I'm looking for a cheap source for quarter wave whip antennae for use wit=
h
this module
<http://www.lprs.co.uk/pdf_directory/2386mylprs1110799793er-data-sheet-v2=
.pd
f>
This company do a suitable antenna at a rather pricey STG=A34.67. There i=
s
probably (I hope) a cheaper source for something which would do the job. =
I'm
really looking for a flexible antenna of the type you see on walkie talki=
es.
Some rough handeling can be expected on these units.

As I am somewhat uncertain when it comes to RF work, I am also looking fo=
r
some advice.... apparently a 1/4 wave whip antenna really needs a ground
plane. Does anyone know a rule of thumb for the relationship between the
antenna length (in this case ~16.5 centimeters) and the dimensions of the
ground plane?

I realise I've got a bit of reading to do, but am hoping not to have to
delve into the RF end too much. If I could get a range of 20 meters indoo=
rs
with this I'd be happy. The manufacturer quotes a range of 250 meters lin=
e
of sight which one must assume is for ideal conditions.

I am looking to network a large number of PICs in an indoor (factory type=
)
environment using a multidrop serial protocol which already works in a
cabled situation. I want to change this to RF operation.

All advice gratefully accepted.

Joe


--=20
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