Quote:
Originally Posted by 2MuchMark
This is a good tip. For some reason these SDR's come only with SMA connectors, which nobody seems to sell. I finally found some at an electronics store (Addisons in Montreal) but they were expensive at about $1.00 each, and SUCKED. You couldn't solder the wires in place, you just had to push it up against this flat connector, etc etc. Total shit.
Anyway, getting an adapter like this is highly recommended.
What kind of Antenna did you put outside? I was told by my better half that I was in no way allowed to install anything ugly outside, so I was just thinking about running a wire between my house and a pole at the edge of my fence.
Do you happen to know if I can use my inside AC box as a ground? Or do I need to get a proper ground installed outside?
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Yeah, SMA must be something newer. I couldn't find anything SMA locally, but its not surprising to hear that the quality of what you were able to find is sketchy. That's where Amazon comes in as such a reliable source for stuff like this.
As for the antenna, a long wire antenna isn't a good idea for receiving the frequencies that the SDR unit receives. Plus it would have to be placed vertically to receive those frequencies. Your best bet would be to get an antenna designed for scanners.
The one I'm using now is a temporary that I'd dug out of storage. I'll use it until I can get a better one. Its a 25mhz-1296mhz telescoping whip, similar to this one.
Its a decent antenna that does the job, with decent reviews. But its not ideal, and this particular model wasn't really designed as an outdoor antenna. I'll get something much better eventually.
Its placement also isn't ideal, and its also temporary until I can place an antenna up much higher. But its functioning decently already where it is now. I have it clamped to the side of a wooden porch column, which makes it pretty much invisible from the street and to neighbors. Someone may be able to see a bit of coax cable, but they won't know why its there or what its for.
As for the ideal antenna, from my research the best ever scanner antenna hands-down, much better than any discone, is the AntennaCraft ST2. (Not to be confused with the Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna.) And for a price of about $40, its a steal. Although it is is ugly.
Only problem is, they've been discontinued. I think due to the bankruptcy of their parent company, RadioShack. You can't find them anywhere, except maybe Ebay with the price jacked up hundreds and hundreds of dollars. I'll pass on that.
As for grounding, I don't know much about it or how to go about doing it properly. Back in the day, I just mounted a discone on the roof and took my chances with lightning. Bad idea, I know, but I was lucky.
My understanding is grounding has no effect on antenna reception. Its only for lightning protection. But where mine is currently located, grounding isn't really an issue for now. I'll look into grounding when I can obtain an antenna I'm happy with, and mount it up high properly.
Good luck to you.