SP 80 External Antenna?
I am wondering if I can boost the radio performance of my Spectra SP80’s internal UHF radios by moving the antenna off the bottom of the receiver and up into the air using a prism pole with a bipod/tripod. I would buy a +/- 10ft coax antenna extension cable with TNC connectors and simply attach the stock factory antenna (rubber duckie whip antenna) to the end of the cable and then zip tie the end of the cable to the end of the prism pole. If this is successful, I will consider getting the appropriate pole mount with cable with the NMO style antenna mounting (which of course requires a new antenna, which in turn should help me even more). I’m only considering this at the base with no change at the rover (stock rubber duckie inside the UHF extension). Will this help increase my range? Any idea how much (distance increase)? I’d like to be able to gain another 1,000 feet or so transmitting in areas where woods are between base and rover. Also, any information on helping me pick out the most appropriate or best cabling/antenna is much appreciated. (I already learned in the past about making sure to choose an antenna that does NOT require a ground plane – a dealer had sold us a wrong antenna which did require a ground plane.)
Some info concerning my current results: A year ago I did a distance test on our SP80 base and Rover with the interna UHF radios in a wide open fairly flat environment and got 6,090 feet max range. What I am seeing now in “real world conditions” where there are woods between base and rover and/or my rover is significantly lower in elevation, I am only getting around 1,800 feet of range. Yesterday I moved up in elevation and into a wide open field (still woods between base and rover) and I was able to regain radio link at about 3,200 feet. Being a former Topcon Hiper II and Hiper V (with digital II UHF radios) user, I am not used to these radio troubles at such short ranges. After using the SP80’s for a little over a year now, I would not choose them because of their weak radios (unless I can come to a decent solution).
Thanks!
-Garry
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