Does a 433MHz antenna help with reception?

[coltlacrosse]

Hi, this is my first post so please tell me if I am double posting or in the wrong section.

Anyway, my question is whether or not a 433MHz antenna will improve reception of 433Mhz signals on my handheld scanner compared to the rubber duck stock antenna. I ask because the antenna I am looking at seems to be designed for transmitting 433MHz signals and I only need to receive.

Also, would I be better off with an adjustable dipole and adjusting it to the 433MHz length (34cm total length)?

My scanner is a hand-held radio shack analogue scanner, if that is relevant, with the standard BNC connection.

 

[oldradioguy2010]

are you trying to monitor low power (part 15) devices?
just for laughs i have picked up some on my ht.
that freq is used by door openers / both my weather transmitters or on there.
to answer your question the duckie should work fine, but very limited to distance.
or try a telescopic type ant.
keep me informed, very interested.

Dana
SoCal

 

[oldradioguy2010]

sorry, i should have said 433mhz is on part 15 devices

 

[coltlacrosse]

are you trying to monitor low power (part 15) devices?
just for laughs i have picked up some on my ht.
that freq is used by door openers / both my weather transmitters or on there.
to answer your question the duckie should work fine, but very limited to distance.
or try a telescopic type ant.
keep me informed, very interested.

Dana
SoCal

I will be monitoring a small audio transmitter, the RF output is 125mW and I will be relatively far away, I get reception with my ducky antenna but its poor and I'm looking to get a little more effective range without modifying the transmitter.

 

[ridgescan]

It's all about the 433meg antenna is cut precisely to 433megs so yes it will be the optimal antenna. You could use a telescoping antenna as well and draw it out to just shy of 13" for a half-wave antenna or just shy of 6-1/2" for a 1/4-wave antenna at 433mHz. the dukkie through electric lengths gets you in the ballpark though.