ainav radar box ranges

paulfineman · January 29, 2013, 11:24:24 PM

Good morning what sort of ranges do you get from your radar box
I know it depends on your aieral
Also is the 1090 freq work like vhf with lift condtions for extra range
Look forward to your repiles
I would be interested from members to send me there ranges
Paul

dantheman · January 30, 2013, 10:52:16 AM

Using the supplied antenna mounted externally (I know!) at sea level, I get about 100km.

bratters · January 30, 2013, 11:43:48 AM

Using a roof mounted antenna at about 110 ft ASL I get 160-180 nautical miles as standard - though not completely round 360 degrees. There are a few black holes.

There does seem to be lift on occasions in high pressure, and then my range can exceed 200nm.

Altitude of the aircraft is the big factor and the 40000 ft high flyers will extend your polar diagram boundaries.

andrewarles · January 30, 2013, 12:08:48 PM

Paul,

I get up to 220nm with a DPD antenna on the roof.

Andrew

CoastGuardJon · January 30, 2013, 01:55:21 PM

With standard supplied antenna, mounted externally (but weather/water-proofed) at around 200' asl, I get consistent 220nm with A/C at FL350 or more.

CYYZGUY · January 30, 2013, 02:26:50 PM

400 Nm + with my setup. DPD Antenna

regards,

andrewarles · January 30, 2013, 02:41:27 PM

Hi CYYZGUY,

Do you have a screenshot of your Maximum Range Polar Diagram?

Andrew

CYYZGUY · January 30, 2013, 03:05:46 PM

Hi Andrew, let me try to get a fresh screenshot for you tonight when I get home from work. (It's only 10AM here toronto time) My polar diagram/mode S rings has changed quite a bit since I took my screenshots months ago.

You probably wont see it until tomorrow your time...

paulfineman · January 30, 2013, 04:09:41 PM

Hi guys thank you for the info
I run at outdoor aieral with slim jim pre amp I get about 180 miles if I get a roof top aieral will the range in crease
Paul

CYYZGUY · January 30, 2013, 05:32:51 PM

Hi Paul, the thing with pre-amps is that they need to be installed as close to the antenna as possible...Also, cable length plays a huge part in your overall results as well. The longer the cable run, the fewer the results...Now, it also depends on the quality of cable. I am using LMR400 which is considered to be "very good", is still somewhat flexible, and can accomodate a PL-259 connector perfectly. I wanted to use LMR600 cable, but it starts getting very stiff and hard to work with. A good quality cable, kept as short as possible will yield the best results...

I get such good results because I have a huge height advantage compared to most people.

Jason

CoastGuardJon · January 30, 2013, 06:39:55 PM

What height ASL are you Jason? Paul, a pre-amp will not increase coverage, it may even cause less contacts. A pre-amp is only good for overcoming long co-ax runs, If the antenna isn't receiving a signal, a pre-amp isn't going to create it! Height and clear horizon are the most important factors.

paulfineman · January 30, 2013, 06:47:09 PM

Thqnk you so much for info paul

CYYZGUY · January 30, 2013, 06:52:20 PM

Hi Jon, The City of Toronto and surrounding area is about 76 meters above sea level...

http://www.toronto.ca/toronto_facts/geography.htm

However, as you may or may not know, I have my antenna mounted on top of my apartment building, it is up about 35 meters from the ground itself. Pics are in the sticky thread "Installation Photos"

Jason

paulfineman · January 30, 2013, 06:57:55 PM

When do you think the radar box alerts will come back

CoastGuardJon · January 30, 2013, 08:26:13 PM

Hi Jason, your height ASL is around 350 feet, so your range is remarkable. Can you post some screen shots with rings please?