Topic: Antenna photos for System RED

[miraculon]

Here are the pics of the loop antenna and GPS antenna installation. (the controller photos turned out too fuzzy so I'll have to try again later)

The loop antennas. These are installed in the garage rafters hanging from 3/4 inch PVC conduit with a 3/4" to 1/2" reducing tee.



The clear cover was used so I can see the gain status LEDs. With the STP cable debacle I re-crimped with a standard RJ45 and brought out the drain wire. I used conductive copper tape (the same as the antenna shield) to attach it to the RJ45 socket shield.

In this photo you can see the Tram GPS antenna mounted just above the H-B lightning detector and below the Davis wind instruments. I was able to get it above the roof line, so the only signal eclipse is the mast (and H-B antenna). Effectively it is "full sky" compared to my very constricted sky view on the 6.8usb original station.



Greg H.

[schwab]

In Rochester, Minnesota, I have the original Blitzortung Setup...

PCB 5.7 Amplifier Board
PCB 6.8 USB Controller with Sparkfun mini USB connector
Cased Navilock GPS EM-406A sits on an east-facing window sill
2 x 12 cm Unshielded Ferrite Antennas inside our house on the second story.
WT 6.20.2 Firmware

My GPS usually tracks 12 satellites.

I do not understand what a "signal eclipse" is and why mounting the GPS with a 360 view is important?

How might this current setup adversely effect my unit's (#671) lightning detection and contributions to the USA network?

Thanks.

[Cutty Sark Sailor]

In Rochester, Minnesota, I have the original Blitzortung Setup...

PCB 5.7 Amplifier Board
PCB 6.8 USB Controller with Sparkfun mini USB connector
Cased Navilock GPS EM-406A sits on an east-facing window sill
2 x 12 cm Unshielded Ferrite Antennas inside our house on the second story.
WT 6.20.2 Firmware

My GPS usually tracks 12 satellites.

I do not understand what a "signal eclipse" is and why mounting the GPS with a 360 view is important?

How might this current setup adversely effect my unit's (#671) lightning detection and contributions to the USA network?

Thanks.

Anything blocking the satellite's signal to your antenna. Mine with the standard Red supplied antenna tracks 9-12, indoors, sitting atop a curtain rod... my ferrites are shielded, grounded.

[miraculon]

In Rochester, Minnesota, I have the original Blitzortung Setup...

PCB 5.7 Amplifier Board
PCB 6.8 USB Controller with Sparkfun mini USB connector
Cased Navilock GPS EM-406A sits on an east-facing window sill
2 x 12 cm Unshielded Ferrite Antennas inside our house on the second story.
WT 6.20.2 Firmware

My GPS usually tracks 12 satellites.

I do not understand what a "signal eclipse" is and why mounting the GPS with a 360 view is important?

How might this current setup adversely effect my unit's (#671) lightning detection and contributions to the USA network?

Thanks.

The more complete view of the sky for the GPS antenna, the better chance of picking up enough satellites for a fix. Having a fix is a prerequisite for getting the critical time stamps. I noticed that the "time to first fix" is really good with this antenna and location. I haven't timed it, but I would guess less than a minute vs. a few minutes for the other antenna with the partial "north only" view of the sky.

As long as you have a GPS fix, you are OK.

Greg H.