Antenna Tutorial?

[jjudson]

My recent reception question has me realizing that I know nothing about antennas. The Wiki really seems to be more of a buyers guide. Can anyone point me to a good tutorial on scanner antennas - selection, installation, technology, configurations, etc.?

Thanks much!

[stvnd53]

Personally I think here is a good place.We have invested in all sorts of money on antennas,coax,towers ,pipes,You name it ,we have tried it!
Ask a question.In detail.ei:type of radio,what type of system you are trying to get,(Be real!)if you live in NJ,you are NOT gonna Rx.Las Vagas PD/EMS/Fire.
You will be able to pickout the "know-it-alls" from the real deal.A person who has been at scanning for a month,and has tried every antenna on the market,Avoid at all cost.
This is a hobby,not a race!

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by jjudson

My recent reception question has me realizing that I know nothing about antennas. The Wiki really seems to be more of a buyers guide. Can anyone point me to a good tutorial on scanner antennas - selection, installation, technology, configurations, etc.?

Thanks much!

http://www.arrl.org/catalog/8047/

[ka3jjz]

Indeed the wiki is more of a buyer's guide (at least the scanner antennas article is - there's plenty of beginner's stuff on the HF side). Be more specific about your questions and there's lots of folks here that can answer them.

We could even start a FAQ on the topic and put it on the wiki for future reference. Start firing your questions! And for those that answer, please use the KISS principle when you can. Check the wiki and if there's an appropriate link, don't be afraid to use it. This is a topic that needs some exploration.

73s Mike

[nd5y]

N_Jay has the best idea.
If you don't want to buy a book then you can start with these web sites
http://www.tpub.com/content/neets/14182
http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm
http://www.cebik.com

[jjudson]

Holy crap! And I thought that antennas were just the little things that Martians wore on their heads!

I've got my work cut out for me.

[Tryton]

ok, I'll fire one off. I have the BCD996t, I'm using the included pos antenna.. I would like to get a better antenna but it cannot be an outdoor type.. Its not allowed in my apt complex. so question # 1. what kind of antenna can I use for the 400's thru 900's thats where most of my scanning lyes. Also what type of connector do I need to hook it up to the back of my radio?? the one now just seems to push in.. Thanks for any advice.. Tryton

[wannabescannist]

The Antenna Handbook is a great resource, but in my opinion, it still assumes you know a lot of electric theory.

[Tryton]

I just want an indoor antenna that replaces the one that came with it.. any suggestions??

[Tryton]

anyone??