Noob antenna question

[xpawel15x]

Is it normal for a handheld antenna to wobble left and right a little while on scanner when I move it? The ducky on my scanner seems to be loose like that. It was always like this. I'm just wondering if this is okay to be like this.

 

[benjaminarthurt]

I just tried my Pro -97 and yes it does wiggle some. If the rubber stopper for the earphone jack is missing this could be even worse. As long as your reception isn't hurt I wouldn't worry.

 

[flyingwolf]

Also, make sure it is just the antenna moving and not the BNC connection on the scanner itself.

 

[N4JNW]

My Pro-97 does that too....

 

[MMIC]

BNC connectors aren't the most sturdy connectors on the market, but they're easy to connect/disconnect, and aren't overly lossy. But the wobble is really characteristic of most BNC connectors - especially once they're "broken in".

 

[jonny290]

BNC connectors aren't the most sturdy connectors on the market, but they're easy to connect/disconnect, and aren't overly lossy. But the wobble is really characteristic of most BNC connectors - especially once they're "broken in".

Hence why I'm cheering the move to SMA. Yes, there is another 1/2" height with the SMA -> BNC adapter, but if the BNC wears out, toss the adapter and get a new one.

The SMA on my 396 feels as solid as any BNC I've had.