First setup VHF 118-160 MHz

[NeilP]

Ok,
Not even bought the SDR box yet, but my listening requirements are pretty limited.

Just looking for monitoring of a few Air band frequencies, 119-136 MHz from local airport, 9 miles away and the local marine traffic in the 156-160. Harbour is maybe 5 miles away and I live on the coast ( Jersey, SE Corner) 12 miles or so from France.

So I have my old 2m ham collinear antenna on the floor in the attic. Been there for more than 20 years since I last operated the 2m station (Yaesu FT290)

Just plug that in to the RSP and good to go right ?
The antenna designed for 144Mhz, so should be good to go as it is right ?

Going to need adapter from the big 15mm diameter co-ax down to something for those tiny connectors on the RSP..... what are they called again ? SMC ?


Any thoughts ?
Will this be acceptable?

Many thanks

[NK7Z]

I would certainly give that a try to start with... If you are 9 miles from where you want to receive, you should have no issues at all, assuming the feedline and antenna are still functioning. Polarization might be an issue.

[g1hbe]

Neil
The RSP's use SMA antenna connectors. If your antenna cable is big & heavy, I'd recommend an adaptor lead rather than a rigid block adaptor. This will take the strain off the system. There's a company called Sinequanon that do ready-made leads and their prices are reasonable. I don't know whether they do one that would suit you.

http://www.sinequanon.co.uk/

Be prepared to root about in the various catagories as they have stuff all over the place.

[NeilP]

Thanks for the link

Polarization won't be an issue once I get it out of the attic and make it vertical again.


OK, so one issue sorted. Now just need to work out what to do/buy to get a system working

Thanks