Antenna jungle - inventory - What's out there?

cstout · Dec 27, 2016

Got it, thank you. They'll be here by the end of the week. So, are you still using yours and have they remained reliable or have you switched to a different amp/amp+injector?

cstout · Dec 27, 2016

Also, this 12-volt car adapter appears to be compatible with the amps. Would you see anything wrong with using this to avoid using a portable battery?

https://www.amazon.com/HitCar-12-Vo.../B00X619KJC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1482863138

cstout · Dec 27, 2016

IBV said:
There is N-male antennas and N-female magnet holders. If you screw the amp directly to a magnet then you can screw the antenna directly onto the amp!
Antenna 2.4GHz 8.5dBi OmniDirectional WiFi; Mounts pole, wall. N-f N-m | Waterproof.

@IBV have you used any DataAlliance omni's? The price is definitely favorable in comparison to the L-Coms.

jhax01 · Dec 27, 2016

cstout said:
Also, this 12-volt car adapter appears to be compatible with the amps. Would you see anything wrong with using this to avoid using a portable battery?

https://www.amazon.com/HitCar-12-Vo.../B00X619KJC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1482863138

I would hesitate to use an unregulated power supply, particularly if the engine were running. Alternators can have voltage spikes, etc.

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IBV · Dec 28, 2016

cstout said:
@IBV have you used any DataAlliance omni's? The price is definitely favorable in comparison to the L-Coms.

I think so. Not sure now but I prefer 9 dB over 12 or 14dbi. The reason is that the vertical angle of the 9db is wider and thus easier to handle in case the car isn't leveled or flying closer. L-com antennas are no better but more expensive.

IBV · Dec 28, 2016

jhax01 said:
I would hesitate to use an unregulated power supply, particularly if the engine were running. Alternators can have voltage spikes, etc.

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I agree, however modern cars should provide proper regulated 12V DC. I use a capacitor as fast acting buffer/ equalizer. 15V DC doesn't harm the amps.

jhax01 · Dec 28, 2016

IBV said:
I agree, however modern cars should provide proper regulated 12V DC. I use a capacitor as fast acting buffer/ equalizer. 15V DC doesn't harm the amps.

Good to know they can handle 15V. Some vehicles, such as my Suburban, have a variable computer controlled charging system so I can get voltage swings from 11.5-15v. The battery should buffer the system some, but by using a regulated DC-DC power supply I ensure there's no alternator generated line noise being introduced. I'm sure the LTXs have some filtering but at $50 a dedicated power supply like the M3 - ATX is cheap insurance in my book.

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cstout · Dec 30, 2016

@jhax01 Do I have your stamp of approval? I went with the drill approach. First attempt (left) I hit the pin but not enough to damage it. Second attempt (right) was dead center and I was able to push the thin layer of aluminum out without hitting the pin at all. Below that is the small square cut outs in the gel and the scraped board where the resistor line is. How's it look?

jhax01 · Dec 30, 2016

cstout said:
@jhax01 Do I have your stamp of approval? I went with the drill approach. First attempt (left) I hit the pin but not enough to damage it. Second attempt (right) was dead center and I was able to push the thin layer of aluminum out without hitting the pin at all. Below that is the small square cut outs in the gel and the scraped board where the resistor line is. How's it look?

That's exactly how I did it, looks good to me! I think you'll be pleased with them.

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cstout · Dec 31, 2016

So, I briefly sketched out my three options for using this setup in the car. I'm not looking to a do a permanent install because I'd like to transfer it between vehicles. I think for the sake of simplicity (and cost) I'm going to go with Option 3. Option 1 isn't really an option...it's just what I have currently and with the short cable lengths it would be awkward to set up and even more awkward to use.

Option 2 is cool but with the cold and hot days I'd like to keep the 12v battery in the car for its health. I also suspect since it's a short run (6-10 feet) of higher quality LMR-400 the loss between option 2 and 3 would be unnoticeable.

Am I overthinking it or does this look like a good way to go?

cstout · Dec 31, 2016

Option 2 is even cooler in person. One of two antennas arrived today...

cstout · Dec 31, 2016

Ok, there are two benefits which pushed me to choose option 2.
1. Direct connection to antenna from amp
2. Easy to mount amp to a small piece of wood with a screw-in magnet foot.

Now, waiting on more shipping...

JohnnyB · Dec 31, 2016

Only differences... The ability to measure with injectors. Agreed #2 = less loss. Be nice to go #2 but have a good rf meter to test with. I'm learning more and more the importance in the ability to measure. Just like Gram discovered a weak amp...

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JohnnyB · Dec 31, 2016

Glad your getting suited for war on the trees!

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cstout · Dec 31, 2016

@Johnny Bellew Yes, #2 sweet talked me and MPD Digital on Amazon offered an easy exchange for my 3' lmr-195 to 10' lmr-400. The dc jack extension was $12 for two so that's hard to beat.

Yeah, I'm going to war with trees and urban wifi interference! Thanks to all involved here for the tips, guides, and recommendations!

ebi718 · Jan 2, 2017

jhax01 said:
Cables to mod my radio should be delivered today so hopefully I'll be able to test out the amps and l-coms tomorrow! Found a better set of cables for the DBS as well - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00Y...F8&qid=1474143489&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

Also ordered a pair of these for the radio side - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00Y...F8&qid=1474143674&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

Wish I would have searched harder to begin with so I didn't waste $$. At least the other cables I've bought were cheaper.

I have the perfect spot picked to test. I consistently get 2800 ft there due to trees. The antenna mods will be worth it to fly from my car regardless, but it would be nice to get a little extra range too.

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Hey jhax01, at 1 foot, what is the fit/how flexible is this RG400 jump cable with the DBS antenna? When you can, please share a pic of what it looks like? Thanks.

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jhax01 · Jan 2, 2017

ebi718 said:
Hey jhax01, at 1 foot, what is the fit/how flexible is this RG400 jump cable with the DBS antenna? When you can, please share a pic of what it looks like? Thanks.

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It's about a quarter of an inch thick maybe, stiff but still fairly flexible. I use a 3 foot section to connect to the injectors in my Suburban. I'm headed across the pond so I won't be able to take a pic until next week tho, sorry.

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hotashes · Jan 2, 2017

jhax01 said:
It's about a quarter of an inch thick maybe, stiff but still fairly flexible. I use a 3 foot section to connect to the injectors in my Suburban. I'm headed across the pond so I won't be able to take a pic until next week tho, sorry.

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U.K.?

U.K. London Side pushing the Phantom 4. Peace