What's the best 800 mhz antenna you've used?

[nydxa]

I’ve got a general question pertaining to 800 mhz scanning that I’d like to present to the scanning communityl. Our group, the NYDXA, publishes a monthly newsletter – The Urban DX’er. Several readers have contacted me for recommendations on what I consider the “best” antenna for 800 mhz scanning.

Personally, I’ve tried several and the best results have been obtained from my Sigma discone fed with low loss 9913 cable. While the antenna is very important, at 800 mhz the feed line can absorb much of the signal, especially with long cable runs. I’ve tried the Scantenna and was very unimpressed with its overall performance.

While in theory the discone is a unity gain antenna, it’s still out performing anything I’ve tried. To those of you who care to offer your suggestions or opinions, may I ask you to respond directly to me at nydxa@yahoo.com I’d like to address this issue in the next issue and direct responses will make the task a bit quicker.

I’ll also be happy to add you to the newsletters distribution – just ask!
Back issues are available on our web site at www.nydxa.org

Many thanks

Bob, WA2SQQ

 

[paul34]

For HH use, my vote goes to the RadioShack 800 MHz duck (20-283). I see significant performance gains on all of my HH scanners vs. the supplied duck.

For a mobile antenna, the best I've used was a clip-on cellular antenna intended for cell phones.

 

[mlevin]

I would imagine that an 800 Mhz yagi, with 9913 would work the best for a base station.

For HT, Definately go with the RS model.

Note: You don't have to post in numerous forums.

 

[jimsokol]

For my 800Mhz handhelds I use a Larsen SPDA15832. It's a tuned 824-896 1/2 wave dipole, BNC connector, with a right-angle swivel. I also have the Radio Shack model mentioned above and this performs slightly better.

 

[wiliki46]

800 Mhz antenna

I use the Seeker 800. It is the best antenna for 800Mhz. It is has gain and for other frequencies it works fairly well. It has a BNC mount and I use it on my PRO-94A.

 

[shortfire]

Seeker 800

Would this antenna fit on a Uniden BC296D?

 

[Dubbin]

Re: 800 Mhz antenna

I use the Seeker 800. It is the best antenna for 800Mhz. It is has gain and for other frequencies it works fairly well. It has a BNC mount and I use it on my PRO-94A.

I have been seeking on where to find the Seeker but haven't seeked it out yet Anyone know where can I find the Seeker 800 on line? I would like to compare it with the radio shack 800MHz antenna.

 

[paul34]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=seeker+800+MHz+antenna

 

[okla-lawman]

What about for mobile usage??

 

[jbardos]

Best 800 Mhz HH Antenna

Ditto, I am surprised but my vote also goes to the RadioShack 800 MHz duck (20-283). I am picky about my HH antennas but this one takes the cake!

 

[W4KRR]

What about for mobile usage??

For mobile use, any antenna made for cell phones will work fine on the 800 MHz public safety bands. I believe bncantenna.com has some.

I sometimes use a quarter wave for 800 MHz, which is about 3 inches long. It works great on 800MHz, but poorly on the other bands. You can also find these antennas on eBay.