and reflector_LNB61mm.PDF. Print them at 100 % with no page scaling and verify against a ruler before cutting.
Specifications (target)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating frequency (TX) | 2400 MHz |
| Polarization | LHCP (RHCP version achievable by mirroring helix winding) |
| SWR @ 2.4 GHz (typical, well-tuned build) | < 1.1 |
| Helix turns | 3.5 |
| Wire diameter | 3.5 mm |
| Connector | N-type |
| Material | PETG (recommended), UV-resistant |
| Print time (typical) | ~14 h on a standard FDM printer |
Build documentation
- Build Instructions — full step-by-step
- IceConeFeed Installation Tips — Lab post on real-world tuning
- Hail Storm Damage — example of a long-running deployment
Reviews & demos
- Tech Minds — 2.4 GHz Dual Feed Helix Antenna For QO100 (DIY build, YouTube)
- LA9XGA — Norwegian ham, first QO-100 SSB contact using the DIY build
- Thingiverse mirror — alternative download with maker-community comments
- AMSAT-DL Forum — community thread on dish compatibility
Field reports
License
Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0. Free for private amateur radio use. Commercial use requires a separate license — see the Single Commercial License in the shop.
Need it ready-built?
If you’d rather skip the build, the assembled and tuned versions are IceConeFeed v2 and v2.1.
