Have I got all the bits and pieces right?

[RFSnoop]

In the Scanner / Receiver Antennas Forum, I recently started a thread about putting together a portable "mobile-base" antenna. Encouraged by the replies, I am trying to do that, but am nervous about pulling the trigger on buying some of the components without assurance by someone, more knowledgeable than I am, that I am buying the right bits and pieces.

What I am trying to do is use a Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna on a Laird Technologies Mobile to Base Station Adapter Kit, using a coax with the correct connectors so that an adapter is not needed, with a BCD436HP.

There are several versions of the Laird Mobile to Base Station Adapter Kit. The MBC800-NGP has a frequency range of 0-2500 MHz and is for antennas without a ground plane. This sounds like the right one to me.

I am planning to use 20 or 25 feet of either LMR-400 or LMR-400UF. Though it is more expensive, the flexible cable sounds like it would be a lot friendlier for this application. Is that coax okay?

If I understand correctly, the Spectra antenna, with the NMO mount, will attach directly to the Mobile Base Station Adapter Kit, without any additional adapter or connector. The antenna end of the coax would require a male N connector to attach to the Mobile Base Station Adapter Kit. The scanner end of the coax would require a male SMA connector to attach to the BCD436HP. This is the most critical part, do I have it right?

On one vendor's website, I saw an indoor antenna that utilized an Antennacraft ST3, mounted on a PVC mast, supported by a three-foot roof mount. I am planning to use the same tripod roof mount, but a Channel Master galvanized steel antenna mast. Is the steel mast, as opposed to PVC, a problem?

Many of you undoubtedly know this stuff off the top of your head, but it is foreign to me. Any input you offer will be appreciated. Since I do not even pretend to know what I am doing here, I will paste links to all the bits and pieces mentioned in case you have any questions. Have I got it right? Am I overlooking anything?

I know this is a lot of questions, I am just hoping someone will find it a challenge, or think it fun, to figure out what is wrong with my plan. Thanks for any helpful input.


Related Links:

My post, "Is a portable "mobile-base" antenna a plausible solution?"
http://forums.radioreference.com/sc...e-antenna-plausible-solution.html#post2437358

Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna
Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna

Laird Technologies MBC800-NGP
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-mbc800-ngp-7529.html

LMR-400UF
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...uf-1472:064c0ca1bf185080a42de5ec7766a614.html

N Male Connector
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...nm-3399:8abb45033d9e10c2fba304e88a45a98b.html

SMA Male Connector
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...-x-3448:3520d5b1e842efa2235373475398dc06.html

BCD436HP
https://www.uniden.com/scanner/id-BCD436HP/BCD436HP_HomePatrol_Series_Scanner

Indoor Antenna with PVC mast and roof-mount tripod
Indoor ST3 Antenna W/Floor Tripod

Channel Master galvanized steel antenna mast
5' TV Antenna Mast | Channel Master

 

[KE0GXN]

In the Scanner / Receiver Antennas Forum, I recently started a thread about putting together a portable "mobile-base" antenna. Encouraged by the replies, I am trying to do that, but am nervous about pulling the trigger on buying some of the components without assurance by someone, more knowledgeable than I am, that I am buying the right bits and pieces.

What I am trying to do is use a Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna on a Laird Technologies Mobile to Base Station Adapter Kit, using a coax with the correct connectors so that an adapter is not needed, with a BCD436HP.

There are several versions of the Laird Mobile to Base Station Adapter Kit. The MBC800-NGP has a frequency range of 0-2500 MHz and is for antennas without a ground plane. This sounds like the right one to me.

I am planning to use 20 or 25 feet of either LMR-400 or LMR-400UF. Though it is more expensive, the flexible cable sounds like it would be a lot friendlier for this application. Is that coax okay?

If I understand correctly, the Spectra antenna, with the NMO mount, will attach directly to the Mobile Base Station Adapter Kit, without any additional adapter or connector. The antenna end of the coax would require a male N connector to attach to the Mobile Base Station Adapter Kit. The scanner end of the coax would require a male SMA connector to attach to the BCD436HP. This is the most critical part, do I have it right?

On one vendor's website, I saw an indoor antenna that utilized an Antennacraft ST3, mounted on a PVC mast, supported by a three-foot roof mount. I am planning to use the same tripod roof mount, but a Channel Master galvanized steel antenna mast. Is the steel mast, as opposed to PVC, a problem?

