Antenna placement

[Chris0516]

*Moderator please move this post to the right forum*

I have this SDR: https://smile.amazon.com/RTL-SDR-Bl...bd-bc29-e6a8d18deaa8&pd_rd_i=B011HVUEME&psc=1

But the antenna cord is not long enough to put the antenna outside. Is there a way to lengthen the cable, so I can put outside? If not, what is the best location in a room, to put the antenna?

 

[maus92]

*Moderator please move this post to the right forum*

I have this SDR: https://smile.amazon.com/RTL-SDR-Bl...bd-bc29-e6a8d18deaa8&pd_rd_i=B011HVUEME&psc=1

But the antenna cord is not long enough to put the antenna outside. Is there a way to lengthen the cable, so I can put outside? If not, what is the best location in a room, to put the antenna?

Near a window.

 

[mmckenna]

But the antenna cord is not long enough to put the antenna outside. Is there a way to lengthen the cable, so I can put outside? If not, what is the best location in a room, to put the antenna?

You can extend the cable:

https://smile.amazon.com/SUPERBAT-Coaxial-Adapter-Enhancer-Wireless/dp/B086JJ1SQ6/ref=sr_1_12?crid=280EBB33AJDG8&keywords=SMA+to+SMA+cable&qid=1658107308&s=electronics&sprefix=sma+to+sma+cable%2Celectronics%2C202&sr=1-12

Just keep in mind, that all conductors have some amount of loss. For radio use, you loose signal the longer the cable is, and the higher the frequency is. Adding more cable can reduce the amount of signal that makes it from the antenna to the radio. However, getting the antenna outside the home and away from noise sources can greatly improve things.

Get an extension cable just as long as you need. Extra cable coiled up not being used just adds to the amount of signal loss.

 

[Chris0516]

You can extend the cable:

https://smile.amazon.com/SUPERBAT-Coaxial-Adapter-Enhancer-Wireless/dp/B086JJ1SQ6/ref=sr_1_12?crid=280EBB33AJDG8&keywords=SMA+to+SMA+cable&qid=1658107308&s=electronics&sprefix=sma+to+sma+cable%2Celectronics%2C202&sr=1-12

Just keep in mind, that all conductors have some amount of loss. For radio use, you loose signal the longer the cable is, and the higher the frequency is. Adding more cable can reduce the amount of signal that makes it from the antenna to the radio. However, getting the antenna outside the home and away from noise sources can greatly improve things.

Get an extension cable just as long as you need. Extra cable coiled up not being used just adds to the amount of signal loss.

I would love to get the antenna outside.

 

[mmckenna]

I would love to get the antenna outside.

Outside, in the attic, second floor, near a window, away from other consumer noise makers, anything will make a difference. Outside is ideal, but it's not possible for everyone.

 

[Chris0516]

Outside, in the attic, second floor, near a window, away from other consumer noise makers, anything will make a difference. Outside is ideal, but it's not possible for everyone.

Don't have n' attic or second floor. Near a window, is why I need to extend the cable. The skylight above my desk is useless. So, The other window, is on the other side of the office.

 

[mmckenna]

Don't have n' attic or second floor. Near a window, is why I need to extend the cable. The skylight above my desk is useless. So, The other window, is on the other side of the office.

Well, that makes it easy. Get yourself just enough cable to extend the reach. Depending on what your budget is, there are better grades of cable than what I linked to on Amazon. Ideally something like Times Microwave LMR-195 would be a reasonable choice, and less loss than the RG-174.

While there can be some legit concern about getting too much signal on your SDR, and that creating issues with simulcast reception, I doubt that is your issue. And I think you can attenuate using the software. You can also move the antenna around to find the best location.