Help Setting Up a Feed

[gosox116]

Hi everyone. I am thinking about possibly starting a feed for SRQ Tower. It is Florida, so the land is flat, but trees that are 20 feet taller than my house surround the lake behind my house. I'm located 13-14 miles from SRQ. I currently own a handheld Maycom AR-108, but I can only receive the tower within a mile or two of the airport. What are the chances of me being able to clearly receive the tower for a feed from my house? If it's possible, exactly what equipment will I need? I've read the FAQ section and I have a general idea, but I'd love some specific help.

As a last resort, I have another location 4-5 miles from the field on the fourth floor of a building. It does not face SRQ, so there is no direct line of sight. Also, I don't know if I'd be able to setup an external antenna here. What setup would I need in this case? Again, this setup would be a last resort as I might not be able to use the location.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Carl

[Fryy/Avocadoflight]

im about 15-20 miles from the airport i run on my feed. i have an antenna mounted about 30ft up on the roof with 50ft coax cable running through the attic to my room with the scanner. the best way is to try and get an antenna as high up as you possibly can.

[captkel]

I too am in Florida. I’m about 35 miles away from what I feed (and sometimes it sounds that way) I have a 2 meter ham corner reflector antenna which has some gain that seems to perform well on the VHF aviation band. The antenna is mounted 37’ high. Try to mount an antenna outside and see what happens. Miami Center has a RCAG in Sarasota, I believe it’s at the SRQ airport. Would make for some excellent listening.

[Squawk 7700]

Carl - I would definitely recommend an outdoor antenna. A 1/4 Airband ground plane antenna such as the Centerfire listed below will give you great results. With your Maycom AR-108 handheld you will need a BNC Female to SMA Male adapter for use with the external antenna if your coax has a BNC connector on one end. Other items you may need with the Maycom are filters to improve reception, especially if you live in a Metropolitan area.

http://www.amazon.com/Coaxial-Adapter-BNC-Female-Male/dp/B000ASB0VA
http://www.centerfireantenna.com/scan.html
http://www.scannermaster.com/BPF_AIR_Air_Band_Band_Pass_Filter_p/24-531022.htm
http://www.scannermaster.com/HPN_30118_Combined_Notch_Filter_p/24-531024.htm

I know it's always hard to know what to expect for reception so I'll give you an audio sampling of what I have. Two clips. KSFO 12 miles away and KOAK 4 miles away.

Equipment used: Maycom AR-108 + above antenna and both filters + 19 feet of RG6U coax cable.
Location: Antenna mounted on 3rd story balcony overlooking water. San Francisco Airport line of sight no obstructions. Oakland Airport 4 miles away with a residential community between me and the airport.

Hope this builds a better picture of what to expect? Funny that you mentioned the Maycom AR-108. I just happen to have one. 

Ken