Probe material appears to make a difference to readings

[Cathal O'Donghaile]

Good morning everyone during this heatwave in Ireland!

I've tried out 3 different probes and there is discernible differences in the readouts. So, I've used hollow aluminium (taken from a telescopic aerial), galvanised steel (from the NooElec SDR Bundle) and solid copper (taken from some old copper wire 3mm thick).

• Galvanised Steel and copper probes have much clearer readings than hollow aluminium
• Solid Copper produces the brightest readings reach 1.10 on the scale.
• Solid Copper picks up lower levels of RFI.
• With both Copper and Steel probes, it's picking up something else at 0.2 Doppler. Possibly is an outer arm.
  
  Overall, solid copper appears to be the best material to use. However, it likely would have to be periodically replaced as it is exposed to the elements. Considering using Brass as a probe.

Cathal