A/C scanning on Pro 197

[jao9900]

I'm looking for any tips on A/C conv. scanning on a pro 197 with RS 800MH antenna. RS tells me it's the best for all scanning. I mention that because I posted this earlier and after being informed I had jumped topic, the person went on to say that may be problem. I know A/C transmissions are seldom crystal clear. I also run a BC 100, which in this area now, AC is about all it's good for, but works fine. So I know it's not my location. Should I use orig. stock antenna for AC? I currently have airport in one scan list. MAC is 800mh and AC conv. Would it help to move the conv. freqs. to it's own scan list?
jao9900

[raisindot]

Originally Posted by jao9900

I'm looking for any tips on A/C conv. scanning on a pro 197 with RS 800MH antenna...Should I use orig. stock antenna for AC? I currently have airport in one scan list. MAC is 800mh and AC conv. Would it help to move the conv. freqs. to it's own scan list?
jao9900

If I assume by "RS 800MH" you mean the Radio Shack 800MHz antenna, then that will be part of the problem right there. It's not made for capturing commercial A/C transmissions, which are in the VHF Hi band and some areas of the 200Mhz band.

The stock antenna will probably not be all that good either. Try to get a different antenna like the Diamond RH77CA or the RS "long duckie" antenna that you can sometimes find for $9.95 in clearance at some Shacks. These will provide better reception on the VHF band.

But also keep in mind that the Pro 197 isn't a great VHF receiver. I have the PSR 500, the GRE handheld version of the Pro 197, and it doesn't pull in A/C frequencies extremely well, even with other antennas.

Suzie

[FLRAILMAN]

I'm not even going to ask how you let a RS salesman, oops, I meant sales (ass)ociate sell you an 800 MHz rubber duck antenna for a pro 197 even if you were monitoring trunked systems exclusively. You would at least have half a chance of receiving a great chunk of spectrum that the 197 is capable of receiving with the stock antenna, Check the RR antenna WIKI for tried & true proven antennas that will work for you. In the meantime I strongly suggest you return that toy to the clown who lied & sold it to you & when you place it on the counter give him that "If you don't refund my money I am going to unscrew your head" look. I knew to stay out of RS stores when I walked into one & asked to see their scanners & the rocket scientist asked what type of computer I had. RS stores are not what they used to be, you know, progress & all.
FLRAILMAN

[jao9900]

Gonna assume my reply didn't make it on. I got the reply ready before I logged in. When I logged in everything went south. Yes on all accounts. I enjoy A/C and if I can try something for a few bucks more I'll sure try it. Can you suggest who might carry the Diamond brand? Would I try a commercial radio place, Motorola? Also think I'm gonna open a second folder and put the conv. A/C freqs. in there. Then I can just change folder rather that turn off 19 other scan lists. Usually only listen to one or the other anyway. FLRAILMAN, I agree 100% now. When I decided to get into trunking I really didn't know where else to go. Know better now. I only had time for a quick check on WIKI antenna's and found out I didn't really know what I'm looking for. Going back now.

[FLRAILMAN]

This is Diamonds website: diamondantennas.com & click on dealers.
Also try these guys as they carry Diamond antennas.

Universal Radio shortwave, amateur, scanner and CB radio since 1942

AES Home page

Home

It appears that you are dedicated to purchasing a Diamond antenna however if you will consider a non Diamond product we have a RR member who makes his own antennas at reasonable cost, I've purchased a few from him with excellent results.

I'm no expert on trunking however try the RR WIKI on trunking & there are a bunch of very knowlegable guys on the site who could assist you in managing your trunking/conventional frequency folder, good luck
FLRAILMAN

DPD Productions - Antennas & Accessories for the RF Professional & Radio Hobbyist

[shaft]

If you want a premium Airband antenna, I'd suggest getting the Maldol AL-500H. Its specifically designed for the airbands. I have that one and the diamond RH77. I think the Maldol does a better job than the diamond.

[jao9900]

Not dedicated to any brand. It was just a suggestion. Just trying to get the most out of my pro 197 including a/c objects. Doesn't sound like the duckie is the way to go. I copied all the info you sent and will check out. Really liked hearing about the one for a/c and the home mades. I think I seen on WIKI antenna's info on build your own. Thanks all. Oh! When stopped on a a/c object should it display AM? Also, what does that Sq:Search display, lower left above F-1 button mean. Anything wrong there for starters?

[jao9900]

No response yet to my previous post but I do have and update here anyway for anyone trying to help. I made a new folder with only a/c freqs. in it on my pro 197. Now can scan only a/c freqs. alone. No trunking. That helped but still not as good as bc-100. I know the 197 is a trunker but should handle vhf too. Anyway, I swapped antenna's and the 197 got even better. A little to good but I think I can control that with squelch. Resolve: Gonna try a vhf antenna for a/c scanning only. Been checking out your suggestions. I like what I read about the AL 500 but really like the DPD Airblade. Any prefs. out there? Problem is I can't find any of these locally. Would like to be able to buy it, try it and if problem be back to store before they close. Gonna sit down with phone and yellow pages. Will post what I find and how it works.