Indoor Aerial

FlightAware ADS-B Flight Tracking
1

Folks,

Just set up a Raspberry Pi three days ago, using plug in USB tuner with supplied small aerial and initially using outside with a battery.

All working fine.

Now all the instructions suggest outside aerial with a clear unobstructed view of the sky, I am trying it temporarily indoors and seem to be picking up aircraft.

Obviously an outside aerial is ideal but what are users views on an indoor aerial?

Geffers

2

One good reason for using an indoor antenna is that you can’t put it outside. Some causes include access to the exterior, Homeowner Association regulations, or a spouse who doesn’t want you up on the roof. Inside works, outside works better.

3

Thanks for very prompt reply. Guessed that to be so but instructions I’ve read have emphasised ‘clear view of sky’.

Well, it is working, not sure of range.

Geffers

4

Outdoor, even at 80ft AMSL gets up to 200NM

Indoor 95%<80NM
flightaware.com/adsb/stats/user/ … tats-17065

Attic - a few more at 80-120NM
flightaware.com/adsb/stats/user/ … tats-20037

Chimney - A few at >200NM
flightaware.com/adsb/stats/user/ … tats-43617

2 Likes
5

Cheers Jon,

Much the same as a TV aerial really.

Geffers

6

Hello, this is my first message in the discussions!

I use the DBV-T antena that comes with the generic USB dongles, at the beginning I tried installing it indoors, it gave me around 100 messages/s in a living room with big windows, putting it outdoors with 180 degrees clear view I get around 700 messages/s, so 7 times better outdoors than indoors. I hope it helps!

7

All tips helpful, that is what forums are all about.

Geffers

8

Mine is inside the attic on a stand I built with a few pieces of 2x4 and I get planes that are like 200km away sometimes. So it definitely works fine but I eventually want to look at putting it outside higher up. There is always that sense of wanting more. :mrgreen:

http://gal.redsquirrel.me/thumbs/lrg-3665-dsc_3197.jpg

http://gal.redsquirrel.me/thumbs/lrg-3669-dsc_3193.jpg

http://gal.redsquirrel.me/thumbs/lrg-3795-screen_shot_2017-06-15_at_15.39.35.png

9

Dang it, I barely inched one position above your indoor station :cry:

Rank
Rank2221×688 157 KB

10

optimized%20mag-mount%201090Mhz%2052%20mm
optimized%20mag-mount%201090Mhz%2052%20mm622×788 55.9 KB

.

(1) WHIP CUT TO 52mm
(2) USING COOKIE CAN AS GROUND PLANE

Optimized%20Stock%20Antenna
Optimized%20Stock%20Antenna640×640 137 KB

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(1) WHIP REPLACED BY 52mm STEEL TIE WIRE
(2) USING FOOD CAN AS GROUND PLANE

20190218_154748
20190218_1547482138×2851 2.15 MB

11

That is
https://flightaware.com/adsb/stats/user/jonhawkes2030#stats-17065
It is an FA antenna, Uputronics amp connected to a Mode S beast. In the corner of our bedroom, about 40ft AMSL. The traffic is mostly the Hudson river and an approach to LGA(I am under the flightpath).

The TV spams the signal. Traffic drops significantly when it is on.

12

I guess you started watching TV because now you dropped one spot, there is another guy between us… :slight_smile:

Yes, this is about location, location, location…

1 Like
13

Watching F1 practice whilst babysitting the plumber and working.

1 Like