Antenna Recommendation needed

[logan19]

I recently bought a BCD536HP. I want to buy a antenna with a magnetic mount for my vehicle, but I don’t know what to look for in picking a antenna.
A lot of the ones I see are very short and I’m not sure if they are worth buying. I live In north Louisiana zip code 71251 if that helps.

 

[questnz]

Check this thread.

Laird - Question About 2 New Antennas For My Uniden BCT 15X Scanner Used Elusively For Mobile

Hello All I am looking to replace an Aging Antenex C40 I use to pick up the California Highway Patrol and A Junk Amazon buy for all other Frequency! I Run A Uniden BCT 15X I Am considering the following A Laird 150-450-800 Scanner Antenna Black (ABSCANC) Or a Larson Triband Off Amazon A Laird...

forums.radioreference.com

Check Laird or Larsen Triband antennas paired with quality NMO mount

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/antennas-191/mobile-antennas-192/

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/mobile-antenna-mounts-264/

 

[WB9YBM]

I recently bought a BCD536HP. I want to buy a antenna with a magnetic mount for my vehicle, but I don’t know what to look for in picking a antenna.
A lot of the ones I see are very short and I’m not sure if they are worth buying. I live In north Louisiana zip code 71251 if that helps.

Usually the rule of thumb with receive antennas is the larger the antenna, the more capture area there is for capturing a signal. The one cautionary aspect of mag mounts is the quality of the magnet--try to avoid the cheap ones--so the antenna doesn't come loose at high (highway) speeds. Also check the laws you plan on driving through as far as where it's legal to have a scanner in the vehicle--I've been told laws can vary quite a bit between municipalities.

 

[mmckenna]

but I don’t know what to look for in picking a antenna.

Durability, reliability, known name brand.

The Larsen NMO-150/450/800 is a good choice. It's a known good performer from a reputable company that makes professional grade antennas. Avoid the hobby/ham grade crap antennas from China.

Get a good NMO mag mount bast, Larsen and Laird are two good choices. You can order with the connector you want on the end, so get one that matches your radio.

Ideally, you want to do a permanent install, as it solves a lot of the cable routing issues that mag mounts create.

 

[scanmanmi]

I would get the biggest base available. I've got the 5" base and it has tipped over a few times (but I drive really fast).