Wind and scanner reception

reconrider8 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 10:14 AM

is there any way to make the scanner pick up better when its windy? every time there's a good breeze blowing my scanner gets choppy on some of the channels that are a lil far away.

Squad10 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reconrider8

is there any way to make the scanner pick up better when its windy? every time there's a good breeze blowing my scanner gets choppy on some of the channels that are a lil far away.

Are you using an outside antenna?

n4yek · #3 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 10:23 AM

With tree branches blowing around and your antenna moving just a slight bit, it will probably be something you have to put up with. I experience the same thing were I live now and where I lived before.

reconrider8 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 10:30 AM

na its a rs that just sits on the back of the scanner (havnt had the time and money to get a outdoor or attic model yet)

Squad10 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 10:33 AM

Transmitting antennas may be swaying with the wind introducing multipath.

Chauffeur6 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 12:58 PM

Short of stopping every tree and object from swaying in the wind between you and the transmitting antenna, and of course stopping the transmitting antenna itself from swaying in the wind, there's nothing you can do about it. The only factor you can control is your antenna, which as you said is indoors and not being subjected to the wind. The further from the transmitter you are, the worse the effect will be. It's normal.

dracer777 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 01:04 PM

Wirelessly posted (MOT-QA30/00.72 UP.Browser/7.2.7.5.610 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Can radio waves be influenced by wind? I understand that radio waves move very fast, but it just makes me wonder if the air that the waves are traveling through can "change the direction" of travel of the waves.

RadioDaze · #8 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 02:05 PM

The wind itself won't affect the radio waves directly, like it will a sound wave. Here in Southern California, we get the famed Santa Ana Winds. These bring low humidity that can increase the amount of static electricity. Some have also suggested that there's an increase in ionized particles in the air at these times. I've never really paid attention to whether the reception is different, but I will next time.

If it's windy along the path between you and the stations you are receiving, there could be arcing of electric transmission lines possibly affecting the signal. That would probably sound more like noise or static. If it's choppy sounding, then something may be causing the signal to drop below your squelch. Next time open your squelch all the way and see if it drops completely or just gets fainter. Squad10 may be onto something.

Squad10 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 02:36 PM

Multipath fading occurs in any environment where there is multipath propagation and there is some movement of elements within the radio communications system. This may include the radio transmitter or receiver position, or in the elements that give rise to the reflections. The multipath fading can often be relatively deep, i.e. the signals fade completely away, whereas at other times the fading may not cause the signal to fall below a useable strength.

At times there will be changes in the relative path lengths. This could result from either the radio transmitter or receiver moving, or any of the objects that provides a reflective surface moving. This will result in the phases of the signals arriving at the receiver changing, and in turn this will result in the signal strength varying as a result of the different way in which the signals will sum together. It is this that causes the fading that is present on many signals.

It is common for antennas that do not have a rigid vertical receiving element (like the Diamond discone antenna) that swings with the wind to introduce the varying signal strength that manifests itself in the form of "choppy" receive audio.

Edit: first two paragraphs from http://www.radio-electronics.com/inf...ath-fading.php
just in case anyone wants to read the full writing.

reconrider8 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dracer777

Wirelessly posted (MOT-QA30/00.72 UP.Browser/7.2.7.5.610 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Can radio waves be influenced by wind? I understand that radio waves move very fast, but it just makes me wonder if the air that the waves are traveling through can "change the direction" of travel of the waves.

that there is what i was wondering if the wind could really affect the radio waves but i learned a lil now

cfr301 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 03:14 PM

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My thinking is that wind moves fronts and pressure systems which we all know do effect radio waves, so yes wind can and does have an effect. Moving your antenna is very much a factor of wind as well.

N_Jay · #12 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 03:21 PM

Wind caused static, Yes.
Wind caused antenna deflection, Yes
Wind affecting a normally good path, No

RadioDaze · #13 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 04:00 PM

You can get an idea of just how sensitive your reception is to antenna deflection by moving your handheld receiver around the room. Sometimes it's necessary to move it just the slightest amount to find that signal "hotspot" for perfect reception. A few inches away, and you lose the transmission. Slight movements in the transmitter's antenna, as well as reflection surfaces along the path, can have the same effect. Listening to a mobile transmitter also shows the effect. That's why it was always next to impossible to watch TV on one of those little portables in a moving vehicle, since the picture was so sensitive to disruption of the signal.

cfr301 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 04:25 PM

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I think comparing wind interference to indoor antenna movement might confuse the issue many things in doors can change any kind of reception, walls electrical issues computer monitors TV's and the list goes on. While I agree interference is the same indoor and outdoor causes CAN be totally different, or the same. Confused now? LOL

reconrider8 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 10:04 PM

yea i think one factor is they were looking for a missing boater and were all on teh lake so that prob. had a lot to do with it to

Chauffeur6 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reconrider8

yea i think one factor is they were looking for a missing boater and were all on teh lake so that prob. had a lot to do with it to

You didn't mention you were listening to moving targets in your initial post. The wind really has nothing to do with the situation you're talking about, it's perfectly normal for mobile radios on the move to vary in signal strength unless you're listening from very close by.