2005 Jeep Wrangler Antenna Question

[ErikAtTheW]

I'm looking to replace my Radio Shack scanner antenna that is currently inside my Jeep with a better antenna mounted outside.

Any thoughts on this one:
Manufacturer Laird Technologies
Model # ASCANC
Product Description 150/450/800 Scanner Antenna Chrome
Frequency (MHz) 150/450/800
Product Narrative Scanner receive antenna covers the VHF, UHF & 800 MHz bands. Molded ABS base
Gain (dB) Unity
Maximum Power (Watts) 200
Whip Length (In.) 16"

I scan in the 150, 450, 500 and 800 mHz ranges.
I know it's hard to give a good recommendation, but is this a decent antenna?

I'd rather not spend $100 on a setup, but I'd like something better than I have.
The RS magnetic antenna isn't bad, but I get very poor reception on the 150 range, plus the coax has pulled out of the base and I don't think it is repairable.

Thanks,

Erik

 

[knightrider]

With some tinkering, most of the time, the coax can be re-installed, but may not be worth it. As for the antenna you listed, I have looked for it and found the price from about $15.79 on Antenex to $36.30 on TESSCO. Are you planning to transmit with the antenna? If not, this looks like it may be OK. I know it shows up to 200 watts handling, but it also shows unity gain. If I planned to transmit as well as listen, I would look at a good Ham antenna, or maybe Antenna Specialists for their commercial antennas. AS is usually reasonable depending on who you buy it from. Oh, and almost any antenna you mount OUTSIDE the Jeep, is going to do better, even if you have the rag top, or no top on it.
Knightrider

 

[GKolo]

On my 88 Wrangler with a soft top i used a Radio Shack thru glass antenna mounted on the passenger side of the front windsheild as far up in the corner as possible and it worked very well for me.
Hope this helps.