VDL2 Signal Strength

[eorange]

I have a Raspberry Pi decoding VDL2 using an rtlsdr, connected to my outdoor discone. I'm getting nonstop decodes which is good. But when I use a good airband whip (RH77) placed next to a window - I get nothing. Are the VDL2 signals really that weak?

For comparison, I have a small dipole suction-cupped to a window for decoding ads-b and I have no trouble with reception there.

 

[lwvmobile]

If you have GQRX on your Pi, you might be able to take a look and see if its too noisy or just really faint. Maybe try turning the gain down a bit if its noisy, or turn it up if its faint. Other than that, I don't think you can beat an outdoor antenna for coverage, I never had really good luck with using a whip indoors vs having something actually outside.

 

[eorange]

I actually have no GUI on the pi, but yes I'll experiment with the gain settings.

 

[eorange]

Turns out it's working just fine as-is, once I moved it to a bigger window.

 

[a417]

is it a coated window?

 

[eorange]

No. The window where it's at now is very large with a much clearer view of the sky.