Sensitivity is probably not an issue, but the antenna type and location
definitely is.

A 1/4 wavelength for the range of interest is calculated with the equation:

length = 234 / frequency (in MHz)

and the resultant length is in units of feet. The frequency you choose
should be in the middle of the range of interest.

A very effective omnidirectional antenna design is the 1/4-wave ground
plane, which you can Google for simple plans. Another possibility is to
make a simple dipole antenna by taking a piece of the 300-ohm twin lead
antenna wire (cheap and readily available at Radio Shack or Home Depot),
then split the two wires with a utility knife for the distance of
1/4-wavelength you calculated and stretch the wires in opposite directions
(like a T). Leave some extra length to go to your receiver (no too much)
and connect the other end to a BNC connector, one wire to the center and one
wire to the collar. Hang this antenna on your balcony outside vertically
(away from metal objects) so that the center conductor wire is pointing up
to the sky and the ground end is hanging straight down. This makes an
effective omnidirectional antenna at and around the frequency you cut it
for, and it should work very well with your altitude.

"nsert66" wrote in message
...

I would like to intercept the local airport frequencies
I tried a pro-82 with its default antenna and got little more than the
aircraft, .. no ATC . I returned the radio

I am now trying to decide if i should buy a better radio
and an add on / larger antenna

Or should i accept that local buildings are
going to make it impossible. I am 10 to 12 nm
from the airport. but have other buildings around me
Im on the 12th floor and have a balcony

would a discone do it?
is a base unit more sensitive than a hand held?

is the pro 82 considered sensitive?

what is the ideal antenna length for 108 - 136 MHZ ?

is it better to but aviation hand helds, as they may be
made for these frequencies?

would simply a taller antenna have made a difference with
the pro 82? It was simple enough to use




TIA for any replies

DougSlug wrote:
A very effective omnidirectional antenna design is the 1/4-wave ground
plane, which you can Google for simple plans.

He can check eBay for them already made in the $20-30 price range - and all
he will then have to do is stick it atop his refrigerator. By the time you
make one of these things - magnet, connectors, coax, rod - it will cost almost
as much.
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