[Scan-DC] Hearing Falcon Virgo

[mike agner]

The amount of power of the transmitters on these flights is likely 
restricted information, but you're not just dealing with power, you're 
dealing with an inefficient antenna. At 139 mhz, the antenna would have 
to be about 1.7 foot high to be effective as a basic quarter wave 
antenna. Without a good metal chassis to create a ground plane, it's 
very inefficient. Couple that with any obstructions (particularly 
metallic ones) that can block a signal, and the chances are you won't 
hear very much at all unless you're really close to the action (like 
overhead or within a mile or two), depending on how high your shack is 
away from obstructions.

Bottom line - the antenna (and connecting coax) is a very important 
component of any receiving system, be it for milair or other applications

best regards..Mike

============================
On the 15th, Doug wrote;

Hmmmm... I'm just using back-of-set antennas...

Figured that with the stuff up in the air that I'd be line-of-sight, so to speak.  So are the aircraft radios not very powerful?

Thanks, Mike-

DK

----------------------------------------
(snip)
>/
/>/  Too, it's all about the antenna - this is one area where the antenna is
/>/  really important....
/>/
/>/  Mike


/