Mobile Antenna suggestion

redhatnick · #1 (**permalink**) 01-20-2013, 9:53 PM

It seems everyone here does a good job of match-making antenna and scanner together, I'd like see if everyone can work their magic for me for my car setup.

Scanner: GRE PSR-800
Location: Charlotte, NC
States visiting: GA, SC, NC, VA, DC, MD, PA, NJ

Antennas considering:
Austin Spectra
I like the idea of a one-size fits all antenna, but I'm wondering if it might be overkill for what I'm listening to. I'm neutral towards the height, but I'd probably have to dismount it when I'm in a bad neighborhood as not to draw attention to myself.

Larsen Tri-band
This seems economically priced compared to Spectra and about 1/3 of the height.

Potential dedicated 800mhz antenna
Trunk-mount a dedicated 800mhz antenna, and listen to everything else off the PSR-800's factory antenna when necessary. I'd like to hear if there are any I should consider here to compliment the Larsen/Spectra if it is cost-effective.

I figure while driving I'm only listening to the 800mhz public safety bands, and if I so happen to feel the need to listen to real-time air traffic control or railroad I'm wondering if the included PSR-800 antenna would be sufficient?

I'm also open to two NMO/trunk antennas if that makes sense to get the best reception possible.

Rt169Radio · #2 (**permalink**) 01-21-2013, 8:19 AM

How about both antennas? The tri-band and the 800MHz. The stock antenna would not be the best if you really wanted to listen to something else other then the 800MHz band.

bgav · #3 (**permalink**) 01-21-2013, 8:39 AM

As a PSR-800, Austin Spectra, and Larsen Tri-band owner, I'd recommend the Larsen Triband. For the money, I've found it performs equal to out-performing the Austin Spectra in all areas except VHF-Low.

kc0wkp · #4 (**permalink**) 01-21-2013, 8:40 AM

I use the Larson Tri-Band and it does an amazing job on both 8oo and VHF. That it the antenna I would go with.

AD5KO · #5 (**permalink**) 01-21-2013, 10:39 AM

I use a halfwave vhf/uhf NMO roof mounted antenna and it works very well for scanning. It picks up CB 19 and everything up to the 800mhz band.

I heard stuff on the 800mhz band today in the car while in the yard and it was about an hour from here.

What I wanted was to be able to listen to CB 19, public safety and NOAA weather when driving, the dual band antenna I am using works very well for this.

So I would expect the Larson tri-band antenna to be really good.

reconrider8 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-21-2013, 11:10 AM

both are good antennas the tribander is a lil smaller then the spectra but the spectra has the option of getting some low band stuff that the tribander want even touch

AD5KO · #7 (**permalink**) 01-21-2013, 12:04 PM

I should probably point out that when listening to CB I am only interested in close proximity signals.

kc0wkp · #8 (**permalink**) 01-21-2013, 2:54 PM

I am able to pick up CB on my triband not far distance but none the less trucks on the road.

trap5858 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-21-2013, 5:11 PM

The Larsen tri- band gets my vote too, I have been using one for about 9 years, it does a great job and fairly low profile as well.

redhatnick · #10 (**permalink**) 01-21-2013, 11:05 PM

The Larsen tri-band it is.

I'm also going to do a second antenna to focus in on my 800mhz listening. I'm expecting this one to be trunk mounted, but I want it to reach above the roof line to avoid the 'shadow' effect if this is a possibility. I was looking at the Laird E8065C []Laird Tech E8065C - $59.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!. Any thoughts?

JASII · #11 (**permalink**) 01-22-2013, 2:25 PM

I was all set to start a new thread, but it looks like you already havve one going here. I have a Uniden Home Patrol HP-1 that I use mobile. Until this weekend I have used an 800 mHz gain antenna inside the vehicle. That actually worked pretty well, since I was monitoring the Minnesota ARMER system, which is a doigital, trunked simulcast system. This past weekend I decided to resurrect one of my amateur radio trunk lip mounts and install that on the vehicle. I attached a VHF quarter wave whip. This mrning, while driving to work, I was impressed by the performance on 800 mHz, but quite underwhlemd by the UHF (450/460 mHz) performance. I recall when I was more active on amateur radio repeaters that it was possible to use a 2 meter 1/4 wave antenna for BOTH 2 meters and 70 cm.

