2 quick questions

[Tryton]

Hi all, Just wanted some quick help. I went to radio shack and bought the 800 MHz scanner antenna. also had to buy the little angle adapter for proper position.

Q. Now that I have the MHz antenna on this, will it seriously degrade my performance to hear other freq's like hams and Cb's, ISS, and others?

My other question relates to the signal strength meter, is it normal to see that bar go from 4 to 2 to none then back to 3 or 4 during a transmission? some channels I get very strong, and others that bar goes up and down very fast.. Thanks for any help Tryton

BCD996T

 

[MaxMan1986]

What's an MHz antenna? Do you mean the 800 MHz antenna?

 

[Tryton]

This one http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...Type/Scanner/HAM&fbc=1&parentPage=family

 

[mciupa]

Tryton, it's an awesome antenna for both 800 and 400 mhz.
Not to shabby on VHF. Absolutely no degrading. Check it out for yourself.

 

[n2mdk]

The 800MHz antenna is cut for that frequency band, it will work out of band but the signal will not be as good as with an antenna cut for those frequencies. Multi band antennas are a different story they exhibit different electrical properties on bands they are designed for.
I'm not sure what's going on with the signal strength meter, I don't own a 996 so I'm not sure what it's reading.

 

[Tryton]

can anyone try to tackle my other question about the signal strength meter?

 

[Stick0413]

I can say on my 996 on some frequencies/systems it does exactly the same thing you said yours is doing.

 

[tmfok7]

First of all, what are you listening to? Is it 800 mhz trunked, UHF or VHF Hi or Low?

 

[Don_Burke]

I see a bit of loss in performance at VHF high frequencies. It seems to be pretty bad at VHF low and I would expect the same at CB frequencies. UHF is pretty good.

Signal strength from mobiles can run all over the place. That is one reason FM became so popular.

 

[dangitdoug]

Signal meter

I would say it is not uncommon for the meter to fluctuate during transmissions. If you take into accuont that much of what we tend to listen to are mobile units, therefore constantly moving. This by itself can cause signal fluctuation as a vehicle moves in and around obstacles.

Base signals can also be affected by other stronger transmission sited between you and their location. There are many things such as sunspots, other transmission signals, physical obstacles that can affect what you are listening to. As long as you can still hear what you are tuned to, I wouldn't worry too much about the meter reading.

Doug K

 

[Tryton]

Thank You! That makes perfect sense. plus it really only happens when I'm listening to the next county over.. When I'm on my own county it happens too, but not as bad.. You all have helped me greatly.. Thanks Again! Tryton