ADS-B Cantenna

prusaprinters

<p>Window mount and jigs for building an ADS-B 1090MHz Cantenna for use with <a href="https://flightaware.com/adsb/">PiAware</a> and other ADS-B receivers.</p> <p>I included printable jigs to find the can center and to cut the can and vertical element to the proper length.</p> <p>This model is designed for 68.75mm (1090MHz quarter wavelength) elements. This can be adjusted slightly by scaling only the horizontal axis.</p> <p>Inspired by the following cantenna articles: <a href="https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/three-easy-diy-antennas-for-beginners/16348/3">FlightAware Forum Post</a>, by abcd5670 <a href="https://hackaday.com/2018/01/23/an-ads-b-antenna-built-from-actual-garbage/">Hackaday Article</a>, by Tom Nardi</p> <h3>Print Settings</h3> <p><strong>Printer Brand:</strong></p> <p>Creality</p> <p class="detail-setting printer"><strong>Printer: </strong> <div><p>Ender 5</p></div> <p><strong>Rafts:</strong></p> <p>No</p> <p class="detail-setting supports"><strong>Supports: </strong> <div><p>No</p></div> <p><strong>Resolution:</strong></p> <p>Layers 0.12-0.20mm, Nozzle 0.4mm</p> <p class="detail-setting infill"><strong>Infill: </strong> <div><p>20%</p></div> <p><strong>Filament:</strong> Hatchbox PLA <br/> <p class="detail-setting notes"><strong>Notes: </strong></p> </p><div><p>The models are designed to not need supports, but this may vary by printer.</p> 0.12mm layer resolution can be used to get a smoother finish, but all parts should be okay with 0.20mm layer resolution and a common 0.4mm nozzle. <h3>Post-Printing</h3> <p><strong>Safety</strong></p> <p>3D printing, soldering, and cutting can cause injury. Wear safety goggles; proceed at your own risk.</p> <p><strong>Prepare the SMA Connector</strong></p> <p>Carefully snip the corner posts and solder a wire to the center element of a female, PCB-mount SMA connector to be the antenna's vertical element.</p> <p><strong>Cut the Vertical Element</strong></p> <p>Cut the vertical element to length using the vertical element jig to measure the element length.</p> <p><strong>Drill Center Hole</strong></p> <p>Drill a center hole in the bottom of your favorite 'pop' can and insert the SMA connector using the center hole jig as a guide.</p> <p>The center hole jig is designed to guide a 1/8" drill bit. For best results, incrementally drill the hole larger to the final SMA connector diameter.</p> <p><strong>Cut the Can</strong></p> <p>Carefully mark and cut the can to the right size using the can cutting jig. The can edges will be sharp.</p> <p><strong>Place the Can in the Window Mount</strong></p> <p>Place the can in the window mount to protect the sharp edges.</p> <p><strong>Mount the Antenna</strong></p> <p>Secure the antenna to a window using adhesive strips</p> <p><strong>Connect an ADS-B Receiver and Enjoy</strong></p> <p>Connect an ADS-B Receiver and enjoy.</p> <p>Instructions for setting up a <a href="https://flightaware.com/adsb/piaware/build">PiAware Receiver</a></p> </div></p></p></p> Category: Electronics