Scanner Antenna???

[lectric80]

I am going to be getting me a PRO-433 scanner from Radio Shack, but I will need an external antenna. Since this is going to be a permanent addition to the Blazer, I want something that can be mounted to the body. I know that the only external antenna Radio Shack shows is a magnetic mount, but I don't like those. Anybody know of a decent, relatively inexpensive antenna that will be good for the frequencies involved here?

This is the unit:

It uses a BNC plug for the antenna, but I could always use any adaptor to work with preinstalled ends on the coax.

 

[pauly383]

Its going to need to cover a broad range of frequencies , so unlike a transmit antenna where its cut for just a select frequency or a single band , your going to need something more of a compromise .

So try a single element antenna that says its for a scanner . This would be cut for the lowest frequency at either 1/4 , 1/2 , or 5/8 of a wave , and be a multiples of wavelength for the highest frequency covered , it may even have coils or traps in the center to isolate parts of it for different wavelengths .

Any of the places online will carry something . Scanning is more popular than the general public thinks .

 

[lectric80]

I know how popular it is, this will be the third scanner I have had. Previously I had only had handheld scanners, but I want something a little less likely to walk off.

Thanks for the information Pauly, I will do a little searching tonight. So would a cut at 1/4 be better than a 5/8?

 

[lectric80]

I have seen a few antennas that are available, but the ranges of pickup may not cover the entire spectrum of the scanner. I have also seen that there are some splitters that use the stock AM/FM windshield mounted antenna to recieve the scanner signal. Has anyone use this type of setup, and is it enough to cover the entire spectrum of the scanner I am looking at.
Keep in mind that I plan on having it scan the FRS/GMRS frequencies, as well as police, Life Flight, fire/ambulance, and possibly my CB channels. I may also have it pick up the Nascar in car radios for when I go to the races. There may be some more channels, such as the Ham frequencies that I may also set up.

It is not a matter of price, since the splitter is about the same cost as buying a regular antenna, but it would be cleaner and not advertise the presence for thieves.

 

[pauly383]

Anything will work , just may not work quite as well . You could run a wire dangling out the window if you wanted .

Your just not going to find a single antenna thats going to be perfect on everything .

Thats why I say just find a scanner antenna that says it covers as much of what you want as you can .

the ugliest , noisiest , but most capable all band recieve antenna is a Discone . But those have a ****load of antenna elements .

 

[lectric80]

And the Discone's are pricey, I have seen quite a few of those on my searches.