Need New NMO Wide Band Antenna

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TedWCM

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I have been using the Austin-Spectra for 9 years now on my vehicle . Had to replace the antenna as the first one metal tab that connects to the nmo mount broke off, water got inside and rusted it . Purchased another one and made sure I used a water resistant lubricant to keep water out , but screwing it off and on , Yep the tab broke again. Before I go and purchase another to last only a few years again. What is everyone using out here ?? I need wide band as I am a Public safety Officer and monitor low band VHF to 800mhz .

What's out there with a NMO mount is everyone feeling they are getting the best bang for the buck ?

Love the Austin, but quality just sucks for the mount . Never had any issues with receiving with it
 

Citywide173

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Get another Spectra. Put a small piece of foam, such as the ones Motorola uses to wrap products under the metal tab and it will exponentially increase the lifespan, as it limits the motion of the tab. I've been on the same one (2 actually-1 on each car) since 2007.
 

mass-man

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I have read here and actually heard from others that the LAIRD ABSCAN antenna does an OK job on low band...even though designed for 150/450/800. You could always try one for a bit and return it if the low band perfomance is not to your liking!
 

mass-man

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You could also try the LAIRD commercial grade antenna....WPD136M6C-001

There again, it may have enough metal in the air to receive the low band signals you need...
 

lebrunmn

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A couple of recommendations...

Ted-

I too monitor lo-band VHF up to 800 MHz, and I use two antennas exclusively:

For low profile--about 18"--I use the Larsen 150-450-800 NMO. Despite the name, it has very acceptable VHF low performance. At about $30, you can't go wrong.

For something less discreet, I use the Antenna Specialists MON-R33--it's about 45" tall. It covers 25 MHz to 900 MHz. It's the best multi-band performer I've ever used, short of a tuned & dedicated antenna, and does very well with VHF low. I think I paid about $65 for that one.

I've also owned the Spectra, and while it's a very good antenna, I much prefer these other two--and they definitely stand up better to the harsh W.Va. winters.

Good luck with your search.
 

Project25_MASTR

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The better question is what are you actually transmitting on?

Sent from my Venue 7 3730 using Tapatalk
 

mark40

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Ted-
For low profile--about 18"--I use the Larsen 150-450-800 NMO. Despite the name, it has very acceptable VHF low performance. At about $30, you can't go wrong.

Affirming lebrunmn's take on it:

I've had the similar results with the Larsen 150-450-800.

While the Antenna Specialists MON-R33 is better for lo-band, the shorter antenna is more important to me so I'm willing to sacrifice some performance. 10 yrs ago I would have needed the better Vhf lo performance, but as things evolve it's not a priority in my area anymore.
 

N9JCQ

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StateBear and all, I have that Niljon (MP) Super M that I use on my car. True it ain't pretty, but it works damn good. I think it will not go low enough in frequency for the OP that started this thread but its sure works well for scanning and tri-band ham purposes.
 

Citywide173

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For something less discreet, I use the Antenna Specialists MON-R33--it's about 45" tall. It covers 25 MHz to 900 MHz. It's the best multi-band performer I've ever used, short of a tuned & dedicated antenna, and does very well with VHF low. I think I paid about $65 for that one.

This would have been my first recommendation as well, but they are near impossible to find. I just picked up a MONR32 new in package on eBay for $59, but the sad fact is that these antennas stopped production over 25 years ago.
 

Project25_MASTR

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I'm pretty sure he's looking for a scanner antenna.

He stated he was with public safety, therefore I assume there is some transmitting mixed in there as well.

1/4 VHF-Hi whip is what I tend to use for VHF/UHF. Not as good of a match at 700/800. Works okay for low band though (I wouldn't transmit on it at low band).
 

Citywide173

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He stated he was with public safety, therefore I assume there is some transmitting mixed in there as well.

1/4 VHF-Hi whip is what I tend to use for VHF/UHF. Not as good of a match at 700/800. Works okay for low band though (I wouldn't transmit on it at low band).

He stated he is replacing an Austin Spectra, a dedicated scanner antenna, and this is the Scanner/Receiver Antenna forum.
 

TedWCM

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W5PKY, Looking for strictly a incoming scanner antenna. I have other roof top antennas dedicated for 2 way radio operation.
 

TedWCM

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I had the Antenna Specialists MON-52 back in the 90's when I operated in the Low 36mhz band and by far the best all band antenna I ever had.
I have a Maxrad antenna BMAXSCAN1000 a dealer told me was a good low-band antenna but really falls short . When I would switch from the Austin to this ,. low band was barely readable.
1 question is should I order the spring loaded base as this is attached to top of my Ford SUV ? or standard Model ?? Is center connection on both models spring loaded , don't want a Austin metal tab connection

I will post a Pic of my current setup tomorrow
 
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KE0GXN

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StateBear and all, I have that Niljon (MP) Super M that I use on my car. True it ain't pretty, but it works damn good. I think it will not go low enough in frequency for the OP that started this thread but its sure works well for scanning and tri-band ham purposes.

No disrespect meant, just does look ugly is all, but if it works good.....well that's all that matters in the end.

I believe it goes down to 25MHz....how much less would a guy in public safety need. "Most" PS low-band frequencies are in the 32-42MHz range or so I thought?
 
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