Pro-197 external antenna suggestions

[slacker668]

Hello all, I just retired and bringing out the base and handheld scanners. Just downloaded the Arc500 and ordered the cable to connect to the PC. I'm thinking of going with a outside Antenna. I'm definitely Rusty and have been reading a lot to get back in to the features of the units. Do I need a 800 mhz antenna? Any suggestions and any help would be very appreciated.
Thank you
Joe

 

[wtp]

slacker, i sent a PM with some sites that you will like. top right of this page.
none will answer this question, but you might want a good multiband antenna.
or get different antennas and more radios as you can't have too many radios.
i have 5 old ones on my desk, and the new one is next to the wife.
the antenna dictates what is in each radio.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

You're likely facing simulcast distortion with Onondaga Simulcast as it is heavily simulcast across a tight cluster of 15 sites. An outdoor antenna will only do more harm than good as far as simulcast goes. Feel free to try the multipath mitigation suggestions in the wiki I linked, you may or may not find one that works for you but ultimately you'd be much better off with a Uniden SDS100 or SDS200 to scan simulcast systems. Lastly if your county decides to utilize TDMA (mode "T") talkgroups any time in the future this would render your Pro-197 useless on the system as it can only track mode "D" talkgroups on a Phase-II system.

 

[wtp]

Simulcast Distortion - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

 

[sallen07]

Hello all, I just retired and bringing out the base and handheld scanners. Just downloaded the Arc500 and ordered the cable to connect to the PC. I'm thinking of going with a outside Antenna.

I live in Rochester but my daughter and her family live in Clay so I am quite familiar with CNYICC in Onondaga County.

I have a Pro-651 which is the updated handheld version of the Pro-197. I've never tried to use it on that system, but maybe I'll test next time I visit. I don't expect good results.

As has been mentioned, your best bet is to get an SDS-200 or SDS-100. Yes, they are pricey, but I have first-hand experience with using both of them in your area and they work great. If you get an SDS-100 you can probably just use a "rubber duck" antenna instead of an outside one. I just started using this antenna when I visit and have been very happy with it. I think there is also an SMA version but I bought the BNC and use it with the adapter so I can also use it on other scanners that have a BNC.

400/800MHz UHF Dual Band Ducky Antenna - BNC Connector

400-470/800MHz UHF Band Rubber Ducky Antenna - BNC Male Connector - 9 Inches. Optimized for:400-470MHz UHF Band800MHz BandFlexible Whip Rubber DuckyGreat

theantennafarm.com

You may also be able to just use an inside antenna if you decide to get an SDS-200 instead. You might want to try this one. I would stay away from the 700/800 antennas since CNYICC in Onondaga County is UHF.

8in Tri-Band Flex-Angle VHF/UHF/800MHz Ant. - BNC Male Connector

VHF/UHF/800MHz Tri- Band, 136-174/420-470/800-900 MHz Optimized, Right Angle Articulating Rubber Ducky Antenna - 8.5 inch - BNC Male Connector

theantennafarm.com

Still lots of other things to listen to with that Pro-197 so don't get rid of it!

 

[sallen07]

OK I had time to program the Pro-651 and bring it with me to Clay. I have it sitting next to my SDS100 and am getting exactly what I expected to get: Lots of traffic on the SDS100, nice clear audio, etc. The Pro-651? I do get SOME traffic, but most of the time only part of a transmission with lots of garbled audio. At least as often, the display will stop on a talk group and the LED will light up, but I will get no audio whatsoever. Sometimes the SDS100 will lock on a TG and the Pro-651 will just keep scanning.

Oh, and I've tried swapping antennas and swapping scanner locations with no change in results. All typical behavior when you are trying to listen to a simulcast system using a scanner that was not designed to handle simulcast.

My recommendation would be to program the system into your Pro-197 and give it a try. Certainly won't hurt, won't cost you anything (since you already paid for the software), and there is a *chance* that in your location it might perform at an acceptable level.

Good luck!

 

[RoninJoliet]

I have (2) RS 197 scanners and both perform perfectly here on the simulcast IL 700-800 Starcom State System, even using a outside antenna,.. I am five blocks from one of 18 towers and get great coverage,.. It seems to all hinge on your area and how close you are to other interfering towers,...

 

[sallen07]

I have (2) RS 197 scanners and both perform perfectly here on the simulcast IL 700-800 Starcom State System, even using a outside antenna,.. I am five blocks from one of 18 towers and get great coverage,.. It seems to all hinge on your area and how close you are to other interfering towers,...

Yes it does. You are close enough to one tower that it "drowns out" the others.

Take it for a ride and let us know how it does.

As I told the OP, try it and see. Has the scanner, has the software, nothing to lose other than 15 or 20 minutes programming the system. Perhaps they will win The Simulcast Lottery, as you have done. Chances are they will not.

As I also said, I tried it myself. If I lived where my daughter does, a Pro-197 (or handheld version) would not be an acceptable option for me. Fortunately I have other options.

@slacker668 I should have also mentioned in my last post that there are plenty of *other* things you can listen to with that Pro-197. Yes, most counties in central NY are on P25 simulcast systems, but they all also have a patch to an analog (usually UHF) channel where fire dispatches are broadcast. I programmed in a number of neighboring counties and was able to pick up several of them using a rubber duck sitting inside.

There are also schools, air, rail, GMRS/FRS/MURS, ham repeaters, etc. Many of us who have an SDS or two also have analog scanners to listen to things other than the local P25 system. Using an analog scanner at home with an external antenna, I can pick up Fire and EMS dispatch as far away as Syracuse, Watertown, and Allegany County, depending on ducting. There are also a couple counties that still use analog frequencies for law enforcement that I can hear as well.