Description
What it does
The IceConeFeed v2 is the original commercial version of the QO100 dual feed. It clips onto the LNB of a standard offset satellite dish and adds a 2.4 GHz QO100 narrowband uplink without modifying or removing the LNB — the LNB stays in place and continues to receive the 10.7 GHz downlink. Fully assembled, tuned, and tested before shipping.
Considering an upgrade? The newer IceConeFeed v2.1 has 1.3 dB lower LNB shadowing thanks to a tighter 2.2-turn helix with thinner wire — recommended for new stations or weak-signal QO100 narrowband work.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating frequency (TX) | 2400 MHz (QO100 narrowband uplink) |
| Polarization | LHCP (default) — RHCP available on request |
| SWR @ 2.4 GHz | < 1.1 |
| LNB attenuation | ~2.0 dB |
| Helix turns | 3.5 |
| Wire diameter | 3.5 mm |
| Connector | N-type |
| Max. supported LNB diameter | 61 mm |
| Material | PETG, UV-resistant |
| Color | Orange/White (default), Custom on request |
| Assembly | Fully assembled and tuned at our facility |
Quality control
Every unit is tuned to spec before it ships. The acceptance step on each unit is an S11 / SWR measurement at the operating frequency — units only leave the bench once they meet the published tolerance.
Full 3D radiation-pattern measurements (gain, axial ratio, half-power beamwidth, S21 sweeps across band) are part of our development and validation work and are also available as a service on customer-supplied antennas — see the Antenna Test Facility.
Polarization & dish use
This antenna is a dish feed — it sits in front of a parabolic reflector. Because the dish reflects the signal once and inverts the circular polarization, the feed must be the opposite handedness of the desired received signal. The default LHCP fits the QO100 narrowband uplink (which arrives RHCP at the satellite); pick RHCP if your dish has two reflectors (see this example).
Typical use cases
- QO100 narrowband CW/SSB operation from any 65–80 cm offset dish
- QO100 wideband DATV uplink
- Public-service / scientific operations from non-permanent sites — schools, expeditions, contests
Compatible parts & accessories
- LNB Adapter Ring — sizing rings for common LNBs
- LNB Golden Media 202 — modifiable for external LO
- Replacement Radome
- SMA-to-F adapter
- N 90° elbow
Documented in the Lab
- IceConeFeed Right Hand Circular — RHCP variant deep-dive
- IceConeFeed TX Performance — measured SWR, radiation pattern, uplink SNR
- United Nations on QO100 (4U100QO)
- Schulkontakt Antarktis — German school → Neumayer Station III
Reviews & demos
- Tech Minds — 2.4 GHz Dual Feed Helix For QO100 VERSION 2 (YouTube)
- RTL-SDR.com — Building a 3D-printed 2.4 GHz Dual Feed Helix for QO-100
- DL2SBA — IceConeFeed v2 hands-on with measured SWR (German)
- PA0EHG — DX Patrol vs nolle helix comparison (Dutch)
- YouTube — Ice Cone Feed versus DX Patrol Helix comparison
- AMSAT-DL Forum — community thread on dish compatibility
Field reports
- @F5rrsD — fitting on Technisat DigiDish 45 LNB mount
- @df6dbf — 15 W TX with PlutoSDR
- Thermal test — 120 W CW, peak 31.6 °C at the feedpoint
Custom polarization (RHCP) and color combinations available on request — please use the contact form for a quote.
Which LNB adapter do you need? See our LNB adapter ring selection guide — how to measure your LNB and choose the right ring (or confirm you need none).
