Dimensions of Ptarmigan Triffid Array
Whole array = 86 x 86cm in size
4 x 4 pattern of dipole aerials
Each dipole = 97mm in length
astronomy.network The Website of Lichfield Radio Observatory (LRO)
Andrew Thornett, Lichfield, England, M6THO, andrew (at) thornett (dot) net
- Installing Ptarmigan Triffid array on new wooden mount to allow changes in elevation/altitude for radio observations at 1420.405MHz (hydrogen line)
- 1420Mhz data up until 29.10.2023
Andy,
I think you fortunate to have a PTARMIGAN Band 3 antenna that was designed for the band 1350 to1850 MHz
It probably has a beamwidth around 15 x 15 degrees.
1420 MHz is towards the lower band edge, but being a military design and intended as a secure link antenna for the whole band, will probably have good directional performance and low sidelobes. Military specifications are usually very demanding.
It may be designed for a 75 ohm system, which you can check with a VNA.
I would imagine it is a good acquisition for H-line observation.
Good Luck,
Peter