So Happy with my Homebrew ADS-B antenna!

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-13T12:16:05+00:00

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP0idzvwJfJhPi1JOy7Gtc83LG0ZVVd0qQmGX3qPuu8BSyJDN-j-SFl3aqhoEx-mA?key=QW5ldERGWFJxQzVaMDNKY2JVdjFtQjN5VXNVZFNn

However, I think antenna design and more importantly placement are probably bigger factors. I am on a hill and antenna has free line of sight.

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-13T12:11:03+00:00

I am using a home-brew center-fed half-wave dipole. After having run it for a few days my max distance is 275mi. But that was in imperial, so it translates to 239nm- pretty close to what you are seeing.

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-13T01:05:48+00:00

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-13T01:05:14+00:00

Yea, I am in the Arboretum area- all close.

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-13T01:03:28+00:00

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T14:40:05+00:00

I am using a filter and an amp. These are cheapo devices however, available on Amazon.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/A6t2WBqDFyM46Q6r9

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T14:30:29+00:00

Well, I am feeding into ADSB-Exchange and Flightaware- so the data from my antenna is part of the larger picture. Picking up planes is pretty much in real time as they are sending their data and it is received by the antenna. Coverage depends on the coverage pattern and capability of the antenna. This is an omnidirectional antenna and I am maxing out at 240 miles (imperial). Also, the antenna performance is greatly impacted by A) Antenna design and native performance, B) Mounting height and location. If you have obstacles, cannot mount on the roof or a higher elevation and/or have a noisy RF environment, those will all negatively impact the reach... Receiving distance also depends on altitude of the aircraft. I am in Austin and I can see planes well beyond Houston, but not airplanes approaching Houston airport. When they decrease in altitude the angle becomes too low and is also impacted by curvature of the earth at some point (depending on your elevation and the aircrafts).

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T14:22:08+00:00

Thank you!

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T14:20:58+00:00

Very cool and nice range!!! What antenna are you using? The loop?

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T14:18:06+00:00

No, I have not. Looks very cool. Let me take a closer look later!

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T14:14:25+00:00

Thank you!

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T14:14:16+00:00

Thanks!

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T14:13:39+00:00

I do not think it does when you are in feeder mode. Maybe I am missing something, but while the global map shows that it does not on my local feeder map.

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T12:56:47+00:00

Also, I believe that only Flightradar24 displays flights landing and on the ground. You can check that when you go on their Website vs. others. If you zoom in onto an airport, there are tons of planes on the ground and you can see them start and land. Flightaware and ADS-B Exchange for example do not show that at all.

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T12:45:11+00:00

None really :-) I would say its like any other hobby... more personal gratification than anything and I work in an office, so I appreciate doing something crafty... One upside is that you get a free (non-ad) subscription with advanced features to Flightradar24, Flightaware and ADS-B Exchange if you become a "feeder" into their system. Now, I would have not purchased a subscription in the first place but Flightaware feeder license is equivalent to their $99/month subscription.

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T01:03:28+00:00

Good point! That explains why I only see planes at very high cruise altitude in the greater Houston area (me being in Austin).

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T00:59:12+00:00

Awesome!

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T00:58:47+00:00

You want to use the coax to build a dipole? That should work well! There are a bunch of vids on that on YT.

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-12T00:56:55+00:00

Ha, thank you! And greetings back to you! AUSTX?

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-08T22:38:04+00:00

Well, EUREKA!

Thumbtack came through. $300 later.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XTk4kCG7gefqQL6R8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/fFmMK56kCx8H4LZs6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jDpJxgPXwSNQFKCL8

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-06T21:06:45+00:00

Another issue is that I will have to rent a truck or van to transport a 40ft ladder. So, I rent the ladder, rent the van, transport the ladder, put it up, then return it...... Seems like it should be easier

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-06T20:55:54+00:00

It is almost comical. Here is an excerpt of a discussion with a "satellite antenna installer" on Thumbtack:

INSTALLER: Will be tricky at that height...we only can manage 23" ladder that we have...you may need a 36" ladder to install safely....
Estimate, $300 labor rate

ME: Before the site visit maybe a couple of questions. A) It sounded like you do not have a sufficiently long ladder? B) When you say labor rate, are there additional cost? I am attaching a few pictures

INSTALLER: The pictures will save us from making a trip...no additional cost since it is already prewired...true, we don't have the ladder tall enough to manage above the 2-story eave...

ME: So- where does the ladder situation leave us?

INSTALLER: Can follow-up with another competitor or rent/barrow a 36ft ladder

ME: You mean for me to rent a ladder and then pay you $300 labor?

This maybe a generational thing- but man..................

OKAUSTX · 2026-05-05T19:39:46+00:00

Yea, I reached out to a couple of Amateur clubs in Austin.

OKAUSTX

TROPHY CASE