You could use a CB antenna as a scanner antenna. Reception of frequencies above 400 MHz should be decent, but not good as a dedicated scanner. A CB might have difficulty recieving weak 400 and 800 MHz signals if the antenna is longer than 48 inches. Reception of VHF low and high frequencies should be ok; signals should be fairly strong. A 20 inch CB antenna can provide decent reception of VHF, UHF and 800 MHz signals. Of course, the antenna may not work to well on the CB frequencies.
Just an idea.
One of Radio Shack's scanner antennas can be used to transmit on some VHF and UHF amateur radio bands, but not on CB bands. It's too bad you can't use it for CB radios.
Hope this helps, and I hope you find a solution.
