Opinions on GNS5890

[Anmer]

I have just posted a comparison of the GNS against a Beast

How about posting an explanation of the accusatory remark you made earlier? Or are you another "hit and run" poster?

One thing I would caution. Don't expect any receiver to perform equitably in a high traffic area compared to the very low traffic in New Zealand.

And comparaing receivers should cover a lot more than a couple of screenshots. Can the GNS5890 handle raw data for Mlat and Beamfinder?

[nzradar]

I have just posted a comparison of the GNS against a Beast and surprisingly for the Euro's not as significant a difference as I would have thought. You can find the review here. No login necessary!

Advice on the antenna is pretty simple:

Mount as high and as clear of obstructions as is practical.

Use good quality low loss coaxial. Aim for cable that has a loss value of less than 15db per 100 metres of cable at about 1 GHz frequency.

If you do buy the GNS you will need a non-standard adapter to convert your external antenna cable from the more common N-Type to the MCX connector used on the GNS receiver.

Of course this all assumes that you wish to use the GNS as a base receiver opposed to a mobile receiver. Don't forget that the GNS is designed to me small and mobile ans very well suited to sitting at the end of a runway with a netbook and get the heads up on what's where!

[Anmer]

Actually I was thinking of taking your advice and getting a used SBS-1. How about that antenna?

That too shipped with an internal antenna. Depending on the model, the receiver has either a BNC or SMA connection. There's a free review I did last year of an external antenna on the Radarspotting.com forum. You will have to join to download the review but membership is free and there are lots of other free guides to download.

Ignore the make of antenna, the same principles apply.

http://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item11

[Joncon]

Actually I was thinking of taking your advice and getting a used SBS-1. How about that antenna?

[Anmer]

Assuming I do get one of these units, can you give me some advice on how to site the aerial? Would it be ok indoors, or does it have to be in the open?

Which unit - GNS5890?

It comes with an antenna that's suitable for indoor use. It has a non-standard antenna connection which will require an adapter to use an external antenna. I have no idea where you can get an adapter but maybe someone else can help with that?

The antenna position is critical and height is king.

[Joncon]

Assuming I do get one of these units, can you give me some advice on how to site the aerial? Would it be ok indoors, or does it have to be in the open?

[Anmer]

Are all contributions to this forum so aggressive?

No, but some of us have to defend ourselves when "attacked".

Get yourself a pre-owned SBS-1. You won't regret it. My GNS5890 is sitting on the shelf.

[Joncon]

Oh dear, I seem to have started a war. Are all contributions to this forum so aggressive?

[Anmer]

Unfortunately Anmer has his own agenda and is unable to provide a relevant response.

Kindly explain what you mean by that remark or withdraw it.

I have no agenda other than to help Joncon.

He says he can't afford too much and for the cost of a GNS5890 he could get a pre-owned SBS-1 which will be far superior in performance and comes with better software.

Surely that's a relevant response. Or should I add that, in my opinion and that of many others, the GNS5890 isn't very good?

Having "read" you so-called review, maybe it's you who has "his own agenda"?

[nzradar]

Unfortunately Anmer has his own agenda and is unable to provide a relevant response.

Please see my review of the GNS here. I found it very good for what it was designed to do.

[Anmer]

My advice would be to try and buy a pre-owned SBS-1/1e/1eR off eBay.

The receiver is of the highest quality, robust and fit for purpose. The software is excellent, has been continually upgraded and you can download the latest version for free.

I still have my SBS-1 from 2005 and I have most of the other manufacturer's products.

[Joncon]

Hi, I am a beginner as far as receiving my own flight data goes, though I have been watching FlightRadar24 for many years. Is there a consensus on the GNS5890? It is about all I could afford, but will it be money down the drain? Any help would be very welcome. Thank you in advance.