800mhz Base Antenna

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p3nt4g0n

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Would like some input on what antenna I should pick. Currently I have an Airspy with a 800mhz Radio Shack mobile antenna attached. I'm currently monitoring two 800mhz P25 systems that are max 15-20 miles away. When monitoring, both systems cut in and out, with one doing it more than the other. Also I do live at the bottom of a hill, not sure if that matters. I would prefer a solution that is indoors, but if needed could set something up in backyard. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 

flythunderbird

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Mounting an outdoor antenna on a mast will naturally give you better results, especially considering that 800MHz signals don't penetrate buildings as well as lower-frequency signals.

I've been considering the addition of an 800MHz antenna myself, and this is one (of many) that I've found -

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/wilson-omni-directional-antenna-wide-band-50ohm-311203/

You could set it up inside, if you want. I haven't bought anything yet ... still looking.
 

Voyager

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A Yagi will be much more effective and give much greater distance (although only in one direction at a time).
 

Voyager

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8 dBi (about 6 dBd) is not that great, but would be good and better than an omni antenna. One advantage os lower gain is generally a wider horizontal beamwidth which means pointing it is not as critical.
 

p3nt4g0n

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Since I'm monitoring two sites will the yagi limit me to only one? Also what would be a good choice for a yagi antenna? If I go with an omni what would be a good option on that type of antenna as well? Doesn't have to be the cheapest.
 

Voyager

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That depends on where the sites are located relative to your location and the strength of each. But generally a Yagi will only work for one at a time.
 

p3nt4g0n

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I think Im going to give the omni antenna a shot first. Which omni antenna would you suggest? Right now I only have a 800mhz radio shack mobile antenna. So it needs tp pick up better than that. Hopefully it will pick up signals in my attic , if not I will try outside.
 

flythunderbird

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I'm not seeing where that would be suitable for 800MHz. Ideally you want one that covers 700-870 Mhz.

From the coverage area/specs tab:

700-800 MHz: 3.2 dB;
824-894 MHz: 4.1 dB;
880-960 MHz: 2.7 dB;
1710-1880 MHz: 0.6 dB;
1850-1990 MHz: 5.1 dB;
2110-2170 MHz: -7.5 dB

There is a gap between 800 and 824 MHz. It's not ideal, I'll freely admit.

I'm looking for an omni in this situation ... one of my summer projects is to put up a new mast with separate antennas for lowband, general VHF/UHF, and (at least) 760 MHz-960 MHz. Already have the general VHF/UHF antenna, so any suggestions on the 760-960 MHz antenna are welcome and wanted.
 

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Ok that looks perfect! I guess I needed more coffee instead of pain killers. :roll:
The only down side I can see is if you were monitoring a simulcast system.
 

trp2525

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Would this one be a good antenna or is it overkill?

Laird FG8246 Omni Base Antenna | Scanner Master

The two sites I listen to are right around 850mhz.

That would certainly work! Note, however, that the mounting hardware is not included with it.

FYI you can purchase the Laird FG8246 from Solid Signal for $126.30 (FG8246 list price is $187.99 per Solid Signal) instead of the "Highway Robbery" price of $189.95 that Scanner Master is charging for the same antenna. Here's the Laird FG8246 link at Solid Signal: https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=fg8246

Also here's the link to the Laird FM2 Fiberglass Antenna Mounting Kit at Solid Signal for $19.64 (FM2 list price is $33.77 per Solid Signal): https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=69293
 

p3nt4g0n

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FYI you can purchase the Laird FG8246 from Solid Signal for $126.30 (FG8246 list price is $187.99 per Solid Signal) instead of the "Highway Robbery" price of $189.95 that Scanner Master is charging for the same antenna. Here's the Laird FG8246 link at Solid Signal: https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=fg8246

Also here's the link to the Laird FM2 Fiberglass Antenna Mounting Kit at Solid Signal for $19.64 (FM2 list price is $33.77 per Solid Signal): https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=69293

Thanks for the links! Even though this is tuned for the 800mhz band, will it still pick up 700mhz or no?
 

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