Thread: Gain increase from scanner antenna to quarter-wave?
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Old February 22nd 05, 06:15 PM
Buck
 
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On 22 Feb 2005 06:38:53 -0800, wrote:

I'm tracking a high altitude balloon on 2m via a handheld scanner, and
in the past have used the standard rubber-duck antenna that the scanner
came with. However, reception isn't too great at times. What kind of
gain increase could I expect to see if I were to replace the current
rubber-duck antenna with a quarter-wave antenna (designed for 2m and
70cm)?

Significant. I don't have a number, but it will definitely improve.

On the balloon, is the antenna vertically polarized? I would assume
so. If not, consider a dipole.

Also, to improve the reception further, build a 'rat-tail'. Its a 1/4
wave wire that hangs from the ground of the rig making your 1/4 wave
antenna more of a 1/2 wave. You may find adding that will help even
with the duck.


--
73 for now
Buck
N4PGW

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