Looking for some help. I am wanting to add a second antenna to improve the reception in the 800mhz range for the P25 Apco frequencies. Here is my setup that I have now - I have a Tram 1410 discone feeding a Stridseburg MCA204M multicoupler. Then I have a Uniden BCD996P2 and a Uniden BCD15X connected to the multicoupler. Everything is connected together using RG6 quad shield. My main goal is to increase the reception on the BCD996P2 for the P25 frequencies. I am really lost on what device I need to use to connect the two antennas together. Do I use a Diplexer to connect to the two antennas and feed that to the multicoupler? I looked thru some of the older forums to find my answer but I couldn't find what I was looking for. And I have a feeling that I might have to upgrade the RG6 to LMR400. The total length is less than 50 feet, so I really didn't think RG6 would be a problem. I pick up everything locally very well with the set up that I have, I am just trying to reach some frequencies that are one county over from where I am located. I am ok on getting any directional antenna that is recommended, I just don't know how to tie the two antennas together to feed to the multicoupler. Any help would be appreciated!
Adding a second antenna
- Thread starter Mikeyb812
- Start date
The antenna is mounted in my attic. I'm too old and out of shape to be climbing on the roof. So from the ground to the tip of the antenna it would be around 30 feet. We live in a 2 story home. There is plenty of space in the attic for another antenna.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
RG-6 vs. LMR400 isn't likely your issue. While the LMR400 will perform a bit better, there's not a big difference over 50 feet.
The issue may be topography. If there's not a clear line of sight from your antenna to the system you want to hear, no amount of antenna may fix the issue. If it's a simulcast system, that can add to the issues.
As for the antenna, if it's just one 800MHz system you want to hear, a good high gain Yagi directional antenna designed for 800MHz pointed at the site you want to hear may help you. To connect that into your antenna system, you'd want to use a diplexer before your multicoupler. The discone would connect to the VHF/UHF side of the diplexer and the Yagi would connect to the 800MHz side of the diplexer.
Drawback will be that the diplexer will block all the 800MHz signal coming in through your discone, so omnidirectional performance will be lost and all your 800MHz signal will come from the Yagi.
The issue may be topography. If there's not a clear line of sight from your antenna to the system you want to hear, no amount of antenna may fix the issue. If it's a simulcast system, that can add to the issues.
As for the antenna, if it's just one 800MHz system you want to hear, a good high gain Yagi directional antenna designed for 800MHz pointed at the site you want to hear may help you. To connect that into your antenna system, you'd want to use a diplexer before your multicoupler. The discone would connect to the VHF/UHF side of the diplexer and the Yagi would connect to the 800MHz side of the diplexer.
Drawback will be that the diplexer will block all the 800MHz signal coming in through your discone, so omnidirectional performance will be lost and all your 800MHz signal will come from the Yagi.
A diplexer is what you need. I use the the below one with good results.
www.dxengineering.com
Comet Antennas CF-413B Comet Duplexers | DX Engineering
Free Shipping - Comet Duplexers with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Duplexers and Triplexers at DX Engineering.
Thanks for the information! I knew that the topography was going to be the biggest issue, but it's still something that I want to try and see what happens. And I think the discone loosing the 800mhz would be ok because lucky for me the new directional antenna that I will be installing will also be pointing to the same direction as the same local tower that I monitor now, I will be able to hit both towers with the one antenna pointing the same direction.
Thanks! That is the one I have been looking at so it sounds like I am heading in the right direction.A diplexer is what you need. I use the the below one with good results.
Comet Antennas CF-413B Comet Duplexers | DX Engineering
Free Shipping - Comet Duplexers with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Duplexers and Triplexers at DX Engineering.
I have the discone mounted on a piece of PVC pipe. I know the roof of my house will cause some signal loss, so I have put that in consideration. Thanks!
Now I'm confused. You said I need a diplexer, but you posted a duplexer. Aren't those two different things?A diplexer is what you need. I use the the below one with good results.
Comet Antennas CF-413B Comet Duplexers | DX Engineering
Free Shipping - Comet Duplexers with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Duplexers and Triplexers at DX Engineering.
It can be used either way, I use mine as a diplexer.
OK gotcha. Thanks!
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