800MHz

[xusmarine1979]

Hello All, I have a question in regards to some 800MHz antennas used for scanning. I'm debating on getting the RS 800MHz antenna, which goes for about $25, or something smaller from ebay that runs about $15. I've used the RS antenna for years, with awesome success, just looking for something a bit smaller, that may offer close performance.

I know that I will have some gain over the stock antenna, and I know that the shorter one may not perform as well as the RS (on all bands), but from the experts out there, should I bother with the shorter one, or just go for the RS antenna? Any suggestions or input are welcome, I'd like to have a shorter antenna, but I don't know much about this one from ebay that claims 2.5db gain. If anyone has this particular one, how's it working for you?

I live in Louisville, Ohio. I listen to the Canton/Stark Co system, along with Akron/Summit Co, MARCS, MARCS P25, and I work and listen in Green, Ohio. All 800/700Mhz. I don't do much distant UHF, or VHF listening, usually only during bad weather.

Ebay antenna: 800MHz Scanner Antenna 3 inch Fits Radio Shack Gre Uniden w BNC Connector | eBay

 

[W8RMH]

I use the Comet CH-32 and have for over 15 years on every handheld scanner I have owned, and I carry one all the time. I recently bought a second one. I like it's compactness at 1.75 inches. If you don't swap antennas a lot the SMA-501 version is even better.

Extended Receive Ranges...
118 to 160 MHz
250 to 290 MHz
360 to 390 MHz
420 to 470 MHz
820 to 960 MHz
1260 to 1300 MHz

It receives both MARCS systems, my local 800 analog systems as well as VHF and UHF. I have used it all over Ohio, even in the hilly Cincinnati area and it works well.

It is very close to the RS800 in reception and the difference in size makes up for it when you have this radio on your belt or in your pocket all day long.

The antenna in the ebay ad has both a SMA M/F and a BNC adapter on it and it appears to be a commercial radio antenna. I have one, minus the adapters and it works but not all that great.

 

[davidzimmerman]

Comet CH-32

I just got my Comet last week been trying it to see how it works so far it works a little better.

 

[xusmarine1979]

Thanks for the prompt reply, guys. I'll give a little more time for anyone else to give some input, but it looks like I may go with the Comet.

 

[JTR604]

800 MHZ

Try this antenna I purchased it off ebay and have been very pleased.

800 MHz Digital Antenna for Uniden Home Patrol 6 Inch | eBay

 

[StevenS]

I have to agree with Jon. I use the Radio Shack 800 MHz rubber duck antenna on all of my scanners and I absolutely love that antenna. The RS 800 MHz picks up both digital and analog trunked systems in my area beautifully. I have tried several antennas in the past, but the RS 800 MHz antenna absolutely performs the best in my area. The antenna is about $25 the last i checked (definitely not super cheap) but it does its job beautifully. An added bonus is that for my particular location, the RS 800 MHz antenna also performs well on the military aircraft bands. I would recommend giving one of these a try. You can find it on the Radio Shack website.

 

[xusmarine1979]

RS Antenna

I ended up stopping at Radio Shack, and got their antenna. As always, I'm very impressed with the antenna, and radio. My only complaint, just like everyone, is when I'm in town, near the cell towers. Even with the ATT, it still wipes out my 800MHz when I'm driving right by the towers. Our area has re-banded, but didn't seem to help any.