I am looking to upgrade my antenna and coax. I am currently using a Tram 1410 disk cone elevated 40' and rg6 coax. In total there is about 85' of coax being used. I normally listen to p25 700-900mhz any recommendations on a different type of coax or antenna. I have also seen people talk about a 50 ohms ampflier. any help would be great
Upgrade confusion
- Thread starter jbudget3
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More information is needed. Are you trying to improve what you're monitoring now, or attempting to monitor stations from a greater distance? Are your targets all in one direction or in many directions from your home?
A discone is a frequent choice for scanners due to it's wide-band coverage. However it's not the best choice for 700-800MHz, so if your goal is to improve that, you should consider a more suitable antenna.
For that long of a cable run consider upgrading your cable to LMR400, but that is expensive. Hold off on the LNA until you determine it's really needed.
A discone is a frequent choice for scanners due to it's wide-band coverage. However it's not the best choice for 700-800MHz, so if your goal is to improve that, you should consider a more suitable antenna.
For that long of a cable run consider upgrading your cable to LMR400, but that is expensive. Hold off on the LNA until you determine it's really needed.
I am looking to receive from a longer distance and improve signal strength, unfortunately, It's not all in one direction. What would be a suitable antenna for multiple directions?
What scanner(s) or receiver(s) are you using? 9 times out of 10 those who ask for antenna upgrades for 700-900mhz may be suffering from simulcast distortion. Have you considered or ruled this out as a possibility? Also keep in mind 700-900mhz does not propagate as far as VHF & UHF for long distance listening
Have you experimented with the different filter settings? (Normal, Wide, Invert, etc) Any change?
This is my favorite omni-directional antenna for 698~896 Hz. It's small, light and will stand up to any kind of weather/wind over time. They show up on Ebay from time to time for as little as $15/ea!
Ventev M3030035O10006O-B
Ventev M3030035O10006O-B
RG6 vs LMR400 is over 4dB of signal loss at those higher frequencies and length. Yes, the RG6 is a concern at that length and that frequency range.
A discone antenna like the Tram 1410 or other discone antennas that size are poor performers at 700-900 MHz unless the signals are strong/nearby. At this point I am unsure if a dedicated 700-900 MHz vertical antenna with some gain would better suit your needs, or if something like the Larsen 150/450/800 mobile antenna with a ground plane kit would handle the frequencies you listen to. Do you only listen to 700-900 MHz? What frequency ranges do you monitor?
An amplifier can help once you upgrade your antenna and the coax. Still, it may not be needed after the upgrade.
A discone antenna like the Tram 1410 or other discone antennas that size are poor performers at 700-900 MHz unless the signals are strong/nearby. At this point I am unsure if a dedicated 700-900 MHz vertical antenna with some gain would better suit your needs, or if something like the Larsen 150/450/800 mobile antenna with a ground plane kit would handle the frequencies you listen to. Do you only listen to 700-900 MHz? What frequency ranges do you monitor?
An amplifier can help once you upgrade your antenna and the coax. Still, it may not be needed after the upgrade.
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90% of what I listen to is that frequency range. Very rarely do I fall below that and if I do I am in my car. Most of the towers I am trying to get are within 30 Miles. Three of the counties use a simulcast system and I receive spotty transmissions due to loss of signal. I have a high-end scanner with entry-level coax and antenna. I don't have a problem spending the money for good coax, just trying to find the best antenna. Like i stated earlier I have the ability to mount it 40 above ground
Adding an 800 MHz specific antenna, if your mount will handle the increased weight and wind load, might be a good idea. Then you can use the discone when you want, or with another radio. (The one iMonitor listed is an option.)
That one I suggested is very small, light and would have very little wind load, works great!
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