A few questions on how to get started on my attic install.

[Smerri]

If this is more appropriate in the install forum, then I will notify a moderator and try to get it moved.

I have decided to do an attic install. My scanners are on the second floor and I can mount the antenna right above in the attic and run the coax through the ceiling of the closet and around (thanks Jim41 for this suggestion) to my BCT15. I have never done a project like this, or any type of antenna upgrade (with the exception of the mag mount on my car) so I do have some questions to make sure this is done right.

First off, for what it's worth, I listen to 49.9% VHF, 49.9% UHF, .2% 800 mHz, all analog. My only 800 listening is the State Police, but I have my PSR-300 dedicated to that so I will not even have it programmed in the BCT15, and if it would be possible, I would love to listen to Cambridge's 800 mHz trunk (which is approximately) 30 miles away. Other than that, it is an even blend of UHF and VHF. Is the Scantenna right for me, or is there another antenna which I should look at?

I have heard good things about the Scantenna, like the face that I can get it for $30.00 here (Does this come with less than say Scannermaster's which is $50.00 or is it all the same)?

I noticed the Scantenna is 102 inches tall (does this come in pieces or just one big box), and the area of my attic where I will be mounting is 126 inches from the ceiling to the floor. For installing in the attic, (I was unable to find any attic install articles in the Wiki) would I wrap this around PvC pipe, or drill it into the stud into the attic, and how do I make sure it is grounded (I assume this is still necessary for an indoor antenna too). I have an asphalt shingle roof, with no aluminum in between me and the outside. Also, is the coax that comes with the Scantenna a good quality, or will I want to look at upgrading?

I know there is a lot I need to learn myself but at the same time, I want to gain some knowledge going into this so I can get it done right.

I know I had a thread which could be considered similar to this recently, but I have really narrowed it down so I felt a new thread was appropriate.

Thanks for any help that is provided or suggestions you can make.

 

[tonsoffun]

Hi Smerri,

I found a post by Delta_p on his attic install and did a nice job and will give you some ideas.
http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96880&highlight=attic+install

As for receiving the 800 MHz system, I would personally purchase a yagi for that so you can point it in the direction of the system. Try to use the best cable you can afford and I think you will be happy with the results.
For the scantenna, you can simply hang the antenna with some fishing line against the rafters.
Maybe other members can chime in to let you know how the mounted theirs.
Hope this will help and looking forward to hear your results.
Ron

 

[Smerri]

Ahh the photo forums. I was searching the wrong ones.

Thanks for the link and feedback.

 

[hiegtx]

If this is more appropriate in the install forum, then I will notify a moderator and try to get it moved.

I have decided to do an attic install. My scanners are on the second floor and I can mount the antenna right above in the attic and run the coax through the ceiling of the closet and around (thanks Jim41 for this suggestion) to my BCT15. I have never done a project like this, or any type of antenna upgrade (with the exception of the mag mount on my car) so I do have some questions to make sure this is done right.

First off, for what it's worth, I listen to 49.9% VHF, 49.9% UHF, .2% 800 mHz, all analog. My only 800 listening is the State Police, but I have my PSR-300 dedicated to that so I will not even have it programmed in the BCT15, and if it would be possible, I would love to listen to Cambridge's 800 mHz trunk (which is approximately) 30 miles away. Other than that, it is an even blend of UHF and VHF. Is the Scantenna right for me, or is there another antenna which I should look at?

The Scantenna (also called the ST2, as on the link you provided) is a good choice for Vhf & Uhf. It's not a 'gain' antenna, but does a good job on those bands. I've got a couple of them, and receive some of the outlying counties in the area well. I do get Plano's 800 trs, probably 25-30 miles out, but as tonsofun said, a yagi would be a better choice at that distance. There are some other 800 systems, around the same distance, that I can't receive. Some of that is a weaker system on their end, some is due to terrain or interference.

I have heard good things about the Scantenna, like the face that I can get it for $30.00 here (Does this come with less than say Scannermaster's which is $50.00 or is it all the same)?

Description looks almost the same. Does not specify the coax type, but I believe that comes from the manufacturer, AntennaCraft. All of mine have come with RG-6. The one item not mentioned, that ScannerMaster, Grove, and Universal include, is an F to BNC adapter. The cable comes with "F" ends (like for your cable tv or vcr). The scanner takes BNC. But you can pick up an adapter at Radio Shack, or cut off the F connector on the cable & install a BNC directly, which is what I did. It was easier to fish the cable without an end on it anyway.

I noticed the Scantenna is 102 inches tall (does this come in pieces or just one big box), and the area of my attic where I will be mounting is 126 inches from the ceiling to the floor. For installing in the attic, (I was unable to find any attic install articles in the Wiki) would I wrap this around PvC pipe, or drill it into the stud into the attic, and how do I make sure it is grounded (I assume this is still necessary for an indoor antenna too). I have an asphalt shingle roof, with no aluminum in between me and the outside. Also, is the coax that comes with the Scantenna a good quality, or will I want to look at upgrading?

The antenna ships "folded" in a box roughly five feet long, about 8.5" wide & deep. I have one sitting here, to replace one damaged by a fallen large tree limb. You unfold the segments & they lock into place. The only assembly is attaching the stub mast to the mounting plate. See the diagram. For installation, you could hang it, as tonsofun suggested, or mount a piece of pvc pipe to give the stub mast something to grab. From the picture, that appears to be what Delta_p did. It would not have to be pipe, you could use a board, and then use lag screws to secure it.

The coax came with my antennas is good quality RG-6. There are certainly better coax choices out there, but from what you describe (if I understand you correctly), you will have a very short coax run from the attic, practically straight down, through a closet, into the room & connect to a scanner. You do reach a point of diminishing returns. Also, as the antenna & coax will be inside the attic, they'll be protected from the brunt of the weather, including water intrusion into the coax shield.

I would think the antenna should be grounded, even in the attic, as a precaution against induced charges from a nearby lightning strike. I'll leave the how-to to someone with more background.

Good luck on the project.

 

[Smerri]

Thanks a lot hietgx. I just purchased the Scantenna for $40.00 on Universal so I will have a project this weekend. I am predicting I will need about 15 feet of coax, and have read a lot of people recommend LMR400 (still have to do some price checks on things). Still unsure as to how to ground it.

Looking forward to the project, and seeing how much more I can receive. Any more tips or replies people would like to chime in, I would appreciate.

Thanks to those who took the time to help.

 

[ka3jjz]

I'd take a careful look around your attic - I sincerely doubt there's any way to ground the mast of the antenna without a roundabout length of wire - and that's not going to be much of a ground.

The antenna itself does NOT need grounding - I had one up in my attic for several years with nary a problem. I would play it safe during thunderstorms, however - disconnecting the coax from the scanner and seperating it by a good distance is a sensible precaution

73 Mike

 

[Smerri]

I'd take a careful look around your attic - I sincerely doubt there's any way to ground the mast of the antenna without a roundabout length of wire - and that's not going to be much of a ground.

The antenna itself does NOT need grounding - I had one up in my attic for several years with nary a problem. I would play it safe during thunderstorms, however - disconnecting the coax from the scanner and seperating it by a good distance is a sensible precaution

73 Mike

Alright. That sounds good.

Thanks