VHF Receiving - Amplifiers

[bailey_uk]

Hey folks, located in the Lake District here with many aircraft flying overhead. Been listening for over 10 years now and not managed to hear any ATC Base Transmissions.

I have a SSJ VHF antenna on my chimney and able to hear aircraft from as far away as 250-300 miles.

Ive been advised an amplifier situated close to the antenna may help.

Can anyone recommend one or have one for sale second hand?

Cheers

James

[nortonbeak]

It's pretty unlikely that an amplifier will help. If the signals aren't getting to the antenna in the first place then the amplifier can't amplify a signal that isn't there.

I am only seven miles from my local airport and most of the time don't hear the tower.

[bailey_uk]

With the squelch turned to its max, I can sometimes hear the ATC, but not always.

JB

[nortonbeak]

So there is a signal present.

The amplifier will amplify the background as well as the signal.

[bailey_uk]

So not really worth it then? Ive looked around the internet and not actually found a masthead amplifier specifically for the 118-135 band, can you point me in the right direction?

Cheers

[nortonbeak]

I don't know if there are mast head amplifiers available specifically for airband. I guess somebody, somewhere may supply one.

There is the JIM M 75 which attaches to the scanner

http://www.haydon.info/38_scanner_accs.htm

and Wimo supplies a wideband masthead, the LNA 5000

http://wimo.de/framesetp_e.html

but I really don't believe these will help.

[lennox2604]

Garex

WWW.Garex.co.uk do a airband amplifier uses either batteries or mains


Mine is still working after 4 years

[bailey_uk]

Thanks for those links, ive had a look around and purchased a Garex airband preamplifier - will get back to you with results in a few days, cheers

James