396XT - Antennas

[DudleyG]

Has anyone compared the supplied (stock) antenna with the WSMA-801 antenna? I primarily listen to VHF Air, local police (conventional - 154.xxx), and local fire (EDACS STD - 857.xxx thru 859.xxx).

Also has anyone compared the Diamond SRH77CA (which I hear is great) to the WSMA-881 for picking up distant radio transmissions? I know both are appoximately 16" long but I am primarily interested in how well they work.

Thanks

 

[mattfox27]

i have the 801 and its better than stock, and it fits really good of you get the sma one...

 

[brusso99]

like all the craptastic things they give you with your 500 dollar purchase, the antenna is no different.. order a good antenna for the radio. the stock antenna is 12.95 on scanner master for a reason, its junk.. i am going to order the best antenna you can get for this. the antenna is everything.

 

[bmcmurphy]

like all the craptastic things they give you with your 500 dollar purchase, the antenna is no different.. order a good antenna for the radio. the stock antenna is 12.95 on scanner master for a reason, its junk.. i am going to order the best antenna you can get for this. the antenna is everything.

That's surprising to me. The stock rubber ducky that shipped with my 346XT was quite good. The Outdoor VHF-Hi/UHF Scanner Antenna I got from Rad Shack beats it in some bands, but it doesn't blow it away.

 

[GROCKSHD]

So what's a good antenna for the 150-174 range and the 800 + range?

 

[mikebennett]

The DIAMOND is a noticeable improvement on VHF-Hi but about the same on everything else as compared to the stock antenna.

Mike

 

[BigC801]

The 881 Super gainer is the best i think for VHF Hi, I have all 3. The only problem i have with the 801 or 881 is that it just works ok on 800 for me. I do think the 881 is better then the Diamond.

 

[torontokris]

whatever you decide change the stock antenna for distant VHF.

I personally suggest a magnet mount antenna (in the house put it on something marnetic in the car well tlots of metal... although it wont work carrying it around

Has anyone compared the supplied (stock) antenna with the WSMA-801 antenna? I primarily listen to VHF Air, local police (conventional - 154.xxx), and local fire (EDACS STD - 857.xxx thru 859.xxx).

Also has anyone compared the Diamond SRH77CA (which I hear is great) to the WSMA-881 for picking up distant radio transmissions? I know both are appoximately 16" long but I am primarily interested in how well they work.

Thanks

 

[GROCKSHD]

I decided to go with the WSMA-801 for my 396XT. I received it yesterday and couldnt be more happier. I noticed a significant difference in my reciption quality. Very pleased!!!!