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Hello everyone!
One of the common questions we get asked are about antennas. What type of antenna is best for ADS-B reception? How do I improve my coverage range? Where should I place my antenna?
Outdoor antennas are the best option to maximize your reception, but indoor antennas are commonly used for convenience and easy installation. This month, we discuss indoor antennas and how those that use one can get the best reception out of it.
Optimizing Your Indoor Antenna Reception
To maximize reception with your indoor antenna for collecting ADS-B data from airplanes, here are some general guidelines and tips that can help you set up your station effectively:
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Height: Radio waves, including those used for ADS-B signals, typically propagate better when there is a clear line of sight between the transmitter (the airplane) and your receiver. Placing the antenna as high as you can within your home will help. This could mean positioning it in an attic or on the top floor of your home.
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Windows: Radio frequencies used by ADS-B are in the 1090 MHz range, which can penetrate glass better than other materials. Placing the antenna near a window can reduce the amount of obstruction caused by building materials.
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Avoid Obstructions: Metal, concrete, and brick are the most significant blockers of RF signals. Try to place the antenna away from metal structures, such as large appliances, metal window frames, or reinforced concrete walls. An exterior wall with wood siding could be an ideal location to place the antenna next to, as wood typically has a minimal effect on RF signal propagation. However, you should be aware of any metal cables or tubing within the wall that you cannot see, as these can also obstruct the signal. If possible, try to verify the presence of any hidden metal objects that may affect your antenna's performance.
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Direction: ADS-B signals come from aircraft, which can be in any part of the sky. A "pigtail" antenna like yours is generally omnidirectional, meaning it receives signals from all directions. It should not require specific pointing, but make sure it’s upright for best reception.
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Interference: Keep the antenna away from devices that could create electronic interference, such as microwaves, wireless routers, or large electronic devices. Sometimes, placing antenna close to another one can have unexpected interference too.
Remember, experimentation is key in amateur radio activities. You may need to try different locations to see where you get the best reception. Keep track of where you get the most airplane contacts and adjust accordingly. By adhering to these general principles, you'll be better equipped to find a suitable location for your antenna and start enjoying your new hobby. Welcome to the world of amateur radio and ADS-B tracking! If you have any questions, search our FlightAware ADS-B forums for discussions on antennas and join the conversation.
Featured ADS-B Sites for March
HB9FWB joined the FlightAware network last year and hosts two PiAware receivers overlooking the scenic mountains of Switzerland. His setup is blocked by the mountains towards the North, but towards the South his range covers over 250+ miles, which you can see on the polar coverage graph on his My ADS-B Stats page. This is a great example of a receiver built with custom hardware.
If you have photos or an interesting story you’d like to share with us about you or your receiver, email us at [email protected] and you may be featured in one of our newsletters.
Featured FBO for March
Last month, we received responses from several FBO’s interested in being featured in our newsletter.
Jet Care Aviation is an FBO and aircraft maintenance facility in Sorocaba, Brazil. They began operations in 2007 and provide services for conservation, management, and technical control. They’re located at Sorocaba Airport which is home base for Embraer Executive Jet Center. They currently host a FlightFeeder and shared a few photos below giving a glimpse inside their hangar.
Thank you to you both for being apart of the FlightAware network!
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Are you proud of your receiver setup? Send us your photos! Each month we will proudly feature some of our ADS-B receiver hosts in our newsletter like the ones you see above. If you’re interested in being featured, please submit photos of your setups and a small summary about you or your setup, and we’ll pick some of the best ones to feature each month! We hope the featured hosts segment has been giving you ideas on improvements you can make to your receivers. |
If you have content you want to see in our newsletter, let us know by emailing [email protected].
Help increase our coverage!
Our ADS-B network spans across 194 countries on all 7 continents thanks to you all. Our goal is to expand our terrestrial ADS-B coverage across the entire world, especially around airports to improve our surface coverage. If you or someone you know has connections to airports and FBO’s or live in areas where we lack coverage, we’d love to send you a FlightFeeder! You can apply for one here. If we already have coverage in your area, you can still contribute to FlightAware by building your own PiAware. It’s a fun little weekend project!
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