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Michigan Radio Discussion Forum Forum for discussing Radio Information in the State of Michigan.

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Old 05-03-2009, 09:42 PM
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Default I need a new rooftop antenna - Genesee Co.

When I went up on the roof today to put up a new TV antenna, I saw that 2 of the prongs of my old Radio Shack 20-176 that I installed 5 years ago had broken off. One of them was missing entirely, it must have gotten up and walked away? I guess this is why my reception has been so terrible for the last long while?!

So I've decided to get a new one. Since Genesee Co. is almost completely digital now, what outdoor rooftop will get the best reception in the 800 MHz band? Is there such thing as an antenna that is made specifically for this band? I have an account at Scanner Master and all I can find there is all-band antennas. Radio Shack is about the same. Help!
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Old 05-03-2009, 10:00 PM
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Scanner Antenna Source - Home

Plenty of 800MHz antennas to choose from as well as other freq specific antennas.
Happy hunting
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Old 05-03-2009, 10:47 PM
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Scanner Antenna Source - Home

Plenty of 800MHz antennas to choose from as well as other freq specific antennas.
Happy hunting
I think that site is British. It says pounds instead of dollars. I can't afford overseas shipping...
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Old 05-03-2009, 11:06 PM
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I think that site is British. It says pounds instead of dollars. I can't afford overseas shipping...
Check again, there are antennas from many many different antenna companies and Suppliers.

The site is Not British, I build the site and i live in US...lol
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Old 05-03-2009, 11:09 PM
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Check again, there are antennas from many many different antenna companies and Suppliers.

The site is Not British, I build the site and i live in US...lol
Okay, specifically which antenna do you recommend based on my original post?
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Old 05-03-2009, 11:15 PM
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Okay, specifically which antenna do you recommend based on my original post?
There are way to many antennas, and each situation is different.
Just pick the type that best fits your listening needs, and fits your budget.

Your the only one that can decide.

You might also want to read reviews on antennas be looking around on the web or using google.

Good luck on your search.
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Old 05-03-2009, 11:17 PM
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my friend recommended Comtelco S Series* Base Station Two-Way Radio Antennas Information Page

know anything about this place?
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Old 05-03-2009, 11:22 PM
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Comtelco is a very good company.
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Old 05-03-2009, 11:46 PM
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I use this one. Very good reception

Valcom Manufacturing Group Inc - Guelph - VAS-800 UHF Base Station Antenna

have seen this one installed and works well

http://www.comtelcoantennas.com/PDF%...s/BS800XL7.pdf

Both are good antenna's
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Old 05-04-2009, 03:04 AM
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The best way to get the Genco simulcast is with a directional yagi pointed at the closest tower.
Just find one that fits your budget..I have the Wilson #301111 and it works great
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Old 05-04-2009, 03:19 PM
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Quote:
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I use this one. Very good reception

Valcom Manufacturing Group Inc - Guelph - VAS-800 UHF Base Station Antenna

have seen this one installed and works well

http://www.comtelcoantennas.com/PDF%...s/BS800XL7.pdf

Both are good antenna's
Okay what kind of connections do they have? I need PL-259 since that's what my antenna cable has. Is there an adapter I can get at Radio Shack?
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Old 05-04-2009, 03:24 PM
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The best way to get the Genco simulcast is with a directional yagi pointed at the closest tower.
Just find one that fits your budget..I have the Wilson #301111 and it works great
That one says its made for cell phone signals. I want to listen to MPSCS. Phone listening is impossible now (and illegal) so I don't do it.
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Old 05-04-2009, 03:54 PM
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That one says its made for cell phone signals. I want to listen to MPSCS. Phone listening is impossible now (and illegal) so I don't do it.
An antenna does not know or care if it was made for cell phone. the specs for the antenna are for 800mhz.
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Old 05-04-2009, 04:15 PM
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An antenna does not know or care if it was made for cell phone. the specs for the antenna are for 800mhz.
Yeah that's true. So where's a good place to get a good deal on it?

I'm thinking its a better idea to get an omnidirectional (instead of a fully directional) though since Flint PD / FD and some EMS rigs are still conventional VHF or UHF...
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Old 05-04-2009, 04:42 PM
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They most likely have N-connectors. Most pro antennas have this connector. Yes you can get a N-conn to PL259 most anywhere.
800 mhz cell phone antenna's will work as the freq is 869-890
Yes legal.
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Old 05-04-2009, 04:44 PM
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found these's

COMTELCO Dual Band 800/1900 MHz Fiberglass Base Antenna - eBay (item 310138683196 end time May-27-09 13:34:35 PDT)

here is a moblie that could work

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Wilson-RV-Tr...A2%7C294%3A200
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Old 05-04-2009, 05:41 PM
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I HATE ebay. Haven't used it in 10 years, never will again. If I wanted a used antenna (which I DON'T), I'd go to craigslist. No middleman fees or shipping fees; and first come, first serve policy. Trying to win an auction is too stressful for me.

I'm looking for a base station rooftop ONLY, I already have a mobile which I barely use.
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Old 05-04-2009, 06:47 PM
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ok fyi there are many stores and dealers on ebay now selling new without bidding
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Old 05-04-2009, 06:59 PM
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ok fyi there are many stores and dealers on ebay now selling new without bidding
No thanks. No credit card either.

So whats a good online retailer that won't rip me off?
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Old 05-04-2009, 07:25 PM
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I bought my BS800XL7 from MultecCommunications rfwiz.com
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