900mhz antenna

[ryanpape]

I'm looking to pick up some 900mhz edacs systems a distance away. My reception swings wildly with a radioshack 800mhz antenna.

Are there any handheld 900mhz antennas that would make a significant difference over the 800mhz I am using now?

What about exterior or directional antennas? I don't really want to mount an antenna outside, but if that is the only real way to improve my reception, I will.

 

[Al42]

I'm looking to pick up some 900mhz edacs systems a distance away.

How far? If their antenna is over your horizon there's very little chance of solid reception.

Are there any handheld 900mhz antennas that would make a significant difference over the 800mhz I am using now?

Not really. Rubber ducks are broadband enough that 800 Mz antennas cover 900 MHz.

What about exterior or directional antennas? I don't really want to mount an antenna outside, but if that is the only real way to improve my reception, I will.

If you mount an antenna such that the antenna of the system you're trying to receive is no longer over the horizon (the horizon moves further away with height) you should be able to receive it well. And directional antennas pull in more signal than non-directional antennas. But the horizon, and intervening tree leaves (they cause quite a loss at 800-900 MHz) - and even rain and snow - are important.

http://www.paccrst.com/downloads/application_notes/AppNote_UHF_VHF_Calc.pdf has a pretty good (if somewhat formula-laden for some people) explanation with examples.