(Yet Another) Antenna Question

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Admiral
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(Yet Another) Antenna Question

Post by Admiral »

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.
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Tigersaw
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Re: (Yet Another) Antenna Question

Post by Tigersaw »

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.
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LeakyFeeder
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Re: (Yet Another) Antenna Question

Post by LeakyFeeder »

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...
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Re: (Yet Another) Antenna Question

Post by dcwuk »

I have had much success with a x30 like Tigersaw and a pre-amp
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I'm commenting on an internet forum, why should your facts sway my opinion?
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Re: (Yet Another) Antenna Question

Post by rogerbeep »

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.
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