Anyway, it looks like it is time to consider a different antenna for that NMO (Motorola) mount. I have used the Larsen - NMO150/450/800 - Tri Band VHF, UHF, 800 MHz Motorola Style Antenna. I actually wasn't overly impressed with this as an amateur antenna, but I also realize that this is 150/450 (and 800) NOT 144/444/800. Anyway, I gather from previous posts that this works almost as well as the Austin Spectra, which looks over-priced to me. Are there any other antennas that I ought to consider for mobile monitoring of 150, 460, and 800 mHz?

AdamDaMan · #12 (**permalink**) 01-22-2013, 2:49 PM

Have you thought about an NMO antenna? I love mine! It looks great and the signal is unbeatable for a mobile antenna.

AdamDaMan · #13 (**permalink**) 01-22-2013, 2:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AD5KO

I use a halfwave vhf/uhf NMO roof mounted antenna and it works very well for scanning. It picks up CB 19 and everything up to the 800mhz band.

I heard stuff on the 800mhz band today in the car while in the yard and it was about an hour from here.

What I wanted was to be able to listen to CB 19, public safety and NOAA weather when driving, the dual band antenna I am using works very well for this.

So I would expect the Larson tri-band antenna to be really good.

Can you give me the link to that specific antenna? I am looking for one like that.

Adam

Rt169Radio · #14 (**permalink**) 01-23-2013, 8:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhatnick

The Larsen tri-band it is.

I'm also going to do a second antenna to focus in on my 800mhz listening. I'm expecting this one to be trunk mounted, but I want it to reach above the roof line to avoid the 'shadow' effect if this is a possibility. I was looking at the Laird E8065C []Laird Tech E8065C - $59.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!. Any thoughts?

That antenna seems good. It has a nice range and height to it.

Have you seen this antenna? Am mentioning it because it is a Larsen.

Larsen NMO5E825B [Larsen NMO5E825B] - $39.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!

redhatnick · #15 (**permalink**) 01-26-2013, 7:24 PM

Got the Larsen tri-band setup this weekend on the Comet CP-5NMO mount. There aren't that many 'real' life pictures of the Larsen tri-band antenna, hopefully this helps give future people some perspective on height and size. See attached.

Rt169Radio · #16 (**permalink**) 01-27-2013, 8:31 AM

Nice setup and cool car! It matches.

Jim41 · #17 (**permalink**) 01-27-2013, 9:50 AM

Please let us know how well it performs.

Jim41

AD5KO · #18 (**permalink**) 01-27-2013, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamDaMan

Can you give me the link to that specific antenna? I am looking for one like that.

Adam

They claim this is a 5/8th wave but it's actually a halfwave on vhf.

TRAM BROWNING 1180, NMO.

5 8 Wave Dual Band 2 Meter 440 Antenna Tram 1180 NMO | eBay

AD5KO · #19 (**permalink**) 01-27-2013, 10:45 AM

I don't know if this would interest anyone, it just looks useful.

9" BNC Rubber All-Band Antenna Kit Clip-On Window Mount 10' Cable NEW 3105

Easily mounts to window edge of any vehicle
Clip-On Window Mount for quick installation
9" All-band analog & digital rubber antenna
10' cable with BNC connector
Ideal for hand-held radios, CB, & Scanners
For amateurs & commercial users who need improved reception.

9" BNC Rubber All Band Antenna Kit Clip on Window Mount 10' Cable New 3105 | eBay

bgav · #20 (**permalink**) 01-27-2013, 11:25 AM

Very nice ride, nice antenna setup. Let us know how it performs.