All my RX path questions

[wtp]

it can be for cell service.
many years ago when the 800 band started, i used a paperclip to improve reception for a friend.
he did not like how it looked, but it worked better than the stock one.
for reception, there are no rules.
that is why you get to try anything.
yes, some will work better than others, but you have to try.

 

[Bonkk083]

it can be for cell service.
many years ago when the 800 band started, i used a paperclip to improve reception for a friend.
he did not like how it looked, but it worked better than the stock one.
for reception, there are no rules.
that is why you get to try anything.
yes, some will work better than others, but you have to try.

Does the antenna have to be pointed at the tower are just get in the 15 mile output range

 

[wtp]

with directional antennas, i have found it better to listen as i turn it.
it might sound funny, but swing it around for the best signal.
years ago i had a TV antenna on a rotator and depending on the time of day and weather some came in better on a different position.

 

[Bonkk083]

with directional antennas, i have found it better to listen as i turn it.
it might sound funny, but swing it around for the best signal.
years ago i had a TV antenna on a rotator and depending on the time of day and weather some came in better on a different position.

I see this antenna at 3 different places and 3 different prices

Terrawave T09150Y11206T Yagi Base Antenna | Scanner Master

Terrawave T09150Y11206T Yagi Base Antenna

www.scannermaster.com

 

[wtp]

i am partial to scanner master.

 

[Bonkk083]

i am partial to scanner master.

For receiving I don't have to look at the watts

 

[wtp]

nope.

 

[Bonkk083]

nope.

What does front to back ratio mean and it has a n connector should I use a crimp on bnc connector or adapter to connect to the scanner

 

[wtp]

when you line up metal, it makes radio waves do certain things.
so if you just have a line them up like this lllll
and use the middle one for the active one, you have the same ratio for front and back reception.
so they shift the active one to the next one and then you have directors in the front and a reflector in the back.
and that change the ratio for better reception in the front, but you will still receive some off the back.
kind of like squeezing a balloon and tryin to get more out in front. they do that be adding elements.
and unless you are good with soldering, just use adaptors. you might loose a little, but if you do it wrong, you could loose it all.

 

[Bonkk083]

when you line up metal, it makes radio waves do certain things.
so if you just have a line them up like this lllll
and use the middle one for the active one, you have the same ratio for front and back reception.
so they shift the active one to the next one and then you have directors in the front and a reflector in the back.
and that change the ratio for better reception in the front, but you will still receive some off the back.
kind of like squeezing a balloon and tryin to get more out in front. they do that be adding elements.
and unless you are good with soldering, just use adaptors. you might loose a little, but if you do it wrong, you could loose it all.

I have a vhf antenna on top of the pole and I was planning on putting the yagi on the same pole about 2 feet below it that too close

 

[wtp]

if the pole is metal, it might change the directionality of the yagi, and it might even help.
you might need to play with the distance away from the pole, but i would not worry much about it.

 

[Bonkk083]

if the pole is metal, it might change the directionality of the yagi, and it might even help.
you might need to play with the distance away from the pole, but i would not worry much about it.

It's stainless steel or metal

 

[wtp]

same thing.
just try and make it point away from the pole.

 

[Bonkk083]

same thing.
just try and make it point away from the pole.
View attachment 152569

I just thought I have a wooden post the pole is on the back side maybe get another pole on the front

 

[Bonkk083]

Last question hopefully, Which antenna would have the best chance of reaching 36-45 miles but my terrain is a little hilly, I have info from a los tool I can upload if needed

Terrawave T09150Y11206T Yagi Base Antenna | Scanner Master

Terrawave T09150Y11206T Yagi Base Antenna

www.scannermaster.com

UHF Base antenna, 850-900 mhz, omni-directional, 9dbd (11.1dbi), n female | eBay

Fiberglass Omni-directional Base Antenna. will center tune if desired.

www.ebay.com

 

[Bonkk083]

I have used ScadaCore and Nautel RF Tool and Google Earth and they say different things.
The first 2 are from Nautel and the other form ScadaCore

 

[prcguy]

There is no software that will give accurate RF levels over a terrestrial path due to multipath reflections resulting in up to 6dB additive or 20dB degradation. The only way to know actual path loss is to measure it. All the software I’ve seen uses simple free space path loss and most of us don’t live or work in space.

 

[Bonkk083]

There is no software that will give accurate RF levels over a terrestrial path due to multipath reflections resulting in up to 6dB additive or 20dB degradation. The only way to know actual path loss is to measure it.

The 11 dbi line is yellow and 13-15 dbi is green does that mean the 11 dbi wouldn't work but 13-15 will

 

[prcguy]

The 11 dbi line is yellow and 13-15 dbi is green does that mean the 11 dbi wouldn't work but 13-15 will

Only a real live on air test will give you the bottom line answer. Anything else including the software is a guess.

 

[Bonkk083]

Only a real live on air test will give you the bottom line answer. Anything else including the software is a guess.

Are some yagi better on sides and on the back then others if so what should I look for