Mobile scanner antenna?

[ShawnInPaso]

Well I have searched and searched and still came up empty handed when looking for an ideal scanner antenna. I am searching for something durable which is either thru the glass or an SO-239 or NMO mount.

Seems most of the thru the glass antennas (i.e. the Radio Shack model) get bad reviews for the lack of durability. I realize the loss of gain of thru the glass, not too worried about that aspect.

My other choice would be to use a Diamond hatch mount, I use one of these now for my 2 meter/440 radio antenna as mounted on my Xterra hatch door. The mount works really well - they have versions for SO-239 and NMO antennas.

Any of you have a mobile antenna you really like for your scanner you'd kindly recommend to me?

 

[K2KOH]

I use an Austin Spectra antenna on an NMO mount on my Ford Escape. That antenna has gone through thick and thin, and has traversed the country with me and performed FLAWLESSLY. It's pricey, but it is worth it!
Lentini Communications, Inc.

 

[datainmotion]

Personally, I prefer the MaxRad BMAXSCAN for mobile use. In over 15 years of mobile scanning, I have tried numerous models (mostly commercial grade) and even some on-glass models. The MaxRad (now PCTel) has always performed the best for me from 118-868 MHz.

Here's a comparison done about a year and a half ago that you might find useful - Mobile Antenna Comparison - InterceptRadio.com Wiki

 

[KI6LWI]

Personally I've had good luck with the basic 1/4 wave VHF whips. Even on the local 800MHz trunked systems I get enough signal to listen at full quieting. They're unobtrusive, not very tall, and flexible enough to bounce back from low tree branches, garage doors, and car washes. And if you do manage to destroy one, you can replace it for about 10 bucks.

 

[LtDoc]

Since an antenna is nicer if it's resonant, and since each 'band' means a different antenna length, you are looking at a compromise no matter what antenna you use if it's to cover multiple bands. So, select one that does cover the bands of particular interest to you.
One alternative in that 'compromise' thingy is to use an antenna for the lowest band of interest. 'Too long' antennas tend to work out better than 'too short' ones. There just ain't no 'perfect' scanner antenna. I wish there were!
- 'Doc