Scanner Antenna

[rochedalescan]

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a decent scanner antenna, the one I am currently using (Stock Uniden BC346xt) gets really static when I am driving around with it. I can't mount anything perminantly to the car and I still want to be able to carry it around. I am basicly only using the 400-500mhz range.

Thanks in advance.
Regards Shane

[Stretch]

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a decent scanner antenna, the one I am currently using (Stock Uniden BC346xt) gets really static when I am driving around with it. I can't mount anything perminantly to the car and I still want to be able to carry it around. I am basicly only using the 400-500mhz range.

Thanks in advance.
Regards Shane

Shane would a window mount antenna be too permanent??


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[rochedalescan]

Yeah unfortunately, was going to have a look at the ones that come stock with most of the base antenna's with the little suction cups but its good to be able to take it out of the car aswell. Just after a decent whip type antenna Uniden make crap stock antennas

[Scannersplitterguy]

Have you thought about one of my antenna splitters?

[alinco21]

[quote="rochedalescan"]Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a decent scanner antenna, the one I am currently using (Stock Uniden BC346xt) gets really static when I am driving around with it. I can't mount anything perminantly to the car and I still want to be able to carry it around. I am basicly only using the 400-500mhz range.

Thanks in advance.
Regards Shane[/quote]

check your fitting perhaps if it is becoming static.

[bodyguard]

Have you thought about one of my antenna splitters?

thats what I use, its a nifty idea

+1 from me

[AIRMAN]

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a decent scanner antenna, the one I am currently using (Stock Uniden BC346xt) gets really static when I am driving around with it. I can't mount anything perminantly to the car and I still want to be able to carry it around. I am basicly only using the 400-500mhz range.

Thanks in advance.
Regards Shane

Hi Shane,
It may depend on what type of scanning radio you are using. The BNC connection is the usual scanner mount. It is as easy to swap antenna as changing a light bulb. A properly installed external bracket mounted antenna beats everything, however the suction caps with plastic copper wire placed in the upright corner of your car's windscreen would be a second choice for me. They come with the RG coax feeder and BNC connector. You can buy them on Ebay for around $20. A splitter is also a great idea too.
I agree Uniden don't make the best quality antenna. I use a Japanese made Diamond antenna on my Icom which works better than the supplied whip. They make a great range of receiving antenna. Have a look at the range on line.
Steve

[gls_triton]

Hi Guys,

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I thought this would be the best topic to post this question into.

I have a Uniden UBC93XLT Scanner, with the stock Uniden Antenna. I was looking at getting an antenna that I will permanently mount on the bull bar of my ute, and will just run the cable through the fire wall and have it sit in the glove box where the Scanner sits when its plugged into the radio via a 3.5mm Audio Socket (Headphone Jack).

Now, I know that when looking for antenna's for a UHF Radio, you need to find one that is ground independent so that the bulbar doesn’t interfere and break the signal. Is this going to be the same with an antenna for a Scanner?

Does anyone see any issues with this setup? I will still have my original antenna with me so I can swap it over if I need to go walking.

Look forward to hearing you suggestions.

Cheers!
Kieran

[Spectre]

RFI make groundplane independent VHF antennas of various lengths found HERE


But don't overly dismiss regular mobile antennas, I've had great results with an old UHF Mega Blaster off my bullbar you just need to understand that whilst mounting them off centre of the vehicle alters the radiation pattern they still work fine...

[bagman002]

I have a 396XT and I have been looking at getting a better antenna. I have a small wip with a magnet base which has helped but it doesn't have a large spectrum range

I want a good portable antenna which is they I have liked the magnet base wip that I have at the moment, as I can sit it by my window in the office and put it on my car when driving.

I have found two antennas that I like but I would like to know if anyone can tell me why there is a $60 price difference between the two.

The first one I found on Gadget City $55 (http://www.gadgetcity.com.au/digital-&- ... e=getprice)

The second one I found on prestige communications $115 (http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index.php ... ts_id=1335)

I like with the second option that it has the hanger cap

[rochedalescan]

I have the second one and they are fantastic. I don't think they are really meant for a mobile install though. Check out ebay aswell if you want to keep the price down a bit http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mobile-One-S ... 337d0d5add

[bagman002]

I have the second one and they are fantastic. I don't think they are really meant for a mobile install though. Check out ebay aswell if you want to keep the price down a bit http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mobile-One-S ... 337d0d5add

I am in out of the car so that's why I don't want a fixed antenna. But I did like the look of the second one, thanks for the link

Sent from my HTC One XL using Tapatalk 2

[rochedalescan]

I guess you could get the one with the screw on base have a permanent install on your car then also buy a run of coax with a connector on the end for use at home then just switch the antenna between the car and home.

[Spectre]

Does your magnetic mount have a threaded section suitable for the Mobile-One antenna mentioned previously? if so that's the way I'd go for a portable solution (so long as the magnetic mount is strong enough to remain affixed at driving speeds).

Alternatively... you could fabricate some type of mounting arrangement for the Scanner-Base antenna for your vehicle but cable run and antenna resilience to wind (I've seen 6dB base antennas on cars snap because of wind velocity) will be your primary issues IMHO

[Spectre]

Not really practical for a "go anywhere" antenna James, the OP's original specification was for something he could use in his vehicle AND not be permanent.

Nice find though... I haven't seen an antenna like that for some time...