SDS100/SDS200: VHF Low Antenna for SDS100

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rbenn

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I'm looking for an antenna that gives me better reception on VHF low (150-159) and also provides a proper fit for the SDS100 SMA connector.

Anyone have any recommendations?
 

nessnet

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Diamond SRH77CA

I had to do a little Dremel work to make it fit, but it wasn't that hard.
Just use a sanding wheel and grind a 3.5cm-4cm collar on the bottom that will just fit into the antenna recess on the SDSD100.
Grind a little, check it, grind a little more.
Go slow, you don't want to grind off too much.

I then used some alumi-black to spiff it up a bit.
 

maus92

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I'm looking for an antenna that gives me better reception on VHF low (150-159) and also provides a proper fit for the SDS100 SMA connector.

Anyone have any recommendations?

150-159 is VHF high btw. I'm curious - how far away is the transmit site you are trying to receive, and / or are you trying to monitor simplex mobiles or handhelds? I ask because VHF high reception for me is acceptable, except for marine band portables which are typically 1W. Disclaimer is the VHF I listen to is typically half duplex repeated systems (and the analog audio is scratchy.)
 

rbenn

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I'm trying to improve my reception on the VA STARS system. I'm within range of about 5 or 6 sites, but none real solid. By changing from the stock antenna to a RH77CA BNC w/adapter, I can improve from about -100db to about -90db, which gives me some reception, but choppy.

I assume there's some loss from the BNC > SMA adapter, so trying to find a direct fit.
 

ko6jw_2

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The BNC adapter likely has negligible loss. In fact, it will provide a more solid mechanical connection to the top of the radio especially with a longer and less flexible antenna like the RH77CA. Perhaps it is time to consider an outside antenna.
 
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