# FlightAware Antenna restock? **URL:** \ **Category:** ADS-B Flight Tracking\ **Created:** [March 28, 2021, 12:23am UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208 "2021-03-28T00:23:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![KV0KEV](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/kv0kev/32/129280_2.png) [@KV0KEV](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/KV0KEV)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2021, 12:23am UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/1 "2021-03-28T00:23:54Z")
I recently setup FlightAware for the first time, currently using a simple $8 1090 MHz antenna that I found on Amazon, but the reception range is very limited. The FlightAware ADS-B Antenna listed on “Build a PiAware ADS-B Receive” is out of stock on [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com). Are there plans to re-stock this item? Or is there another location where this can be purchased? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![abcd567](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/abcd567/32/113769_2.png) [@abcd567](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/abcd567)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2021, 1:01am UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/2 "2021-03-28T01:01:35Z")
Is this is the anttenna you have purchased? [https://www.amazon.com/onelinkmore-1090Mhz-Antenna-Connector-Adapter/dp/B013S8B234](https://www.amazon.com/onelinkmore-1090Mhz-Antenna-Connector-Adapter/dp/B013S8B234) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/f/2/f26ed013bfd90feeda2b15242e73852b1532f743.png)   ## While you are waiting to get your Flightaware Antenna: You can improve mag-mount whip antenna’s performance by following two simple steps. Each step is independent of other and gives good improvement. Both together will be better, but first one (metal plate/food-can) is more important. 1. Placing it over a metallic (preferably iron/steel) plate or food-can 2. Un-srew the whip and use a _thin_ copper or steel wire of length shown in photo below 3. Try different location of antenna. Generally placing antenna near an outer window or outer wall improves reception. ![Optimized Whip Steel Tie Wire-590x640](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/6/5/65169c9d98aa0fb6f95d085f7ca966746fbdc400.jpeg) ![Optimized Whip Steel Tie Wire-Dimensions](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/8/e/8e0caa10e25c7230036e014804f021b0322e1ceb.jpeg) ![UTP-Cable-Picture](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/e/1/e1edc75d8225e71e2e83703d16ce85f21a592533.jpeg) ![Optimized Stock Antenna](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/1X/7e85291944242242f65bbe9cc4d32befd7d6190b.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![KV0KEV](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/kv0kev/32/129280_2.png) [@KV0KEV](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/KV0KEV)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2021, 2:38am UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/3 "2021-03-28T02:38:53Z")
Yes, that is the exact antenna that I am using. I saw others mention the first tip in the Amazon reviews, I am using a 9" metal pie plate. Would that be sufficient? I will give your second suggestion a try. I’m curious, why does this help? Isn’t the antenna above already tuned for 1090 MHz? Also, if you are trying to build a 1/4 wave antenna, shouldn’t the length be (300 / 1090) \* 0.25 = 0.06875 meters = 68.75 mm? Not questioning your wisdom here, just trying to understand. I have the antenna placed near an exterior window, but RF is still a challenge in my home since I have metal siding. I would like to get this on my roof, but I’m not thrilled about drilling a hole in the wall just to satisfy my geekdom. Thanks for the response! ---
**Author:** ![abcd567](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/abcd567/32/113769_2.png) [@abcd567](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/abcd567)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2021, 3:04am UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/4 "2021-03-28T03:04:10Z")
> [@KV0KEV](#): > > I’m curious, why does this help? Isn’t the antenna above already tuned for 1090 MHz? It is declared as 1090 MHz, but as most of sellers are labelling WiFI Antennas (2400 MHz) as 1090 Mhz, most of these perform bad on 1090 MHz. > [@KV0KEV](#): > > Also, if you are trying to build a 1/4 wave antenna, shouldn’t the length be (300 / 1090) \* 0.25 = 0.06875 meters = 68.75 mm? Please see diagram below. **NOTE:** Although diagram days “CUT HERE”, I would suggest “Do NOT CUT” the whip. instead un-screw it and use a thin wire cut to proper size as whip. A thin wire is required for easily wrapping it’s few turns on the brass screw stud of the magnetic base. I have broken the brass screwed stud once when I tryed to wind a thicd and hard core wire of RG6 coax (it looks copper, but is actually copper coated steel, and very stiff). If you have scrap network cable RJ45, use one of its many wires which are thin and made of copper. ![optimized mag-mount 1090Mhz 52 mm-R](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/9/0/903e0e7a51c6e71a5d98e477d02bfa24379ba3d2.png) ---
**Author:** ![KV0KEV](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/kv0kev/32/129280_2.png) [@KV0KEV](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/KV0KEV)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2021, 2:09pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/5 "2021-03-28T14:09:06Z")
Thank you for the explanation, it makes perfect sense. I will give this a try today. ---
