Question for trunking listeners...

truck6kc · #1 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 08:17 PM

I could have posted this under the Antenna forum or Delaware, but I figured I would try and reach someone around here who is familiar with scanning New Castle County, DE.

My question is... Which antenna is the best to moniter NCC Fire/EMS from the Eastern Shore of MD. I pretty much know nothing about antennas, RF gains or whatever else there is... So I'd ask for you to keep the response simple. I have a Radio shack Pro 96 and I would be looking to mount the antenna on my roof. In reading some posts, apparently a "Yagi" type antenna would be the best??

Can anyone reccomend a good one that is not too expensive, or if there is something better out there?

I appreciate any help!

DELCOLHFC · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 09:50 PM

I'm not from the Eastern Shore (but I do waste a bunch of gas in the bay every year) but I have had excellent results monitoring NCC's system (DE NCC & Kent) from North of DE in Delaware County PA using the Wilson 301111 (I'm pretty sure thats the correct model #) Yagi. They provide decent gain and can be found on Ebay and other online vendors in the $45-75 range. I picked mine up at R&R Communications in Claymont DE for $75 or so. It comes with a N type connector on it and I use LMR400 cable. This antenna has increased reception on all the 800MHz systems I can monitor from my shack, compared to a Scantenna ST-2 at 35 feet. The Wilson is only at about 25 feet but it is on a rotor.
I hope this helps some.

truck6kc · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 10:04 PM

In looking on ebay, I guess they are actually cell phone antenna's but will pick up the trunked freq's good?

Thanks for your help...

DELCOLHFC · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 10:39 PM

Yep, made as cell phone antennas for remote areas but work very well for the 800MHz band. Make sure to use decent cable or you will loose some of the advantage of the better antenna.
I don't usually talk to truckies but in this case I'm glad to help out.

truck6kc · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 11:06 PM

Lol, thanks. LH... Lenni?

DELCOLHFC · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truck6kc

Lol, thanks. LH... Lenni?

Very good! Do you know us, or maybe I know you?.......Where on the Eastern shore are you? I waste my time in Cecil and Kent during the summer when I can get away. Floating around in the bay in that neighborhood it's amazing how many TRS's a Pro-96 and rubber duck can pickup.
Tom from Lenni