I have a generic 'white stick' antenna that I use for V/UHF, it works okay but would love to squeeze an extra ounce of signal from MIL/AIR, would in your experience making a dedicated dipole or similar for MIL/AIR get me that ounce compared to a unit designed for 2m/70cm?
If so, any designs or links would be appreciated. Nothing too elaborate as I'm on the ground floor and share the communal grass area, so for H&S can't be putting up any fancy arrays. Or if there's a 'killer' off the shelf product then I don't mind spending a few quid.
Cheers for any comments.
(Yet Another) Antenna Question
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(Yet Another) Antenna Question
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Re: (Yet Another) Antenna Question
As with all vertical VHF type antenna, height would help here more than a better antenna.
As far as antenna type is concerned, I've tried out plenty of dedicated airband antenna at home and compared with a dual band ham which stick (X30) there’s little difference receiving ground stations and none at all receiving aircraft.
As far as antenna type is concerned, I've tried out plenty of dedicated airband antenna at home and compared with a dual band ham which stick (X30) there’s little difference receiving ground stations and none at all receiving aircraft.
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Re: (Yet Another) Antenna Question
Mil Air as in UHF 225-400mhz? Funny u shud mention mil air as last week my PRC 344 finally died a death
Antenna wise I would go for a folded di pole as they cheap n easy make and have a broad bandwidth...
Antenna wise I would go for a folded di pole as they cheap n easy make and have a broad bandwidth...
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Re: (Yet Another) Antenna Question
I have had much success with a x30 like Tigersaw and a pre-amp
"Don't worry about old age--it doesn't last that long."
I'm commenting on an internet forum, why should your facts sway my opinion?
I'm commenting on an internet forum, why should your facts sway my opinion?
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Re: (Yet Another) Antenna Question
Before considering a new antenna, have a look at the most important component in the system.
Some people are putting a lot of money into expensive radios and antennas, but they tend to forget where the signal loss takes place: the transmission line. You must never underestimate the importance of having a high quality transmission line.
Yes, it is a boring thing to say, but there is no need to gain another 0.5db in a new antenna if a new cable can save you from 2db loss. The only thing that counts is the signal strength delivered at the receiver end.
At VHF and UHF frequencies, an RG-213 (or 214) will give considerable lower loss than, let's say RG-58 with the same length.
The differences between the two increases with longer cable lengths and higher frequencies.
For many stations this is the difference between modest and good.
Look up a coax attenuation chart and check the difference between your cable and others.
You can also find coax loss calculators online.
Some people are putting a lot of money into expensive radios and antennas, but they tend to forget where the signal loss takes place: the transmission line. You must never underestimate the importance of having a high quality transmission line.
Yes, it is a boring thing to say, but there is no need to gain another 0.5db in a new antenna if a new cable can save you from 2db loss. The only thing that counts is the signal strength delivered at the receiver end.
At VHF and UHF frequencies, an RG-213 (or 214) will give considerable lower loss than, let's say RG-58 with the same length.
The differences between the two increases with longer cable lengths and higher frequencies.
For many stations this is the difference between modest and good.
Look up a coax attenuation chart and check the difference between your cable and others.
You can also find coax loss calculators online.
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Icom 7300 / 706 mk II / 735 - Alinco DR-135DX - President Grant mk II / Jackson mk I - CRT SS9900 / One - Anytone AT300M
Icom ID 51E - QYT KT-8900 - Icom F4SR / 28H - Baofeng UV-5R / 888S
Uniden UBC 780 XLT - Icom R5 / PCR-100 - RTL2832U/R820T + Ham It Up v1.2 - NESDR SMArt