Accessory antennas, amplifiers & cables at competitive prices! (see below and also Prices & ordering page)
To suit all Kinetic SBS models, Planegadget-radar models & AirNav Radarbox ADS-B receivers.
Antenna Criterion - secrets to improve range of ADS-B receiver
1) Reception at this frequency (1090MHz) is fundamentally line of sight.
2) Major influence on reception is height of antenna.
3) Limits to reception are obstacles in path of reception (eg buildings, hills) and curvature of earth.
4) In-line amplifiers are most effective adjacent to antenna, to amplify signal while at its best.
5) Keep antenna co-ax cable length to a minimum due to signal loss per metre. [Trivia: The signal loss along 10 metre RG58 cable at VHF frequencies about 127-162MHz (aircraft airband radio or marine AIS frequencies) is about 2dB whereas the loss at aircraft ADS-B frequency of 1090MHz is about 7dB.]
6) Performance of magnetic base antenna improved by use of a suitable metallic 'ground plane'.
Comparative Antenna Performance
The results of our tests shown below were taken over a period of time and averaged to give an indication of relative performances of different antenna configurations.
The site used was ideal, at an elevated location (East of Brisbane) and close to the visible ocean.
Better performance figures at other locations are unlikely to be achieved.
The magnetic base antenna (with 3dB whip) used was that supplied with the basic PGR kit.
The gain settings of the PGR may need to be changed/adjusted between short and long range, or with amplifier.
Range for SBS-1er about 10% greater
| Antenna | Antenna position | Accessory Components | Range - Nautical Miles | |
| 1 | Magnetic base with 3dB whip | Near PGR | none | 90 |
| 2 | Magnetic base with 3dB whip | About 3 metre above PGR | 6m RG58 extension cable (SEC6) | 130 |
| 3 | Magnetic base with 3dB whip, with in-line amplifier | Near PGR | In-line amplifier kit (ILAK) | 115 |
| 4 | Magnetic base with 3dB whip, on ground plane mounting plate with in-line amplifier | About 3+ metre above PGR (say in ceiling space) | 12m RG58 cable with 1m RG58 fly lead (SEC12) + in-line amplifier (ILAK) at antenna + mounting plate (EAMBK) | 160 |
| 5 | Magnetic base with 3dB whip, on ground plane mounting plate | External, about 8 metre above PGR | 12m RG58 cable (SEC12) + mounting plate (EAMBK) | 130 |
| 6 | Magnetic base with 3dB whip, on ground plane mounting plate | External, about 8 metre above PGR | 15m low-loss/RG213 cable (LLEC15)+ mounting plate (EAMBK) | 145 |
| 7 | Magnetic base with 3dB whip, on ground plane mounting plate with in-line amplifier | External, about 8 metre above PGR | 12m RG58 cable (SEC12) + in-line amplifier (ILAK) at mast head + mounting plate (EAMBK) | 180 |
| 8 | Magnetic base with 3dB whip, on ground plane mounting plate with in-line amplifier | External, about 8 metre above PGR | 15m low-loss/RG213 cable (LLEC15) + in-line amplifier (ILAK) at mast head + mounting plate (EAMBK) | 190 |
For prices, see Prices & ordering page
Antenna, with amplifier, Schematic
NOTES re amplifier kit
Kit does NOT include extension cable or BNC/BNC connector.
DC blocker connects to antenna using a BNC-f/f type-m adapter, supplied.
The antennas supplied with the current SBS, Planegadget-radar and AirNav radar box have an SMA-m plug and would require an SMA-f/BNC-m adaptor which is not included in the kit.
Our recommendation would be to retain the supplied antenna for portable use, and obtain a separate accessory antenna for a permanent, fixed or external installation.
The fly lead from the power injector (supplied) to the ADS-B receiver has a BNC plug, and may require a BNC-f/SMA-m adapter.
In-line antenna amplifier specification
The 18dB amplifier is a fully screened remote powered device which will work in a voltage range of 12-18V DC. Maximum output of 105dBμV at 35dB IMR. • 950 - 2050Mhz • Passes both DC and 22KHz
Amplifier power supply to be kept in a cool environment
Magnetic Base ADS-B Antenna 3dB (MD1103a)
Includes 1 metre RG174 co-ax with BNC plug
30mm base
Centre frequency 1090MHz
A small accessory antenna for portable use or with extension cable, with or without amplifier
Can use on mounting bracket/plate, or steel surface, as external mount antenna
Magnetic Base ADS-B Antenna 5dB (MD1105a)
Includes 1 metre RG58 co-ax with BNC plug
Strong 78mm base
Centre frequency 1090MHz
A more powerful accessory antenna for portable use or with extension cable, with or without amplifier
Can use on mounting bracket/plate, or steel surface, as external mount antenna
Magnetic Base VHF Radio Antenna (MB-vhf10sma)
Includes 10 metre co-ax cable with SMA plug
50mm base, approx 350mm high
Frequency range 127-230MHz
A higher performance accessory radio antenna for use with the FM/Airband radio
facility of the Kinetic SBS or with AIS Marine receivers
Can use on mounting bracket/plate, or steel surface, as external mount antenna
Magnetic Base VHF Radio Antenna (MB-vhf3BNC)
Includes 3 metre co-ax cable with BNC plug
50mm base, approx 350mm high
Frequency range 127-230MHz
A higher performance accessory radio antenna for use with the FM/Airband radio
facility of the Kinetic SBS (needs bnc/sma adapter) or with AIS Marine
receivers
Can use on mounting bracket/plate, or steel surface, as external mount antenna
Accessory Antenna Performance Kit - AAPK6 or AAPK12
The most popular combination of antenna accessories for increased
performance at a
discount price
Includes 5dB antenna (MD1105a), In-line amplifier kit (ILAK), 6 metre co-ax
fitted cable(SEC6) or 12 metre co-ax fitted cable (SEC12), & BNC/SMA adapter (PA0624)
All that's needed to 'plug and play' with simple instructions
Can use for all Kinetic SBS models, PlaneGadget PGR-1 or PGR-2, or AirNav
Radarbox
External Antenna Mounting Bracket Kit (EAMBK)
Suits magnetic base antenna
Does not include upright pole or antenna
Includes U-bolt to mount to pipe (eg TV antenna mount pole) up to 27.5mm diameter
Can be screwed to vertical or horizontal surface
Dimensions (based on ¼ wave) to optimise ground plane effect for antenna
Shows accessory magnetic base antenna (MD1103a or similar) on external antenna mounting bracket kit (EAMBK), mounted on post as external antenna.