My Range Polar is poor

[gonz33]

After reviewing the connections in the antenna and the box I see that everything is properly connected. Good analysis of the situation, I think that I upload the antenna a bit more (only 2 metres) really can not upload more antenna.  I do not know if this will give me good results or only few miles. I would like to win 50 miles more, although I know that I am surrounded by mountains and hills.

[AirNav Support]

Hi gonz33,

The reception you get is based on line of sight, so as you say you won't improve your coverage behind the mountains. What is your line of sight like when facing towards the coast?

If you don't have a preamp this may improve things slightly but not as much as an extra 50 miles.

[gonz33]

Where can I purchase an amplifier and which model, and can be installed close to the box? Let me know please thanks...

[CoastGuardJon]

Hi Gonz, as in previous threads, a pre-amp needs to be as close to antenna as possible, and can only overcome losses in longer lengths of co-ax - if the signal's not there, a pre-amp isn't going to magic one up - I can't make it any clearer!

[juangelb35]

Hi Gonz33

If You want to have a nice range / coverage ... with this topography ...
Find a place over the nearest hill to pot you RB there, use an USB port server, and a wireless link between the top oh the hill and your house and catch the RB USB at your pc.
This was done befor here in Brazil ... at a distance of 6 Kms ...
So...   if you need some more info about the equipments needed on this setup...
Ill post detailed info.

Cheers - Juan

[CYYZGUY]

Have you completely waterproofed your connections outside?  I made the mistake of not doing it correctly the first time and I had drastically reduced range.  Some good electrical tape, following by a few coats of "Liquid Electrical Tape"  improved my situation drastically...

Jason

[gonz33]

Thank you for your advice, will do so as soon possible, but am thinking of buying an antenna DPD productions in California.

[CYYZGUY]

This is the antenna I am running.  You cannot go wrong...

Jason

[CoastGuardJon]

Hi Gonz, in addition to Jason's comments about waterproofing, I would add the following - pack any joints/connectors with electrician's grade silicone grease (I wouldn't use GP silicone sealer as this releases some corrosive acid fumes), also if you can get armoured cable termination sleeves and place these over the top of any joints with open bottom end so water and moisture don't get trapped - if you don't understand quite qhat I mean, I'll try to find some pics.   Please bear in mind if a plane not squitting full ADSB signal, you're not going to get a plot.   Military aircraft usually don't or if they do, it can be "manufactured" misinformation!

[gonz33]

Thanks CoastGuardJon, send the photos soon.

[juangelb35]

Gonz33,
There is not an antenna that overcomes hills around !!!
This is governed by physical laws !
So .. .if your station is surrounded by hills it will be useless an DPD antenna, preamp ... or whatsoever...

But ... that is just my opinion... it is good to hear other's opinion...


Cheers - Juan

[RodBearden]

Gonz - have a look at this link - the Up in the Air feature of HeyWhatsThat will allow you to judge the reception you will get by mounting your antenna at different heights to decide whether it's worth getting an external aerial.

http://www.airnavsystems.com/forum/index.php?topic=3335.msg31610#msg31610

Rod

[CoastGuardJon]

Hi Gonz, here's a link to some armoured cable glands.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SWA-CABLE-GLAND-PACK-2-GLANDS-SMALL-20-MM-INDOOR-BW20S-/261187844517?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D250685520502%26ps%3D54