got the message today .
so lets start here and see where it all goes.
If there is a need then we can exchange phone numbers.
Range
On my system I started with the wire antenna about a year ago.
It got out about .25 miles in some directions.
Not a good signal , but enough to show it worked.
Don't even bother building an antenna. I wasted about $150.00 trying to make that work.
I went ahead and bought the TH ATU unit.
Shipping a a rip off on these units and I have to tell you had I known what I know now I would have just spent the money on the SS Trans 5000EX
As for my install with the ATU.
I have it 16' on my roof and it is on the poop vent.
I have had it with the ground attached and without the ground.
Strangely it seems to work the same with or without the ground.
So much for computer simulations LOL.
The ATU works very well.
Now I might be getting lucky with mine , so consider that.
Also I want to point out something to you.
You can buy a SS trans 5000 EX for less than the costs of the ATU.
And I feel it will get out better than the TH ATU Combo.
Yes you have to build the kit , But I would spend a day or two to build this kit and have a better signal than I have with the TH ATU system.
There are other things that crossed my mind also.
The TH Units do not have good modulation characteristic's and can not do 100% Modulation.
That is the main reason I am looking at the SS Trans.
Anyway hope some of this helps.
Thanks for replying! Hopefully others can learn from you experience and what we discuss.
First off, what is the attached image of? Doesn't look like the ATU nor the TH...
Second, the wire antenna, you said "... .25 miles in some directions..." The question is how did you have the wire antenna oriented then? Was it inside or outside? Probably best for me to duplicate what worked for you with wire antenna and see what range we can achieve with that first.
Third, I've seen/read your poop vent mount experience. Nice to have cast iron all the way up there 🙂 No ground and it works the same? Go figure. The randomness of radio and strange physics.
Fourth, the TH ATU is interesting, but I think it's graphically over priced. Maybe $100-150 inclusive of shipping would be reasonable, but it's $295 new + shipping. Blah. It's not quite Procaster or Rangemaster numbers, but gets closer than I'd like to be.
Finally, Lefty, do you have an online stream for your station? Couldn't find it. Making a habit to tuning into stations of the folks who contribute here to see what everyone plays and get ideas.
Thanks again for your help and contributions to Part15!