Hey all, I’ve got a (somewhat crappy) outdoor antenna currently leaning against my window, running along my server rack to my RTL-SDR BlogV4. I am considering getting an LNA/filter for 1090, but I would rather place it outside on a mast first. I’m considering (and likely will) mount it on a piece of 1 1/4 EMT conduit, as I’ve read it’s good enough; however, I then need to run a cable back inside to my RPi4, where I have my decoder. I am unable to drill a hole to bring the cable inside, so I’m thinking about buying a window pass through SMA cable (such as this one or this one). However, I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas or alternatives for this. I’m worried that, although I’ll eventually have my LNA and filter mounted at the antenna, the coax will still have to run a fairly long way, attenuating the signal and actually reducing my reception; would it be better to attempt to find an active USB window pass through cable so I can have the SDR right at the antenna (possibly directly connected in chain with the LNA/Filter in the future)? Does anyone have any suggestions for that type of USB cable? I haven’t been able to find it anywhere.
Anyway, thanks in advance; I really appreciate people helping!
I have no experience with flat pass-thru window cables of any kind.
As for the regular coax, the best value is to use a good quality RG-6. Since you plan on using an LNA at the antenna, the length of the coax is not critical, unless you are really talking a very long run.
Would a run of maybe 15ft be considered a “long run”? Also, I’m only considering using a LNA, and I might not do it; if I do, do you have any recommendations?
What types of cabling are there? I’ve read about RG-6, RG58, and RG59 on this forum; what’s the differences and how long can you run them with an LNA (which, again, I might not have)?
Ok, I’ll try to acquire some RG6. Also, would it be worth it to buy the seemingly recommended AliExpress dongle to replace my BlogV4 or is the V4 good enough? Or just the LNA plus some other probably AliExpress filter?
I have both RTL-SDR Blog v3 and v4. I think the v4 is more suitable for other jobs.
I did not have a good experience with the AirNav stick.
My preferred stick is the FlightAware Blue, but it’s hard to source, at least outside of the US.
The suggested AliExpress stick will be my next one, when the time comes. This one has an LNA and filter built-in, just like the FA Blue. Good value for money.
There’s also LMR400 coax. Slightly larger than RG-6, (0.4 in OD). Less loss at 1090 MHz, about 5 dB /100 feet for the LMR400. But probably more expensive than RG-6.
Honestly, I might just go with this; it’s marginally cheaper and according to wiedehopf, it’s fine to use the lower quality LMR240 for less than 8m/25ft, which should be fine
Yeah, smaller outside diameter means smaller minimum bend radius and easier to handle. Probably good enough for a short run particular on the output side of an LNA.
I’m a big proponent of RG-6 but with a caveat, as there are lots of “RG-6” out there. One must buy good quality RG-6, still affordable, but not always easy to discern.
