Suggestions for better reception?

[wac1970]

Hi everyone,

I just bought a Uniden Bearcat 370CRS scanner. I live in Butler, NJ. I'm interested in monitoring the Clifton/Passaic/Paterson police and fire (approx 20 miles from where I live) frequencies in addition to the ones up here in my area. The problem I'm having is that the Clifton/Passaic/Paterson frequencies don't come in up here. Does anyone have any ideas? This is the first scanner I've ever owned, so I'm at a loss for ideas. Maybe a better antenna? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated


Thanks,
Walter

[mciupa]

Hi wac1970 welcome to RadioReference

A better antenna would certainly help, however I don't want to make any suggestions that would exceed the cost of your scanner.

What you want to look for is perhaps a surplus or used VHF/UHF dual band antenna, since the bulk of what you seek is in the 150 and 470 to 500 MHz range.
Check the Classifeds on this site.
Another option is to Google for antenna projects for this range and maybe you could construct one yourself.

Good luck!

[n9ihx]

Another good choice would be a discone antenna. That would cover
about any band you might need in the area. If the signals are really
weak, a small yagi or log periodic antenna will do the job.

[FLRAILMAN]

What kind of antenna & coax set-up are you using now? do you have access to your attic or roof? & what price range are you working with?

FLRAILMAN

[engine3]

if it were me and this is only my opinion but,

for around 30.00 you could grab a radio shack 20-176, which is small enough to keep in the house.if your not able to mount something outside, even inside you'll be pleased with the results

[rvictor]

Originally Posted by wac1970

Hi everyone,

I just bought a Uniden Bearcat 370CRS scanner. I live in Butler, NJ. I'm interested in monitoring the Clifton/Passaic/Paterson police and fire (approx 20 miles from where I live) frequencies in addition to the ones up here in my area. The problem I'm having is that the Clifton/Passaic/Paterson frequencies don't come in up here. Does anyone have any ideas? This is the first scanner I've ever owned, so I'm at a loss for ideas. Maybe a better antenna? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,
Walter

Seems to me that before you start spending money on an antenna and coax, it might be good to find out whether what you are trying to do is doable. I'd suggest that you post in the NJ forum to see if someone in your area is familiar with the systems that you want to hear and can tell you whether the strength of their signals is sufficient to be heard at your location.

Then, if that's taken care of, let us know things like whether you can put up an outside antenna or are limited to only inside. Can you access the attic for placement of an antenna? Some idea of what you are willing/able to spend.

Dick