What antenna are you using for STARS?

[redhatnick]

I'm planning a trip through VA soon and STARS is the first network I've come across that's not in the 800mhz band. I'm heading north via I-81 and returning on I-95 so what NMO type antenna are you guys using? I'm a little new to the hobby, but I'll be traveling on a GRE PSR-800.

[tglendye]

I'm using a nmo vhf 1/4 wave mounted on an L bracket. Works well.

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[gcgrotz]

For a long time I had an old cellular 800 MHz mag mount on the truck and it works fairly well on VHF. It is close to the right length and the little coil in the whip is too small to matter much on VHF.

Good luck, be careful on BOTH of those highways!

[chanman13]

I use the RS 800 mhz antenna, it works exceptionally well. I use the PSR-800 as well.

[brownlab]

I also use the RS 800MZ when I take my PRS 800 on the road and STARS works very well. I would also activate all of the STARS sites for the VSP since it sounds like you will be covering a lot of the state. Also, watch your speed. 80 MPH and over is considered Reckless Driving in this state. And if you see one VSP Trooper, there is often another one close by. The VSP is also using all kinds of vehicle makes these days, not just Impala’s and Crown Vic's (lol)
Have a safe trip!

[redhatnick]

Originally Posted by brownlab

I also use the RS 800MZ when I take my PRS 800 on the road and STARS works very well. I would also activate all of the STARS sites for the VSP since it sounds like you will be covering a lot of the state. Also, watch your speed. 80 MPH and over is considered Reckless Driving in this state. And if you see one VSP Trooper, there is often another one close by. The VSP is also using all kinds of vehicle makes these days, not just Impala’s and Crown Vic's (lol)
Have a safe trip!

Thanks for the tips. I didn't realize reckless law Virginia had on reckless driving. Luckily they've raised the speed limit to 70mph, so 80 is about as most as I go. I have been known to go over 80, but only if there is a convoy of cars doing 80+ .

I was wondering how well the 800mhz antenna would pick up on the 150mhz STARS network? I was considering getting a dual band 150/450 antenna Laird Tech CB150/450C - $59.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!.

[W2NJS]

Get a quarter-wave VHF antenna on an NMO mount and you'll be in business for about $15 plus whatever it costs to have it installed, if you don't already have an NMO mount on the car, that is. Cut the antenna for about 155 mHz since the STARS channels run from 151 to about 159 mHz. If you feel you need a gain antenna, get a 5/8 wave VHF unit and shop for the least expensive one you can find.

[billsblots]

While an antenna cut for 155 MHz would certainly work best, a multi band antenna will work well to pick up STARS through the Commonwealth, especially on the interstates. There are so many towers that you'll rarely have to worry about weak signals where the difference between actually having a VHF antenna and some sort of general coverage antenna will make a difference.

Good luck, and yes, the speed limit is more tightly and frequently enforced in Virginia than most states on the east coast I-95 corridor.

[garyjf]

I am using the DPD Productions UHF mil antenna mobile with a PSR-800 and Homepatrol. You will get fantastic coverage throughout the state.