Best antenna to use

[EK01]

Hi guys,

At my home location I am getting around 60 miles range with the RB supplied antenna placed on the window sill. Can anyone suggest the best type of antenna to get to increase this range and what the cost would be. Can you purchase from Maplins. Presumably it would come with a USB connection.

Thanks.

[nortonbeak]

An external antenna placed as high as possible with a clear view for 360^o will give you a much better range.

As far as I am aware Maplin do not stock a suitable antenna.

The antenna locates in the back of your Radarbox via an SMA connector, not USB.

A suitable antenna can be ordered through Airnav.

http://www.airnavsystems.com/RadarBox/order.html

But a search of the internet will show that there are a few alternatives also available.

[EK01]

Thanks for that. Don't know why I called it a USB connection. I must have been looking at the rear of the RB when I was composing the details.

[chassi]

This is the one I use:-

http://www.ssejim.co.uk/26-sseads1090sj.htm

Comes with a Thin fly lead to save straining the SMA connector on the Radarbox. You can
specify 'N' or 'BNC' to connect to the antenna lead. Excellent results &
Excellent service from Jim Finch & his wife.

[Deadcalm]

I've used both the Wimo and the BS100/AS110, see here:

http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=1794.msg14184#msg14184

DC

[EK01]

Thanks guys.

[Mark07]

I have just connected a Watson ADS-B antenna to my radarbox and what a difference.  It is located on the gable of the house (approx 5 meteres height) and I have gone from approx 15-20 flights with the supplied antenna to 40-50 flights and upto 250 msgs/sec.  I am using low loss coax

I also have just linked the radio (Bearcat 3350XLT) upto a Diamond D-777 antenna and am getting clear audio of flights over Wales / Lands End and out over the Atlantic (approx 210nm from my location).

The furthest flight I have picked up is at around 220nm off the SW coast of Ireland flying over the Atlantic.

I am located in the NW of Ireland.

[RodBearden]

Hi Mark07 - sounds like great coverage - I'm sure I've been noticing your input to the network.

Would you (and any other newcomers) like to add your pin to the user-generated users map on via this thread: http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=1685.0. If you aren't signed up to Google, post a message on that thread and someone will add you if you tell us your nearest town/village.

Rod

[GreekSpy2001]

I have used the external ssejim antenna since Nov.  Execellent results.

Graham

[Wayne]

Had a look at these options as I'm interested in getting an external antenna myself. Recently had double glazing and whilst Pilkington glass makes for a warm house, it seriously affects RB reception.

There seems to be a huge price difference between the SSE option and the AirnavAntenna Kit for RB. Unless I am mis-reading this the SSE antenna is available for around £100 including cable whilst the RB option comes out at £451. Does anyone know why there is such a huge difference ?

[nortonbeak]

I believe that the Airnav option to which you refer includes a mast head amplifier and a power supply for that amplifier. Neither of these components are cheap.

[Mark07]

Hi Rod,
No problem I will update my location on google maps today.

Mark