I'm using my SDR when im in my car. What kinda antenna should I get? I prefer to use mag mounts.
Mobile Antenna for SDR
- Thread starter ME343
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Depends on what frequencies you're trying to listen to. I use a Larsen tri band scanner antenna on an Antenna Specialists mag mount. That terminates in a bnc connector. From there you can use a BNC adapter to connect into the dongle itself. What type of adapter depends on what type of dongle you are using. Most of them seem to use MCX connectors on the dongle.
You'd want something like this, http://tinyurl.com/j62xgy7. They make them without the cable, but the cable gives kind of a buffer between the heavier scanner cable and the fairly delicate SMA connector.
Okay thank you 
slicerwizard
Member
Then why wouldn't you just get something like this?
KS3SMA - Micro Magnet Mobile Scanner Antenna With SMA Style Connector Canada
Does the regular SMA connector actually work with the SDR cause the end on the SDR looks smaller than normal SMAs
jim202
Member
Mag mount antennas are good for the once in a while use. Trying to use them on a 24 / 7 / 365 basis, you will find that they are not really made to stand up to the weather. Water will find it's way into the connection and start migrating down the coax cable over time. You will end up with a poor antenna due to corrosion of both the antenna connection and failure of the coax cable over time.
They will also cause paint damage with long term use. You will find that the dust in the air will scour the paint right around the base of the magnet. If there is any metallic particles in the air, they will also get attached to the magnet and increase the paint damage at an increased rate and the amount of paint damage done.
In my early days of radios, I too tried using mag mount antennas. Gave it up after I saw what they did to the paint and was having problems with the transmitter SWR using the mag mounts.
If this is on a junker vehicle, then most people don't care. If it's on a new vehicle, then you might want to consider a different mounting solution.
Well ive been using a mag mount for my scanner for over a year and through winter time and it still works fine.
toastycookies
Member
SMA to NMO mag mounts (although I do not recommend ANY mag mount over through hole, huge compromise with grounding)
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...ic-mounts-265/nmo-magnet-mounts-with-sma-280/
Dual band 150/450 quarter wave for decent coverage around your area
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-a150-450c-5583.html
or if you want something with more gain look at these.
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...al-band-451/high-gain-dual-band-antennas-219/
not sure if you are trying to listen to anything other than vhf/uhf as there is not much around here.
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...ic-mounts-265/nmo-magnet-mounts-with-sma-280/
Dual band 150/450 quarter wave for decent coverage around your area
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-a150-450c-5583.html
or if you want something with more gain look at these.
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catal...al-band-451/high-gain-dual-band-antennas-219/
not sure if you are trying to listen to anything other than vhf/uhf as there is not much around here.
slicerwizard
Member
Works fine. SMA is SMA, no?
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What is your goal? What are you trying to listen to? And what frequencies?
While I sometimes use an adapter to one of my BNC mag mounts, I find that the antennas that come with the dongles still blow away the scanner (even when it has a good antenna).
Without more information, it's difficult to give sound advice. In general, I wouldn't spend more than $20, including whatever adapters you may need. Around town, I've seen parked card with RasPi, dongle, and the standard antenna through the door.
Also, do you have any other radios that should be able to use the antenna?
While I sometimes use an adapter to one of my BNC mag mounts, I find that the antennas that come with the dongles still blow away the scanner (even when it has a good antenna).
Without more information, it's difficult to give sound advice. In general, I wouldn't spend more than $20, including whatever adapters you may need. Around town, I've seen parked card with RasPi, dongle, and the standard antenna through the door.
Also, do you have any other radios that should be able to use the antenna?
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