joeuser
The Wretched
Great, appreciate the post. Was it made by this same operation?
Same one or new one in the new attic, if same - how old is it, roughly?
TYVM
Antenna review: ADS-B omni antenna 1090 MHz 6 dBi gain, colinear 4 elements
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Great, appreciate the post. Was it made by this same operation?
Same one or new one in the new attic, if same - how old is it, roughly?
TYVM
Same antenna, I rescued it from the attic of my old home. I have had it for a few years.
joeuser
The Wretched
That's great. Really like hearing stuff like this. BTW, (again) nice shack! It's tight!
joeuser
The Wretched
Well, weather permitting I'll be putting this up this weekend!
I managed to find a slight imperfection (maybe?) & I'll discuss/show it soon...
I managed to find a slight imperfection (maybe?) & I'll discuss/show it soon...
While we appreciate the effort, reviewing unpacking it does no good for anyone wanting to know it's performance. Maybe in the future wait until it's installed and working and then do a full unpacking, assembly and then operation review all at once.
joeuser
The Wretched
I'll consider that, I just thought I would review as it would go for anyone else. Packing & dimensions can be a deal breaker alone!
joeuser
The Wretched
As I got into the unit I had to separate the antenna from the bracket. I found that the flattened sides of the connection created a gap on the bottom of the PVC where the antenna would seat on the bracket. A small gap to be sure & it would be flush with the bracket. However, I went ahead & sealed it just to be safe & sure. Probably not a big deal but I thought I should show & mention it.
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joeuser
The Wretched
Secured the N type male to F type female adapter. Applied electrical tape until the antenna tests OK. Later I'll use the tried & true CoAx Seal - tar tape for a permanent seal.
Sealed the joint of the PVC along the outside bottom , I only saw a minor ripple and it still appeared sealed but just to be safe. The top joint was already perfectly sealed.
Sealed the joint of the PVC along the outside bottom , I only saw a minor ripple and it still appeared sealed but just to be safe. The top joint was already perfectly sealed.
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joeuser
The Wretched
joeuser
The Wretched
This was a bear to mount! What a PITA! I really think I have a standard sized mast there but the included U bolts were just to short. I managed to get the washers & nut on one end but could get anything but the nut on the other. What I wound up doing was driving the nuts down causing the metal to form around the pipe better & get enough slack to then put the flat, the lock/split washers, & then the nut. As you can see it's warped around the mast. So far this has been the worst part. I would definitely recommend longer U bolts by a half inch at the least.
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joeuser
The Wretched
joeuser
The Wretched
It looks like you're using satellite mounts at the eaves, which would be a 2" diameter mast. TV mast, which most people refer to as the "common" size is 1-1/4" diameter. This would probably explain why you had such a hard time with the U bolts. People should reference the size and not just say it will fit a common mast....probably their way of avoiding lost sales.
joeuser
The Wretched
Yeah, but the mast extensions are 1.25 as I couldn't find anything closer to the J pole mounts at a price I was willing to give. You can't see that from the pictures so its not your mistake but I wanted to make that clear.
blangell
Member
Joe if you check out the photo here Outdoor Omnidirectional Antenna 1090 MHz Ads B 6 dBi for Flightradar 24 | eBay it appears the U-Bolt is used in a different configuration than what you have done, that might have given you more room to put the nut and washers on.
joeuser
The Wretched
LOL, I had it backwards! Well that figures! Thanks for pointing that out!!!
joeuser
The Wretched
The mounting / U Bolts issue was my fault!!!
The U bolt mounting issue was my fault! I had it backwards! I guess all I can say is it might be a good idea to include instructions for idiots like me! Sadly, I can not edit my post about this so hopefully this will suffice!
The U bolt mounting issue was my fault! I had it backwards! I guess all I can say is it might be a good idea to include instructions for idiots like me! Sadly, I can not edit my post about this so hopefully this will suffice!
joeuser
The Wretched
I now have the antenna in use! I used RTL1090 to try out the setup and I have to say - I am impressed! I used to get 30 aircraft with my old setup. Now I get 130! It's a huge difference.
It appears I was getting signals from as far away as 220 NM!
I now have it feeding to FlightRadar24 & after its run a bit, I will report on what FR24 shows me for performance. I have not tuned it - as there appeared to be no way to do that in either RTL1090 nor the FR24 feed software. Not sure if its an issue or not?
Anyway, when I first gave FR24 a spin, my contribution was just pitiful. I just quit doing it as it seemed a waste & it was without a proper antenna.
During that time I looked for an ADS-B antenna that was aesthetically pleasing, performed very well for a consumer grade product, & was affordable.
So far, this antenna seems to fit the bill! I think my FR24 feed will be worthwhile & valuable...
It appears I was getting signals from as far away as 220 NM!
I now have it feeding to FlightRadar24 & after its run a bit, I will report on what FR24 shows me for performance. I have not tuned it - as there appeared to be no way to do that in either RTL1090 nor the FR24 feed software. Not sure if its an issue or not?
Anyway, when I first gave FR24 a spin, my contribution was just pitiful. I just quit doing it as it seemed a waste & it was without a proper antenna.
During that time I looked for an ADS-B antenna that was aesthetically pleasing, performed very well for a consumer grade product, & was affordable.
So far, this antenna seems to fit the bill! I think my FR24 feed will be worthwhile & valuable...
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Screenshot?
Hey Joe can you post a screen shot? I don't have fr24 just using VRS out here. Do you have VRS? Maybe post a shot of that range plot?
Hey Joe can you post a screen shot? I don't have fr24 just using VRS out here. Do you have VRS? Maybe post a shot of that range plot?
joeuser
The Wretched
You mean this: Home - Virtual Radar Server ? I sure could. Anything I need to know to get you exactly what you need? Details?
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