**Author:** ![KV0KEV](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/kv0kev/32/129280_2.png) [@KV0KEV](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/KV0KEV)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2021, 6:39pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/7 "2021-03-28T18:39:51Z")
abcd567, I harvested a few inches of stranded 18 AWG copper from an old lamp cord and modified my antenna as you suggested. The number of planes that I was tracking immediately doubled. However, I was still only tracking 2-8 planes out to about 40 miles. When I took my setup outside on my deck and reached up to place the antenna on the edge of my roof, the results were dramatic; that resulted in 40-50 planes out to 160 miles. Even now the antenna placement isn’t idea, but it made a huge difference getting outside of my steel-siding home. Since the FlightAware antenna is out of stock, I am going to give the [ADSBexchange antenna](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089Q4BVCB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) a try: ---
**Author:** ![foxhunter](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/foxhunter/32/113733_2.png) [@foxhunter](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/foxhunter)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2021, 7:24pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/8 "2021-03-28T19:24:45Z")
If you would like to get a good one take some more money and get the antenna from Jetvision. This is the device which is delivered at least in Germany if you get a Flightaware-Receiver. It’s just a little more expensive, but i think over time more reliable if mounted outdoor ---
**Author:** ![abcd567](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/abcd567/32/113769_2.png) [@abcd567](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/abcd567)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2021, 7:56pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/9 "2021-03-28T19:56:49Z")
> [@KV0KEV](#): > > Even now the antenna placement isn’t idea, but it made a huge difference getting outside of my steel-siding home. The 3 things which greatly affect performance of an antenna are: location, location & location 🙂   > [@KV0KEV](#): > > I harvested a few inches of stranded 18 AWG copper from an old lamp cord and modified my antenna as you suggested. The number of planes that I was tracking immediately doubled. Try this simple and easy whip also. It gave me 50% more than the 1/4 wavelength whip.   _CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE LARGER SIZE_ ![V-stub wire collinear-35pc-E2](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/d/4/d4887dc6ed6190e5e41092d88c4fec504061c510.jpeg)   **OPTIONAL:** Tuning for best reception by attaching a sliding piece of wire using core insulation to hold main and sliding pieces together. ![V-Spider-4-Horizontal-Radials-3](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/5/b/5be09397784ceba0dd3157ce5650579905b2dca0.png) ---
**Author:** ![KV0KEV](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/kv0kev/32/129280_2.png) [@KV0KEV](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/KV0KEV)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 1:44pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/10 "2021-04-01T13:44:17Z")
I built the antenna above with the radials out of a piece of 20 AWG solid copper wire. I am seeing about a 20% increase in range and number of planes tracked. I didn’t do the optional “tuning” portion and unfortunately don’t have an SWR meter. There is one negative side-effect. While I am seeing more planes and planes further out (peak range in the last 12 hours is 187 nm), the low planes flying over my home disappear from my map when they are very close (\< 3 miles). Can the signal be too strong? I have this antenna arriving tomorrow: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089Q4BVCB/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o01\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ---
**Author:** ![abcd567](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/abcd567/32/113769_2.png) [@abcd567](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/abcd567)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 1:59pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/11 "2021-04-01T13:59:50Z")
> [@KV0KEV](#): > > While I am seeing more planes and planes further out (peak range in the last 12 hours is 187 nm), the low planes flying over my home disappear from my map when they are very close (\< 3 miles). Can the signal be too strong? Yes, it is due to too strong signal when plane is nesrby. Reduce gain setting. If it is default -10, try 49, 45 and 40 dB gain setting. A higher gain antenna like V-stub, or FA or Adsbx etc picks the cell mobile signal also better, and if these are strong in your location, they can overload the dongle. Generally adding a filter in such cases solves the problem. > [@Dual Dongle and filters](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/dual-dongle-and-filters/75315/6): > > **Is an external filter with a FA blue dongle needed?** > > **Short answer is: In some circumstances, yes.** ---
**Author:** ![wiedehopf](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/wiedehopf/32/114045_2.png) [@wiedehopf](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/wiedehopf)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 2:03pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/12 "2021-04-01T14:03:05Z")
> [@KV0KEV](#): > > Can the signal be too strong? Yes, try this (works for standalone dump1090-fa and the piaware image): > **[Automatic gain optimization for readsb and dump1090 fa](https://github.com/wiedehopf/adsb-scripts/wiki/Automatic-gain-optimization-for-readsb-and-dump1090-fa)** > > Solutions to common problems for rtl\_sdr / ADS-B stuff - wiedehopf/adsb-scripts Or read a bit of text and do it manually: [Thoughts on optimizing gain](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/thoughts-on-optimizing-gain/44482) ---
