Testing a scanner antenna?

[G3MiNi]

I just got my BR330T (love it). Mounted on my house I have an old 18 foot 1/2 wave antenna with three radial arms at the base, each about 3 feet in length running parallel to the ground. With this I get really good reception, but I know I can do better. Back in my CB Radio days I used a Midland 23-139 SWR Meter (which I still have), but since my scanner does not transmit, I am thinking this meter is the wrong piece of equipment for testing my scanner antenna.

What is the proper device for testing a scanner antenna?

Any suggestions about the best places (in general) to mount an antenna such as the one I described above?

How long is 'too long' for my 50 ohm coax? (i.e. how long can a scanner wire be before it becomes a problem?). Right now my wire runs through the wall and straight up the side of my house to the antenna which is mounted on the side of the house with a 5 foot extension arm from the mounting brackets up in the eves.

I appreciate any help you can offer.
--Kevin

 

[KC4RAF]

For some of your questions:

For an analyzer for your antenna go here;
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-269
The price has gone way up on it. Mine only cost me 89.99 USD back in '93.

A good reference quide for the Analyzer here:
http://www.niftyaccessories.com/MFJ_RefGuide.htm

And here for line loss:
http://www.ocarc.ca/coax.htm

At the bottom of the page you'll find the calulator.
Hope this helps.

 

[G3MiNi]

Brilliant! Thanks for the great info rafdav.