Many of you undoubtedly know this stuff off the top of your head, but it is foreign to me. Any input you offer will be appreciated. Since I do not even pretend to know what I am doing here, I will paste links to all the bits and pieces mentioned in case you have any questions. Have I got it right? Am I overlooking anything?

I know this is a lot of questions, I am just hoping someone will find it a challenge, or think it fun, to figure out what is wrong with my plan. Thanks for any helpful input.


Related Links:

My post, "Is a portable "mobile-base" antenna a plausible solution?"
http://forums.radioreference.com/sc...e-antenna-plausible-solution.html#post2437358

Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna
Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna

Laird Technologies MBC800-NGP
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-mbc800-ngp-7529.html

LMR-400UF
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...uf-1472:064c0ca1bf185080a42de5ec7766a614.html

N Male Connector
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...nm-3399:8abb45033d9e10c2fba304e88a45a98b.html

SMA Male Connector
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...-x-3448:3520d5b1e842efa2235373475398dc06.html

BCD436HP
https://www.uniden.com/scanner/id-BCD436HP/BCD436HP_HomePatrol_Series_Scanner

Indoor Antenna with PVC mast and roof-mount tripod
Indoor ST3 Antenna W/Floor Tripod

Channel Master galvanized steel antenna mast
5' TV Antenna Mast | Channel Master

Happened upon your post here and now I got a question I hoping you or somebody can answer....Its all foreign to me too.

I plan on mirroring the same set-up as you, except I will be using a Laird 150/450/800 tri-band antenna. and no ST3 tripod or 5' foot TV mast.

Should I go with the MBC 800 NGP too? I plan on going with the MBC 800. Why do you need the "no ground plane" one? Makes me wonder if I need the NGP model....

As far as the coax you plan on using, you might take a look at my thread:

http://forums.radioreference.com/scanner-receiver-antennas/320122-mobile-base-converter-kit.html

Had a very knowledgeable member on here (mmckenna) steer me clear of the LMR 400UF.....

I believe your connectors are good for LMR 400, but if you take the advice given to me, you will need to get different ones for LMR 240. As far as N male and SMA male you look good there, I am getting the same types too. (HP-2 owner)

Lastly, I am curious as to what you plan on doing with the Indoor ST3 tripod and the 5' foot TV mast?

Maybe we can help each other out......the blind leading the blind.

 

[WA0CBW]

I would not worry about adapters. In fact I would use a short jumper of smaller and more flexible cable between the coax and the radio especially if your are using the larger 1/2" diameter coax (like LMR400). The larger coax doesn't "bend" very easily and can easily damage the connector on the scanner. The additional loss of using adapters and the smaller coax will not be noticeable and would be difficult to measure without test equipment. You will not be able to hear the difference by ear. A ground plane is need if your antenna doesn't supply one. Typically a mobile antenna has the vehicle body for the ground plane. So if you are using a mobile antenna on a pole then you need to supply a ground plane (a.k.a. the radials). Other than the physical mounting a large pizza pan could also be used for the ground plane.
BB

 

[KE0GXN]

IA ground plane is need if your antenna doesn't supply one. Typically a mobile antenna has the vehicle body for the ground plane. So if you are using a mobile antenna on a pole then you need to supply a ground plane (a.k.a. the radials). Other than the physical mounting a large pizza pan could also be used for the ground plane.
BB

Sorry if I am not catching on, but since I am going to use a Laird 150/450/800 mobile NMO mount antenna.....

Which converter model should I use the MBC 800 or the MBC 800 NGP?

Thanks for your feedback thus far!

 

[cmdrwill]

You need the one with 22" radials. MBC.. The radials are always 'cut' for the lowest frequency.

From the MBC Installation Instructions
Follow these simple installation
procedures:
1. Install four (4) 22 1/2” radials
into the holes in the mount nut
and secure them with the allen
wrench and installed set screws
provided.

 

[KE0GXN]

You need the one with 22" radials. MBC.. The radials are always 'cut' for the lowest frequency.

From the MBC Installation Instructions
Follow these simple installation
procedures:
1. Install four (4) 22 1/2” radials
into the holes in the mount nut
and secure them with the allen
wrench and installed set screws
provided.

Thanks for the feedback.

