I need a new rooftop antenna - Genesee Co.

Flintstone4680 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 09:42 PM

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!

digitalanalog · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 10:00 PM

Scanner Antenna Source - Home

Plenty of 800MHz antennas to choose from as well as other freq specific antennas.
Happy hunting

Flintstone4680 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalanalog

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...

digitalanalog · #4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flintstone4680

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

Flintstone4680 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalanalog

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?

digitalanalog · #6 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flintstone4680

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.

Flintstone4680 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 11:17 PM

my friend recommended Comtelco S Series* Base Station Two-Way Radio Antennas Information Page

know anything about this place?

digitalanalog · #8 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 11:22 PM

Comtelco is a very good company.

w8jjr · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 11:46 PM

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

phantom1131 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 03:04 AM

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

Flintstone4680 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w8jjr

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?

Flintstone4680 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantom1131

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.

seamusg · #13 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flintstone4680

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.

Flintstone4680 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamusg

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...

w8jjr · #15 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 04:42 PM

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.

w8jjr · #16 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 04:44 PM

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

Flintstone4680 · #17 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w8jjr

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

NEW Wilson RV/Trucker Spring-Mount Cell Antenna(301133) - eBay (item 330299765199 end time May-09-09 16:24:31 PDT)

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.