I am trying a couple different antennas and I was wondering if I could use the signal strength bars as a good indicator of antenna performance? I will place the System on HOLD and then change antenna to see if there is a difference in signal strength.
Is the signal strength bar a reasonable indicator of antenna performance?
- Thread starter gfoust8
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MStep
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My recollection is that the x36 series also has an "Analyze" function that will work with a trunked system, which would probably be more accurate for what you want to do. In addition to providing the signal strength, it will also help you determine which site is best for your area providing that the system has multiple sites.
For conventional frequencies, you have to work with the signal strength bars.
For conventional frequencies, you have to work with the signal strength bars.
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The signal strength bars can be used to compare one antenna to another via their relative strength indications on the bars. However, the resolution of the bars is very broad and while they might illustrate MAJOR differences between two different antennas, they are going to be much less useful in comparing relatively minor differences between two or more antennas. And unless one of the antennas you are comparing is completely unusable / worthless at the desired frequency.... a gross comparison might not be very useful. A relative signal strength indicator that has greater resolution than the simple signal bars on the BCD536HP is the "Power Plot" selection found in the "Analyze" mode of the scanner.
RF Power Plot
You can use this to check the performance of different antennas or how and where to place the scanner for maximum reception.
Scroll to 'Set Frequency' and press E/yes. Enter a frequency and press E/yes.
Scroll to 'Set Modulation' and press E/yes to select.
Scroll to 'Set Sample Rate' and press E/yes to select.
Scroll to 'Start RF Power Plot' and press E/yes to start.
If you do this with the two different antennas you're trying to compare (using the same signal source, preferably the weakest NOAA weather or similar continuous signal) you will have a higher resolution comparison of the differences between the two antennas.
RF Power Plot
You can use this to check the performance of different antennas or how and where to place the scanner for maximum reception.
Scroll to 'Set Frequency' and press E/yes. Enter a frequency and press E/yes.
Scroll to 'Set Modulation' and press E/yes to select.
Scroll to 'Set Sample Rate' and press E/yes to select.
Scroll to 'Start RF Power Plot' and press E/yes to start.
If you do this with the two different antennas you're trying to compare (using the same signal source, preferably the weakest NOAA weather or similar continuous signal) you will have a higher resolution comparison of the differences between the two antennas.
MStep
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Great catch! The "Power Plot" function apparently did not make it to the SDS series, but sure 'nuf, it's there on the 536.
The only reason I knew is that I have a 536 and remember using that function once or twice. But I'm not near my 536 right now and had a devil of a time finding reference to it in the manual(s).
MStep
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I'm surprised that I did not recall the function, although I must admit my x36 radios have taken a "backseat" to the SDS series. But that is certainly something that slipped through the cracks on the SDS radios, although I'm sure that if brought to Uniden's attention, it will be added to "the list".
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