Anyone have experience/suggestions with this antenna.

[jabo052]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...052.2032075.2032078.2032098&parentPage=family

RadioShack Base Station Scanner Antenna 108-1300MHz

I've owned a Uniden Bearcat 246T for about one year now and just bought this antenna for my 1st floor apartment. Spending summer's with my grandmother and listening to her scanner got me into scanning and at 31, I still enjoy it. I listen to fire/police, air, HAM and just about all channels.

Right now, I have only 25' of coax so I'm limited to indoors at this time. I may get a longer length of coax to try and run it outdoors up to the second or third floor balcony and mount it on the railing.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this antenna or any suggestions for better reception or if this antenna can be modified. I'm not a noob to scanners, just to scanner antennas and what to look for to get better reception for all channels. LOL. I realize that one antenna for scanning every channel is probably not the best way to go but..........

Also, would it make in difference if I stuck the antenna in my closet so it's not just sitting out in my bedroom? I figure it will be surrounded by walls regardless.

Thanks
Josh

 

[WolfWalksSoftly]

I bought and put this antenna up last week. I live out in the sticks, and I can pick up signals over 30 miles away. I have it just above my roof.

 

[jonny290]

the 20-176 is a legendary low end antenna, great for the price.
Doesn't matter where you put it indoors, but away from metal and as high up as possible is best.

 

[jabo052]

Thanks alot people.

I've read some of the talk about tuning antennas by trimming them and wasn't sure about about that. I woud assume though, that since this antenna has rods of different lengths and directions/planes, it wouldn't need that. Which would probably explain why it's a good all-band antenna.

Josh

 

[WolfWalksSoftly]

Just an update. received signals very clear from 90 miles this morning.

 

[hoser147]

Really no reason to trim it. May consider putting it in your attic some members have done that.............Hoser

 

[Raven95150]

Really no reason to trim it. May consider putting it in your attic some members have done that.............Hoser

Since he lives in a first floor apartment, that could be kind of difficult. :lol:

Before you put an antenna up outside, check with your landlord and make sure they will allow it. Most will not allow it, especially if you plan to run the coax up the building to another apartment's balcony. I would guess you would be stuck to putting up a small antenna outside your own apartment, and they may not even allow you to do that.