Best Antenna for the Attic?

[Mobilman44]

I've got plenty of room in the attic of my 2 story house to "hang" an antenna for a Uniden 436. From what I've learned, this is the "most bang for the buck" upgrade I can get for improved reception.

My plan is to hang it from the rafters, run the cable thru the hobbyroom closet ceiling, and set up a connection on a work table.

So my obvious question is, what type do you all recommend, and do you have any other advice on the project.

 

[jonwienke]

A discone would be a good option, as long as it isn't the type with the vertical whip on top. They won't fit in a typical attic.

 

[prcguy]

What bands or frequency ranges do you need?

I've got plenty of room in the attic of my 2 story house to "hang" an antenna for a Uniden 436. From what I've learned, this is the "most bang for the buck" upgrade I can get for improved reception.

My plan is to hang it from the rafters, run the cable thru the hobbyroom closet ceiling, and set up a connection on a work table.

So my obvious question is, what type do you all recommend, and do you have any other advice on the project.

 

[BITT211]

attic antenna setup

search > radioreference threads > ominx vs browning 6157 , shows picture of my attic setup , monitoring all uhf band , hope this helps,

 

[cbehr91]

What bands or frequency ranges do you need?

What would you recommend for the railroad band? About 6' of height to work with.

 

[RogueSteward]

A discone would work good. Since you're looking at receiving V/UHF, low loss cable like LMR400 is also a major consideration for improved reception and will help to pick up those fringe low power transmissions.

 

[Mobilman44]

I'm a rookie at this, but it appears my main interest is the 400 and 800 bands plus possibly 100 bands.

If I expressed this incorrectly, please advise.

Thank you!

 

[iMONITOR]

OmniX Scanner Base Antenna from DPD Productions
http://www.dpdproductions.com/page_scanner.html#omnix

 

[jonwienke]

I'm a rookie at this, but it appears my main interest is the 400 and 800 bands plus possibly 100 bands.

For that wide of a frequency range, a discone is a good choice. The design covers a wide range of frequencies.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QVPGKHU/

 

[kma371]

These are good:

Untitled

Doesn't need to be mounted to a vent , can just be attached to a beam in the attic. And these also have gain where the Discone does not.

 

[NYRHKY94]

+1 for the OmniX. Been using one for years, both outside and now inside (second floor shack pointed out a dormer window). My experience has been excellent on most bands. Currently have it hooked to my BCD536HP for monitoring a P25 800 MHz system that's about 35 miles away.

 

[flythunderbird]

+1 for the OmniX. Been using one for years, both outside and now inside (second floor shack pointed out a dormer window). My experience has been excellent on most bands. Currently have it hooked to my BCD536HP for monitoring a P25 800 MHz system that's about 35 miles away.

Add me to the list of happy OmniX owners. I am using it inside until I get my new mast up, but even inside it is receiving signals I've never before received. The quality is first-rate, too. Dave makes a great antenna in the OmniX ... money well spent!

 

[mule1075]

Add me to the list of happy OmniX owners. I am using it inside until I get my new mast up, but even inside it is receiving signals I've never before received. The quality is first-rate, too. Dave makes a great antenna in the OmniX ... money well spent!

Me also excellent antenna.

 

[vocoder]

I love my omnix, in fact i have 2, best all around antenna yet. Works great vhf hi, 400mhz, 800mhz

See #8 above

 

[Mobilman44]

Wow, thank you all for the response so far, it is appreciated.

 

[Mobilman44]

Well, I've done enough research to come to the conclusion that the OmniX would be my best bet for an attic antenna. I went to order it and realized I have no clue as to the cable ends I would need to fit the OmniX on one end and the Uniden 436 on the other.

Does anyone have the answer??? And, suggestions where to buy the cable?

Note, I tried to contact dpdproductions but was unsuccessful.

Thank you!

 

[mule1075]

How long of a run of cable?

Well, I've done enough research to come to the conclusion that the OmniX would be my best bet for an attic antenna. I went to order it and realized I have no clue as to the cable ends I would need to fit the OmniX on one end and the Uniden 436 on the other.

Does anyone have the answer??? And, suggestions where to buy the cable?

Note, I tried to contact dpdproductions but was unsuccessful.

Thank you!

 

[Mobilman44]

I believe 50 ft would work best and give me room for contingency.

 

[mule1075]

Keep your run as short as possible. If you do not want to use any adapters you will need coax with a N male for the antenna end and a bnc for the scanner end if you are using the bnc adapter on the scanner. I also recommend a small flexible jumper to attach to the scanner to ease the stress on the bnc connection.

 

[mule1075]

Here is a crude put together but it might give you an idea.