----- Original Message ----- From: "Shawn Yates" To: Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2001 2:23 PM Subject: Re: [PIC]: Buffering/Bypassing RS232 handshaking > I have a question about the Antennas. I have found several companies > offering 900 or 2.4 Spread spectrum radios for under $100. The problem I > have found is that any good Yagi or corner reflector antenns is $150 plus. Proper materials that will last years in the elements (weather) *do* seem to cost - although some of the 'cut rate' manufacturers like Antenex, Maxrad, Larsen and Cushcraft might offer product for half that $150 (or less) ... > > I have been told that at 900 and especialy at 2.4G, making your own antenna > is quite difficult because of the small wave lengths. Well - there are some CAD packages available that can assist one in designing such devices - then, of course one would like to 'sweep' (measure RF input impedance) and cut a pattern/meaure gain to assure the design is living up to it's promise ... this can cost for reasonably good gear and the facilities ... most hams settle for measuring the 'VSWR' (again, the input match) alone - with a good match and reasonably good construction the 'pattern' (and antenna gain) should be fairly close to what theory deigns it should be ... There may be a few designs for those band on the web - there are amatuer bands either in or near those two bands. Jim > > Any insight or comments about making your own antenna or a cost effective > source? > > Shawn > > -----Original Message----- -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics