Antenna choice question

[ajbrenner]

Happy New Year to All,

I’m thinking of upgrading my antenna in preparation for the eventual purchase of a digital scanner. Right now I’m using the RS 20-176 antenna that’s on the top of a mast about 24 feet off of the ground on a BC 249T

with pretty good results. But as time moves on good isn’t good enough and better scanner would deserve a better antenna.

I was thinking the ST-2 would be a good all around choice for a multi band antenna.
http://www.scannermaster.com/ST_2_Scanner_Antenna_Package_p/34-541241.htm


Then I noticed this. Yes much more money but so much more neighbor friendly. It looks like it will be much sturdier then the ST-2. Also I would be able to place it at the top of the mast for a greater overall height.

http://www.scannermaster.com/SA7000_Super_Wide_Band_Receive_Antenna_p/19-541049.htm

Has anyone tried this antenna? Would performance be comparable to the ST-2 or would I be wasting my money?

Thanks
ajb

 

[thewenk]

Happy New Year to All,

I’m thinking of upgrading my antenna in preparation for the eventual purchase of a digital scanner. Right now I’m using the RS 20-176 antenna that’s on the top of a mast about 24 feet off of the ground on a BC 249T

with pretty good results. But as time moves on good isn’t good enough and better scanner would deserve a better antenna.

I was thinking the ST-2 would be a good all around choice for a multi band antenna.
http://www.scannermaster.com/ST_2_Scanner_Antenna_Package_p/34-541241.htm


Then I noticed this. Yes much more money but so much more neighbor friendly. It looks like it will be much sturdier then the ST-2. Also I would be able to place it at the top of the mast for a greater overall height.

http://www.scannermaster.com/SA7000_Super_Wide_Band_Receive_Antenna_p/19-541049.htm

Has anyone tried this antenna? Would performance be comparable to the ST-2 or would I be wasting my money?

Thanks
ajb

I don't know anything about the SA7000, but from user reports I save your money and stay with the ST-2.

Personally I use the DPD OmniX multiband antenna with good results. It's also more neighbor friendly. There have been several discussion threads on this antenna.
http://www.dpdproductions.com/page_scanner.html#omnix

Dave

 

[kinfolk]

Hello,

I have no experience with the ST-2 but I have had experience with the AOR7000 and it was all negative. I achieved very poor results from the AOR7000 on all scanner bands. I used good LMR400 coax with it but it did not help. I replaced the AOR with a Diamond Discone and now have much better reception on all public service bands. I would recommend avoiding the AOR7000 completely.

 

[mrdinks]

dont forget about
http://www.dpdproductions.com/
Very good quality, I have had this antenna up for several months
http://www.dpdproductions.com/page_scanner.html#scannerlp
I use it with my digital scanner and am very happy with its performance and wide range.

 

[Sinister]

I currently have the ST2 in use at 32 feet works well in 150 Mhz through 480 MHz have not done well in the 800MHz range. Pull in Nashua and Manchester NH trunked systems at aprox. 20-25 miles, but not good enough to listen to 1-3 bars signal and thats when it comes in at all.
As always my experiences my be different than yours.

 

[iMONITOR]

I've used the AOR SA7000 and it performed well. It's constructed well but cost about twice as much as it should.

 

[PHOENIX_SCANNER]

If you are in a high rf area having a higher gain antenna may actually work against you. Just something to consider.