**Author:** ![KV0KEV](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/kv0kev/32/129280_2.png) [@KV0KEV](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/KV0KEV)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 2:25pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/13 "2021-04-01T14:25:51Z")
I am using the blue FA SDR dongle. I will start experimenting with the gain settings. Thanks again for the help! Fun stuff. ---
**Author:** ![abcd567](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/abcd567/32/113769_2.png) [@abcd567](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/abcd567)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 7:39pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/14 "2021-04-01T19:39:04Z")
> [@KV0KEV](#): > > I will start experimenting with the gain settings. **This is first step**. Most likely it will give you substantial improvement.   > [@KV0KEV](#): > > I am using the blue FA SDR dongle. **Next step is to conduct an RF Scan**. Even though FA blue dongle ha a built-in filter, in envirnoments with high RF noise such as mobile/cell, TV and FM can require adding an external filter. The dongle’s tuner has a range of 24 Mhz to 1750 Mhz and can process all these signals. Please see following post for examples and **scan graphs** of RF noise in above noted range: > [@Dual Dongle and filters](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/dual-dongle-and-filters/75315/6): > > **Is an external filter with a FA blue dongle needed?** > > **Short answer is: In some circumstances, yes.** > > Example: > > - At @foxhunter’s location, Filter did not bring any improvement as his location has low RF noise environment. > - At my location if I remove the filter, the reception drops to 10%, as my location has very high RF noise environment. > > Please see following scans (with & without interna/external Filters) which I conducted about 6 months ago **at my very RF noisy environment**. I carried out scan as per following guide. ---
**Author:** ![mrhogarth](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/mrhogarth/32/80712_2.png) [@mrhogarth](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/mrhogarth)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 8:23pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/15 "2021-04-01T20:23:26Z")
I have set up a temporary indoor aerial while I wait for some bits and pieces to move some amateur radio aerials around on the pole. I tried a few indoor aerials from a 1/4wave, 5/8wave, 3x5/8wave, 4x 1/2wave dipole type, 8 element coax colinear and a Slim Jim. (all made from copper wire) Results were disappointing for most designs when compared to a Slim Jim which is only about 22cm tall. It’s a piece of 1mm copper wire folded in a rectangle with a small gap on one side - fed with the coax cut off one of the 1/4wave aerials! I am picking up data up to 100miles away with this hanging from a curtain pole on an upstairs window. The 3x5/8wave only managed 30miles max, the 8 element coaxial colinear was very poor even though the analyser showed it being resonant on 1090MHz. This could all change when I try aerials outdoors on a pole, but for indoor use, the Slim Jim design was the most efficient for me. I tend to find the SJ works better than colinears on 2m and 70cm too. My setup was only a bit of an experiment as I wasn’t in to aviation, but had the old Pi left over when I replaced it for a new one running PiHole and I found an RTL-SDR I bought ages ago. The old Pi is running at 90-100% CPU. I will be putting a PiZero with USB&CAT5 hat and a new Flightaware USB dongle inside a waterproof case with the Slim Jim on the top and running a CAT5 and power lead in to the loft and on in to a Powerline Adapter. That way I get zero coax loss, but the cold or extreme heat might kill it! Keep experimenting with the aerials, what works best here might not somewhere else. I was watching my own data output on the map and comparing it to the FlightAware map. ---
**Author:** ![abcd567](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/abcd567/32/113769_2.png) [@abcd567](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/abcd567)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 9:19pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/16 "2021-04-01T21:19:54Z")
> [@mrhogarth](#): > > Keep experimenting with the aerials, what works best here might not somewhere else. True. Try this simple and easy V-Stub wire collinear also. It worked very good for my **indoor** location. Gave me 50% more range / plane count compared to 1/4 wavelength. Your milage may vary. **OPTIONAL** : Tuning for best reception by attaching a sliding piece of wire using core insulation to hold main and sliding pieces together. ![V-Spider-4-Horizontal-Radials-3](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/flightaware/original/3X/5/b/5be09397784ceba0dd3157ce5650579905b2dca0.png) ---
**Author:** ![system](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discussions.flightaware.com/system/32/38558_2.png) [@system](https://discussions.flightaware.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2022, 9:19pm UTC](https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/flightaware-antenna-restock/75208/17 "2022-04-01T21:19:55Z")
Closed on April 1, 2022, 9:19pm UTC This topic was automatically closed 365 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.