Using a Small Satellite Array as C-Band Receiver?

An anonymous reader asks: "Many local zoning ordinances prohibit big (6~8 ft) satellite dishes. Is it possible to use many smaller dishes to achieve the same effect as one big dish in picking up C-band transmissions? I know that moving large number of dishes, for satellite tracking purposes, would be a pain but are there any other issues?" Obviously building a satellite array is possible, but what are the engineering issues involved in building such a project? How much space is realistically needed? And, of course, the bottom line: how much would doing something like this cost?

Comments

Hide in plain sight

[MountainLogic]

HAMs have been dealing with these type of issues for decades. One very simple solution is to hide it in plain sight. Want to put up 10 meter antenna without ticking-off your neighbors? Put up a 10 meter wooden flag pole and glue your antenna to the pole. Heck, your cranky neighbor may very well help you raise your "flag pole."

Other antenna solutions include a PVC "vent pipe extension" that fits over an existing vent pipe and include a built-in antenna.

Dishes are more problematic, but put up a fiberglass garden shed and then put you dish inside, create some fiberglass "art" and put your dish inder it. You can build your raydome out of wood, but be sure to use glue, not nails.