PiAware 3.6.3 image on RPi3+ with working dump1090 on FA blue stick, feeding both FA and ADSBx. I recently tried adding a splitter cable from my existing FA antenna to an FA orange stick, with dump978 feeding straight into dump1090 on the same box. I know a splitter isn't ideal since it only puts half the power into each stick, but there are other 1090 feeders in the area, so I figured adding 978 coverage might be worth the tradeoff. However, according to VRS, my DF18 count is ~1% of my DF17 count (which dropped a bit as expected). I've done some reading since then and found the FA antenna has horrible SWR at 978, but I didn't figure it would be that bad. Is there anything besides the antenna that is likely to be wrong, or since I am getting some DF18 traffic, should I assume it's set up right and my problem is the antenna--or just a lack of traffic? Does anyone make a reasonably-priced 978 antenna (i.e. not the $150 DPD one)?
Splitter won't half power each stick .. you lose a few dB from connections but that's it.. it's more the geometry of the antenna. The FA antenna is bad for 978 yeah ... so range is low ... Are you near a 978 tower? http://towers.stratux.me/ Funny you ask, Dan is working on sourcing 1090/978 26" and 42" combo antennas for ADSBx to sell. They look like they will retail for around $50 plus shipping, by the time we pay freight, etc ,etc. We're both testing some samples Dan bought. If you are US based, we can maybe send you one for price plus shipping? I'm reluctant to get the whole ADSBx store going, but maybe it would be a source of revenue for the project as long as it doesn't take up all my time just sending out packages. James
I'm about 15sm from the nearest tower, so I wasn't that hopeful for TIS-B. I know there are numerous UAT planes at GA airports 8sm, 11sm, 17sm and 20sm away (including one I flew yesterday), but I can't see them. For reference, I regularly see 1090ES traffic in the pattern at all four. I'd be happy to test an antenna for you. Based on the number of antenna questions I've seen here and elsewhere, there seems to be decent demand.