The confusion (at least for me) is which specific MBC model of the three available are you suggesting (or can) for my specific wideband needs, utilizing a Laird 150/450/800 ABCSCANC wideband antenna? When you say the MBC one these are three I know of...

The MBC model, which my understanding is only is good for VHF and UHF to 512mhz:

http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-mbc800-1650.html

The MBC 800 model which I think is the one I need:

http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-mbc-1649.html

The MBC 800 NGP which is the same as the MBC 800, but specifies "no ground plane" and wonder if its the one I need:

http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-mbc800-ngp-7529.html

I am sorry if I don't seem to get what you are saying, but I am a complete novice and quite frankly clueless when it comes to this type antenna knowledge. Everything I have learned to date has been by searching this forum, begging for answers from guys like you and google. Like the OP, I want to make the best informed decision before I pull the trigger on a set-up that will cost me some hard-earned money and also enjoy the best scanning experience possible for my given situation. Which is a Non-outdoor installation at the moment.....

As far as the radials, I plan on taking the advice you previously gave me in my thread and cutting them to 18 inches.

It is my understanding all three of the Laird MBC converter kits mentioned above come with 22 inch radials. The Laird converter kit pdf installation and instruction link on Antenna Farm's site as least eludes to that premise.

Much thanks for your help so far!

 

[cmdrwill]

When you say the MBC one these are three I know of...

The MBC model, which my understanding is only is good for VHF and UHF to 512mhz:
is my understanding all three of the Laird MBC converter kits mentioned above come with 22 inch radials. The Laird converter kit pdf installation and instruction link on Antenna Farm's site as least eludes to that premise.

Much thanks for your help so far.

The difference is the coax connector at the base of the mount.

The MBCN and MBC800 have the N connector. There may be a slight difference in the actual mount part that may be better for 800/900.

Mobile-to-Base Converter
MBC
Mobile-to-base Converter for VHF and UHF,
S0239 Terminated

MBCN
Mobile-to-base Converter for VHF and UHF,
N Terminated

MBC800
Mobile-to-base Converter for 800 and 900 MHz,
N Terminated

 

[KE0GXN]

The difference is the coax connector at the base of the mount.

The MBCN and MBC800 have the N connector. There may be a slight difference in the actual mount part that may be better for 800/900.

Mobile-to-Base Converter
MBC
Mobile-to-base Converter for VHF and UHF,
S0239 Terminated

MBCN
Mobile-to-base Converter for VHF and UHF,
N Terminated

MBC800
Mobile-to-base Converter for 800 and 900 MHz,
N Terminated

That makes sense, I can understand that, I am tracking you now.....

The MBC and MBCN are frequency ranged to 0-512mhz though, which makes me think they are "no bueno/no good" for my needs....? Hence why I think I need the MBC 800 (N-terminated) which is ranged to 0-2500mhz.

And how about the MBC 800 NGP model? Why would someone need the no ground plane one? It is ranged to 0-2500mhz too.

*Edited...

Okay, just realized by double checking the MBC 800 NGP's pdf link on AF's website, that unlike the other models discussed, it comes with NO redials.....I guessing it is also no bueno/no good for me?

 

[RFSnoop]

...I believe your connectors are good for LMR 400, but if you take the advice given to me, you will need to get different ones for LMR 240. As far as N male and SMA male you look good there, I am getting the same types too. (HP-2 owner)

Lastly, I am curious as to what you plan on doing with the Indoor ST3 tripod and the 5' foot TV mast?

Maybe we can help each other out......the blind leading the blind.

As this thread did not get any activity for a while, I pulled the trigger without the benefit of the information available here now.

The documentation for the MBC800-NGP led me to believe that was the correct mobile base adapter for use with an antenna without benefit of a ground plane. That is what I bought. In the little that I have used it, it seems to perform well in the 800MHz range. Would another of the mobile base adapters work better?

I did go with the LMR-400UF coax, thinking that was a prudent compromise instead of the LMR-400. Based on other comments in this thread, the LMR-240 would apparently have been a better choice. Oh well, there is always next time! In the meantime, I will try to avoid damaging the antenna connector on my scanner.

Yes, the connectors I listed above for both ends of the coax were correct.

The idea on the tripod mount and sections of antenna mast was to cut a single section of mast to a length that would allow the antenna to stand inside, under an eight-foot ceiling. Additional sections of mast can be inserted, under the one with the antenna and adapter mounted on it, for use outside. The tripod and several sections of mast are easily transportable to locations where I might want to set up temporarily. No big deal - just a little flexibility.

