Inmarsat Patch Antenna Testing with NanoVNA – Telecommunications, Navigation & Electronics

Introduction

Fig.1 Inmarsat L Band Satellite Constellation

In previous posts I looked at receiving Inmarsat satellite signals (Ref.1/2). I used an L band dish and patch antenna. I was wondering what the overall SWR of these antennas looked like, so I decided to test them with the NanoVNA. The NanoVNA that I purchased was spec’d to 1.5GHz, but I guessed that perhaps it could be pushed beyond that to 2GHz (uses the square wave odd harmonics of the Si5351 clock).

Test Results

Fig.3 NanoVNA Opt 1GHz=-17dBm & 1.5GHz=-23dBm

Fig.4 NanoVNA Opt 1.8GHz=-29dBm 2.0GHz=-34dBm

Fig.5 Patch Antenna SWR Response 1GHz – 1.8GHz

Figure 2 shows the test setup to determine frequency/power output of the NanoVNA. Figure 3 & 4 shows the S11/SWR/CW output at 1, 1.5, 1.8 and 2GHz. Figure 5 shows the Patch Antenna response from 1 – 1.8GHz. Note the perfect match at 1550MHz for the Inmarsat band.

Fig.6 YouTube Video Inmarsat Patch Antenna Testing with NanoVNA

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to:
contact:

References

#1. – “RTL-SDR for Inmarsat Satellite – Dish vs. Patch Antenna”,
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/rtl-sdr-for-inmarsat-satellite-dish-vs-patch-antenna/

#2. – “RTL-SDR for Inmarsat Satellite – Planning”,
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/rtl-sdr-for-inmarsat-satellite-planning/

#3. – “HF Loop Antenna Testing with NanoVNA”
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/hf-loop-antenna-testing-with-nanovna/

#4. – “Marine VHF Antenna Testing with NanoVNA”,
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/vhf-marine-antenna-testing-with-nanovna/

Introduction

Test Results

References

By Jeremy Clark