Back of set antenna length

RS8 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-16-2012, 11:59 AM

Can anyone tell me if there is a optimum length for a back of set antenna to pickup 800mhz?

n5ims · #2 (**permalink**) 11-16-2012, 1:40 PM

3" or so should be the resonant frequency. You may try several to see what works best in your specific situation though. The higher in frequency you go the shorter the antenna should generally be. For example, for 150 MHz the length would be about 18", for 450 MHz it would be about 6", and for 800 MHz, as indicated, it should be about 3". These sizes are based on the standard 1/4 wave antenna. Other designs will use different lengths and have different signal patterns.

benbenrf · #3 (**permalink**) 11-16-2012, 3:59 PM

Can I add to n5ims comments (which are quite correct): try get your antenna above the the back of the chassis - even if this means an extra connector and a few inches of good thick coax. My experience is that having a the chassis of a receiver/scanner bang in the near field of an antenna so short (as it would be for 800Mhz) doesn't help the antenna rad pattern at all.