[time-nuts] GPS Signal Strength Through Roof?

[Magnus Danielson]

From: Didier Juges <didier at cox.net>
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] GPS Signal Strength Through Roof?
Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2007 19:26:47 -0500
Message-ID: <45FF2A47.90507 at cox.net>

> I have 3 antennas in my shack, upstairs. The attic is pretty high, so 
> the antennas are still a good 10 to 12 feet below the tip of the roof, 
> which is covered with shingles.
> 
> They work fine there, but worked very badly when they were at eye level 
> in the same room, probably because of multipath. Moving them close to 
> the ceiling was a remarkable improvement.
> 
> I have made supports for the two outdoor antennas I have (Symmetricom 
> and Trimble) and I am waiting for a good opportunity to install them 
> outside, but seeing how well they work inside (at least from a signal 
> strength standpoint, if not multipath or view angle), I have lost some 
> of my initial motivation....

I have my Bullet antenna on a 1.3 m normal water copper tube strapped to one of
the chimneys. This would be much better if not for the fact that the TV antenna
sits on the same chimeny. The multipath is certainly there, causing my position
to wander considerably. Moving the antenna up ontop the TV antenna tube would
be better, but it is a hell of a project. Also, it is not as stable position as
just ontop of the chimney which would be the ideal from a stability point of
view. Being ontop of the TV antenna would improve horizontal view considerable
due to its height. Today I am restricted to the north, which limits my ability
to get really good symmetry which those low-raisers could give me. If I didn't
have the obstructions to the north i could have full horizon tracking.

I guess I will have strange requirements for the next house. :-)

Cheers,
Magnus