 

[KE0GXN]

As this thread did not get any activity for a while, I pulled the trigger without the benefit of the information available here now.

The documentation for the MBC800-NGP led me to believe that was the correct mobile base adapter for use with an antenna without benefit of a ground plane. That is what I bought. In the little that I have used it, it seems to perform well in the 800MHz range. Would another of the mobile base adapters work better?

That's what I am trying to figure out myself.....I am leaning towards the MBC 800 model, because it has radials. I believe that will help my wideband needs, as I monitor VHF, UHF, SmartZone 2, P-25 1 & 2.

I did go with the LMR-400UF coax, thinking that was a prudent compromise instead of the LMR-400. Based on other comments in this thread, the LMR-240 would apparently have been a better choice. Oh well, there is always next time! In the meantime, I will try to avoid damaging the antenna connector on my scanner.

Yeah, I am glad I got a member on here to point out the differences for me. I lucked out there. How long of a run did you end up going with? I am thinking 25 feet.....

The idea on the tripod mount and sections of antenna mast was to cut a single section of mast to a length that would allow the antenna to stand inside, under an eight-foot ceiling. Additional sections of mast can be inserted, under the one with the antenna and adapter mounted on it, for use outside. The tripod and several sections of mast are easily transportable to locations where I might want to set up temporarily. No big deal - just a little flexibility.

Your set-up intrigued me, so I initiated various google searches and found these items:

It is the exact same tripod Scanner master is selling, albeit, much cheaper

AntennaCraft 10Y203 3 FT Galvanized Heavy Duty Steel Off-Air Signal DBS DSS Dish Mast Pipe Rooftop Support Bracket With Pitch Pads And Bolts, Part # 10Y-203

If I buy the tripod, I plan on maybe going with this mast:

AntennaCraft 1018 5 Ft Galvanized Steel Antenna Mast Pipe Length 1.25 OD Heavy Duty Post Pole Digital Signal Mounting Off-Air Steel Support, Part # 1018

The only issue with ordering from Summit Source, is their shipping rates...kind of high in my opinion. (total with shipping for both items to my zip code is $52.20) But for one stop shopping tripod and mast wise I could not find better prices. Amazon wanted over $80 for the same tripod and most other sites I found selling it wanted between $50-$40, plus shipping. Scanner master was the next reasonably priced supplier at $34.95 for the tripod, but they wanted $24.95 for the same mast I could get at Summit Source for $9.95.

Did you end up ordering your coax, adaptors and convertor kit from Antenna Farm? If so, how was their service and ship length time from order to your front door? I plan on using them for most everything except the tripod and mast.

One final issue.....I am in the same boat as you, I have an 8 foot ceiling, so I am thinking 5 foot mast tops.... maybe?

Which brings me to my final question......I went ahead and looked up the installation instructions that come with the tripod. Correct me if I am wrong, but it appears the mast slides into the tripod about a foot or more and rests on the lower bracket on an L bracket. So conceivably, you lose about a whole foot or more of mast length when you put the tripod and mast together? I ask this because I may want to go with a longer mast.....I don't want the antenna touching my ceiling per say, but I do want to get the maximum amount of height out of the set-up......if that makes sense.

Thanks in advance!

 

[prcguy]

For your scanning needs to 800MHz I would get a base adapter with mount rated to at least 800MHz with and N connector and one with ground radials. As mentioned before cut the radials to the lowest band which will probably be around 150MHz. I think you would be much happier with LMR240 over 400 for a short 25ft run.

Instead of a galvanized base antenna tripod, which looks kinda ugly in the house, why not use a heavy duty PA speaker stand/tripod? These are great for antennas and most will telescope up to 6ft high. Here is a typical example for $29 shipped to your door: New Pyle PSTND2 6 ft Telescoping Tripod Speaker Subwoofer DJ Stand Pole Black | eBay
prcguy

 

[KE0GXN]

For your scanning needs to 800MHz I would get a base adapter with mount rated to at least 800MHz with and N connector and one with ground radials. As mentioned before cut the radials to the lowest band which will probably be around 150MHz. I think you would be much happier with LMR240 over 400 for a short 25ft run.

