Hi guys. Anyone know a good antenna splitter . Want to use two boxes on one aerial . Saw a few on eBay but seem suited for satellite. Also worried about any loss that might happen.
You're right about satellite cable splitters.
I have an RF Systems SP3. No perceivable loss of signal but it's expensive:
https://www.haydon.info/proddetail.asp?prod=SP3
Next I found a Mini-Circuits one on ebay. It's a four way device (they come smaller and bigger) that was shipped from the US. Again no perceivable loss of signal using one antenna to feed 4 receivers.
https://www.minicircuits.com/WebStore/Splitters.html
Mine was a Mini-Circuits ZB4PD1-2000 Power Splitter/Combiner, 2000 MHz. Total cost US$40, including shipping and tax.
Both splitters are still in use and have been for many years.
If you go the Mini-Circuits route, make sure it covers 1090MHz and has appropriate connectors.
This one may be OK. There are others listed:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Circuits-ZESC-2-11-Power-splitter-Combiner-10MHz-2000MHz/264763767998?hash=item3da5267cbe:g:1JQAAOSwsVVe5kgl
Even better, here's one like mine:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Circuits-ZB4PD1-2000-S-Splitter/324099397168?hash=item4b75d45630:g:R80AAOSwGyteaDCs
Thanks Anmer. Got the mini circuits one and a couple of decent cables from RS components. Will see how it goes when i get it. Looks like the RF systems are no longer made or sold which is a pity.
;) I needa VHF one can you recommend some?
I need them with many Ports for my VHF Antenna when you understand what I mean.
Quote from: Radio2.0 on July 21, 2020, 09:25:18 AM
;) I needa VHF one can you recommend some?
Maybe a Mini-Circuits one that covers the VHF frequency range?
The offerings of Stridsberg Engineering and Cross Country Wireless may interest you...
http://stridsbergeng.com/ (http://stridsbergeng.com/)
http://www.crosscountrywireless.net/ (http://www.crosscountrywireless.net/)
Thanks Rob. Useful links.
As expected, expensive. Which is why a pre-loved Mini-Circuits might be a better option :)
Quote from: Anmer on July 21, 2020, 12:32:57 PM
Thanks Rob. Useful links.
As expected, expensive. Which is why a pre-loved Mini-Circuits might be a better option :)
Mike
What do you think of these?
MCL MINI-CIRCUITS ZX10-2-20 .2-2 GHz SPLITTER FOR VHF UHF APPLICATIONS
This is the ebay item couldn't get the link to work.
The ebay listing doesn't state the frequency range or the connector type.
Maybe check the model on the Mini-Circuits website?
Ideally you need SMA connections and a frequency range that covers 1090MHz
For example, this looks suitable:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Circuits-ZN2PD-20-Coaxial-Power-Splitter-Combiner-2-Way-750-2000MHz-5W-RF/141009323202?hash=item20d4cf84c2:g:IKEAAOSwWnFV8oDj
Thanks for the reply.
Zooming in to the photo they all look like sma connectors and the label says 0.2 2Ghz, and just looking at the data sheet confirms the frequency range.
Will double check with the seller.
No SMA connectors but I got good results with the Andrew S-2-TCPUSE-H-N High Power Splitter (https://www.jbe.nl/nl/communicatie/antenne-accessoires/splitters/4196-andrew-s-2-tcpuse-h-n-high-power-splitter). Used it to feed my ADS-B signal to my SBS-1 and Airspy-mini.
BNC or N-type connectors are acceptable at the frequencies involved.
Quote from: G4UMW on October 26, 2020, 02:26:45 PM
BNC or N-type connectors are acceptable at the frequencies involved.
But if the receiver and/or coax cable are SMA, adapters will be required.
True, but BNCs and N-types are easier to fit to thicker coax.
Quote from: G4UMW on October 26, 2020, 05:57:42 PM
True, but BNCs and N-types are easier to fit to thicker coax.
