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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 |
#2
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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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BDissident news - plus immigration, gun rights, weather, Internet Gun Show IA HREF="http://www.alamanceind.com"ALAMANCE INDEPENDENT: official newspaper of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy/A/b/i |
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