I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I was wondering has anyone tried incorporating the Isotron Antenna into their SSTran or Rangemaster Setup. If so, how did the coverage area compare to using SSTran's outdoor coil loaded antenna, or Rangemaster's 102" CB Whip?
Thanks.
FWIW the Rangemaster is certified as a system. IOW, if you installed an Isotron instead of the whip, it would automatically void its Part 15 certification.
I'll go out on a limb here and say replacing the Rangemaster whip with an Isotron antenna will automatically void its Part 15 certification.
That's right, I also think, about the certification, which requires using the original antenna so as to be valid.
But let's expand the question so it doesn't end up blocked over this one issue.
Has anyone tried an Isotron with any part 15 transmitter? I've been wondering that for a long time.
That's weird ... the system here wouldn't take the first message saying the server was temporarily down or something similar, so I sent another. IIRC the second message was actually the first, but showed up after. No idea what happened, but I apologize for double-posting.
Lets consider the two devices independently.
The AM 1000 Rangemaster is designed to work into a very low radiation resistance and overall impedance; some where below 10 ohms depending on the ground system used. The 102 inch stainless steel whip recommended by the manufacturer is extremely short for the wave length making it a very inefficient radiator. But, this antenna is the one radiator used for certification purposes.
The Isotron Part 15 antenna has a design impedance near 50 ohms. And even though the possibility of being a slightly better radiator, the final tuning circuit in the Rangemaster will not tune to resonance with the Isotron antenna without an external resonating circuit. This practice would take the length of the system beyond the 15.219 system length restrictions.
The outcome would be no improvement in signal. On the other hand, the SSTran 3000, Ramsey boxes and other kits would be more likely to tune up to the Isotron and work better than the Hamilton transmitter. The kit transmitters don't require certification and the tuning circuits can be modified to accept nearly any impedance.
Most Part 15 enthusiasts I have talked to have been unwilling to invest over $200 (model 200B - $248) for the antenna to experiment with a transmitter kit costing around a hundred bucks or less; at least not in this economy.
I hope this makes sense. The explanation here is, to some degree, an over simplification of the train of thought.
The expense has certainly kept me from trying the Isotron, which is why I hoped maybe we had a rich member who had explored the unit.
The expense will not end with the antenna, as it looks like it needs a secure mast or tower to hold it up.
There's always a chance someone will give it a try.
Make one from scratch