Radarspotting

Hi Guys. Sorry used to post on here many years ago but hobby faded. Anyway dug out my 2009 Radar box the other day and stuck up a new antenna. Was getting 150-160nm on average. Was working fine for 3 weeks or so when at the weekend the coverage went down to around 50 nm or so. Have tried new antenna, coax and checked inside of Radarbox for any loose joints on the antenna input.
Anyone know why this would be? I can only think something internal on the Radarbox has happened. If so whats the best way to go forward if i have a few hundred to spend? Xrange or something else.
Thanks
James

Welcome.

Can I ask what antenna and cable you're using and where the antenna is located?

Loss of rangte is typically caused by an antenna, coax cable and/or connector issues.

Rarely it's a receiver failure.

Going forward, save yourself a lot of money and get an SDR and Raspberry Pi.  If you want to stick with Airnav, its Flightstick is a good SDR which I'm currently using with an RPi running a FlightAware image.  You can use the data to feed Virtual Radar or BaseStation.  Or, if you prefer, you can share your data with AirNav instead:

https://www.radarbox.com/sharing-data

Thanks Anmer. I tend to agree but nothing changed at all over the weekend. I have a flightaware Antenna and have changed this for a new Broadsword 1090 one. Same results. I even tried an old Radar Rama antenna i had in the garage but actually the same.
I will make a new piece of coax and have a play later.
I have a flightaware pro plus stick which is coming in a few days and i will try that with Dump1090 which i think i can feed directly into Win10 PC without the need a RP? I dont really want to use a RP unless i have to. What benefits is the RP over feeding directly into a PC?

Thanks
James

Quote from: BVE16 on June 09, 2020, 03:17:30 PM
I have a flightaware pro plus stick which is coming in a few days and i will try that with Dump1090 which i think i can feed directly into Win10 PC without the need a RP? I dont really want to use a RP unless i have to.

Yes as long as you load the Zadig USB driver.  Don't let Windows load its preferred driver.

https://zadig.akeo.ie/

https://www.rtl-sdr.com/tag/zadig/

Quote from: BVE16 on June 09, 2020, 03:17:30 PM
What benefits is the RP over feeding directly into a PC?

1. Cheaper than a PC
2. Runs 24x7 unattended without Microsoft interfering with it
3. Can access output from a browser - PC, phone, tablet etc.

Sounds good Anmer. will look into it and update how it goes.
Thanks
James