| Home |
| Search |
| Today's Posts |
|
|
|
#1
February 22nd 05, 06:41 PM
|
|||
|
|||
Buck wrote: 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. Really? Any point on the ground? Or does it need to be connected somewhere on the antenna? Thanks for the advise! Dave |
|
#2
February 23rd 05, 06:18 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
On 22 Feb 2005 10:41:15 -0800, "dave.harper"
wrote: Buck wrote: 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. Really? Any point on the ground? Or does it need to be connected somewhere on the antenna? Thanks for the advise! Dave most commonly they are connected to the bnc ground, but anywhere that is grounded to that connector will work. Since this is a scanner, you might consider a piece of computer ribbon cable. Cut each wire in the ribbon to 1/4 of your favorite bands or frequencies until you run out of wire. If you have left-over strips, just remove them or leave them for later use. Just a thought. Buck -- 73 for now Buck N4PGW |
| Reply |
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Forum | |||
| The "TRICK" to TV 'type' Coax Cable [Shielded] SWL Loop Antennas {RHF} | Shortwave | |||
| Antenna Advice | Shortwave | |||
| Make your own T2FD | Shortwave | |||
| FS: Connectors/Adapters/Meters/Etc. | Equipment | |||
| Poor quality low + High TV channels? How much dB in Preamp? | Shortwave | |||
Hybrid Mode