Instead of a galvanized base antenna tripod, which looks kinda ugly in the house, why not use a heavy duty PA speaker stand/tripod? These are great for antennas and most will telescope up to 6ft high. Here is a typical example for $29 shipped to your door: New Pyle PSTND2 6 ft Telescoping Tripod Speaker Subwoofer DJ Stand Pole Black | eBay
prcguy

I would have never thought about that! Definitely better looking than the tripod and no need to purchase a mast which makes the whole set-up cheaper!

Yes, after much research and advice on here, I will be getting the MBC 800 N connector with ground radials, that I will trim to 18 inches.

Thanks so much!

 

[RFSnoop]

...Did you end up ordering your coax, adaptors and convertor kit from Antenna Farm? If so, how was their service and ship length time from order to your front door? I plan on using them for most everything except the tripod and mast....

Antenna Farm's service was fast and satisfactory in every regard.

It sounds like all of your other questions have now been answered to your satisfaction.

 

[KE0GXN]

Antenna Farm's service was fast and satisfactory in every regard.

It sounds like all of your other questions have now been answered to your satisfaction.

Pulled the trigger today. We'll see how it goes...

What set-up components did you end up using?

What bands you listen to in your area?

 

[RFSnoop]

What set-up components did you end up using?

What bands you listen to in your area?

I hope I am answering your first question correctly. Everything I bought, and am using, is as outlined in my initial post. It all came from the Antenna Farm except the antenna, tripod, and mast.

From home, I am primarily listening to police, EMS and fire on an 800MHz trunking system. I occasionally pick up air-to-ground on the medic helicopters. Where I live, I get strong signals, anyway, and a Diamond SRH77CA antenna on the radio works about as well, or nearly so, as the Austin Spectra pushed fifteen feet up in the air.

I want to be able to position myself to pick up civil and military air, and marine traffic. Some of that I may be able to snag from my home, but I can also setup close to the action when it suits.

I am just dipping my toes in the scanning world again and learning as I fumble around. The answers you have gotten on this thread are very helpful. I may rethink some of my previous decisions. Fortunately, I have not spent a lot of money so far and, if I need to regroup and take another cut, it would not be a disaster.

 

[KE0GXN]

I hope I am answering your first question correctly. Everything I bought, and am using, is as outlined in my initial post. It all came from the Antenna Farm except the antenna, tripod, and mast.

From home, I am primarily listening to police, EMS and fire on an 800MHz trunking system. I occasionally pick up air-to-ground on the medic helicopters. Where I live, I get strong signals, anyway, and a Diamond SRH77CA antenna on the radio works about as well, or nearly so, as the Austin Spectra pushed fifteen feet up in the air.

I want to be able to position myself to pick up civil and military air, and marine traffic. Some of that I may be able to snag from my home, but I can also setup close to the action when it suits.

I am just dipping my toes in the scanning world again and learning as I fumble around. The answers you have gotten on this thread are very helpful. I may rethink some of my previous decisions. Fortunately, I have not spent a lot of money so far and, if I need to regroup and take another cut, it would not be a disaster.

Got ya on the components. I am surprised the Austin is not working better. A few members on here swear by it and say its well worth the money. You may have to trim it some to get better reception. Its supposed to be the best all around wideband antenna. You might do a search of it on this forum, I don't remember what the title of the thread was, but there was some info about how to adjust it to receive certain bands better....There is a member from NY on here who alludes to it being the best thing since slice bread for him.

I am in the same boat as far as trying to grasp all this new age scanner stuff. I lost touch with the hobby several years ago. My thing is, with how the hobby has exploded price wise! By the time you purchase a scanner and get all the components you need to get it working to the best of it's ability, you can be out quite a large sum of money. After I get my set-up, up and running I am going to try and reel myself in for awhile. Next thing on the radar for me is the extreme upgrade for my HP-2.....later down the road.

Like I said, you may try a google search on the Austin, sometimes an internet search leads back to old threads on here that can be very informative. I too gave the Austin a serious thought as a mobile for the car and in home use, but the $120-130+ price tag (not including the mount) kept me at bay.

My ultimate goal would be to purchase and install a quality home rooftop antenna, complete with lines running into at least two or three rooms of my house. Maybe even mounted on a small tower in my backyard. Wishful thinking....

Anyhow, hope your set-up continues to work for you if you run into any snags or find out any helpful tips, don't hesitate to post and will do the same.