Tripod for patch antenna

[venquessa]

I think the last time I flew I was losing signal in one particular location before the patch antenna was sitting on a mini tripod (6" high) in an aluminium box and I was shadowing the antenna with my body.

So I'm thinking it might be a good idea to put it on a camera Tripod at it's max height.

Without spending silly money, best tripod hieght I can find on ebay is 1.5m.... that "should" be enough shouldn't it.... if I'm sitting down the antenna will be above my head... and my spotter is free to point it about the place to follow the plane.

Any thoughts?

[Funky Diver]

You could always extend the height surely?  Bit of poly waste pipe to get some additional height.

Equally tubing shoved on the bottom legs if you have some kicking about to raise it up also?

[Coyote]

The best height for an antenna is low not high, the optimum being half a wavelength high, which in most cases means near enough on the deck. I use mine on a tripod though and find its best with no legs extended, but sometimes extend one set for levelling

[Jay28]

Gotta agree with Ian on that one, I definately get best results with my patch on the ground. Never used a tripod and think they are only needed if tracking and need to mount pan/tilt.

Can't you just stand behind the antenna? that's all I do with no problems.

[venquessa]

Interesting.  I suppose moving it out and away from the metal box will help it no end too :)  (PS: the box is open!)

I tend not to fly too far in one direction, rather I tend to fly close in, around myself, so I often just point the antenna nearly straight up therefore I'm likely to be shadowing it at some point, figured putting it up on a tripod would keep me out of it's way.

[Jay28]

if your flying close by and all around you, wouldn't you be better off using a rubber ducky than a patch.?