Which is why I prefer 6mm low loss coax. ;)
Touché! ;D
Bless you !! ???
Regards.. G.B.
Thank you! ;D
Quote from: G4UMW on October 26, 2020, 05:57:42 PM
True, but BNCs and N-types are easier to fit to thicker coax.
No easier than SMA, SSB (https://www.ssb.de/en/coax/coaxial-connectors/aircell-7/sma) has easy to use connectors for all kinds of coax. :)
I find thicker coax, 10mm and 15mm diameter, can place a strain on the receiver's connector and has been known to damage it.
This can be avoided if the thicker coax is first connected to a splitter and thin, short "fly leads" from the splitter. to the receiver(s).
Absolutely true! On my RTL-SDR dongles it is less of a problem but on any desktop receiver it's important to make sure the coax doesn't put any strain on the connector.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Circuits-ZN2PD-20-Coaxial-Power-Splitter-Combiner-2-Way-750-2000MHz-5W-RF/141009323202?hash=item20d4cf84c2:g:IKEAAOSwWnFV8oDj
HI,
This is the link that Anmer quoted a while back... but it still seems to be live. I just wanted to check that this splitter will still work for ADSB and Civil/Mil Airbands??
Cheers
Quote from: HL7222 on April 16, 2021, 02:20:29 PM
This is the link that Anmer quoted a while back... but it still seems to be live.
Looks like the seller has more than one of these - 22 available/16 sold.
Mine was a Mini-Circuits ZB4PD1-2000 Power Splitter/Combiner, 2000 MHz.
The one listed is a different model but appears to cover the 1090MHz frequency. But airband at 108-137 MHz isn't covered. It starts at 750 MHz.
I can recommend this one from ADSB (1090 MHz): https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-CIRCUITS-ZESC-2-11-POWER-SPLITTER-COMBINER-2-WAY-BULK-DISCOUNT/264710279227
and something like this works well for airband: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BNC-Male-to-2x-BNC-Female-Splitter-Y-Piece-Adaptor-for-TV-Connector-CCTV-Camera/282706277648
Ensure the connections meet your needs i.e. SMA for 1090MHz, and BNC for airband
Nigel
Hi
Thanks chaps.
I need SMA for Airband too, as it will be to feed an SDR
I will look at the suggestions, thanks
Quote from: Nigel on April 16, 2021, 04:45:29 PM
I can recommend this one from ADSB (1090 MHz): https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-CIRCUITS-ZESC-2-11-POWER-SPLITTER-COMBINER-2-WAY-BULK-DISCOUNT/264710279227
and something like this works well for airband: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BNC-Male-to-2x-BNC-Female-Splitter-Y-Piece-Adaptor-for-TV-Connector-CCTV-Camera/282706277648
Ensure the connections meet your needs i.e. SMA for 1090MHz, and BNC for airband
Nigel
\Hi
I have ordered the ADSB splitter... but still looking for an SMA splitter for the airband.
I am also looking for a good supplier of pig-tail leads to run off the splitter to the receivers.
ADSB will be going to Flightaware Blue Stick and SBS-3.
Airband will be going to SBS-3 and Airspy Mini
Thanks
The splitter I suggested for ADSB (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-CIRCUITS-ZESC-2-11-POWER-SPLITTER-COMBINER-2-WAY-BULK-DISCOUNT/264710279227) should also work for airband frequencies as the wavelength range is 10-2000 MHz, although I have not tried it for this.
I obtained pigtails from the following source on ebay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SMA-male-to-SMA-male-pigtail-patch-lead-15cm-RG-316/254180455597
They are male to male connections which is fine for use with the splitter and FA Prostick/SBS-3 inputs
Thanks Nigel,
I shall try the one I just ordered on both set ups once its arrives and maybe add a second. Splitting the airband isnt so important, so no crazy rush.
I will get the pigtails ordered up off that link, thanks.
Paul