Aftermarket Antennas

[ScanWV]

Any ideas on a good aftermarket all band antenna? Have a new pro 106 and have a 800 mhz antenna but it lacks in lower bands. Ideas for portable, mobile and base antennas are appreciated. Looking to upgrade in all aspects. thanks

 

[hoser147]

Give the Diamond RH77 is a good performer. here is a link. http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/scanants/2368.html

 

[thewenk]

A shorter antenna than the the RH77 is the Premier(Pryme) RD-8 that IMO is almost as good as the the RH77 without the length. I have used the RD-8 and its brother the RD-9 almost exclusively as an all band antenna for several years. I also have the RH77. While doing a search, I found it for a really great price of $14.95.
http://www.frys.com/product/2591811
http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=3177
http://www.pqdvd.com/deals/pqdvd1/index.php?browse=prod&site=4&node=657&p=1

Here are some tests that include both the Rh77 and the RD8.
http://www.strongsignals.net/access/content/opi_ant.html
http://www.strongsignals.net/access...pe=display&rtype=rev&class=ant&num=003#080799

Dave

 

[PHOENIX_SCANNER]

Over time I have observed that the RH77 has a loyal fan base. It must be pretty darn good. Maybe pick that up for VHF / UHF stuff, and keep the RS 800 antenna handy for the 800 mhz range.

 

[Wahoos4Life]

http://www.scannermaster.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=28-541173&CartID=2

Ive ben highly considering that one

 

[thewenk]

http://www.scannermaster.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=28-541173&CartID=2

Ive ben highly considering that one

Quoting from Strong Signals testing performed in 1999 that can be found here:
http://www.strongsignals.net/access...pe=display&rtype=rev&class=ant&num=003#080799

"Comparing the scores for the 4 longest, non-telescoping models puts the W881 in the lead with the RH-77CA and RD-78 back one "point", and the RD-98 back 6 points. So, for all intents and purposes, the W881, RH-77CA and RD-78 perform identically. Considering the latest pricing, the RH-77CA rings in at $25, the W881 at $35, the RD-78 at $23, and the RD-98 at $25. Comparing price versus performance makes the decision between these pretty easy"

Dave

 

[walter900]

A great assortment can be found right here. I just ordered a couple of BNX antennas (#9 & #12). BNX covers the whole base of the BNC antenna jack so that the BNC jack doesn't show. This gives a nice clean look.

http://www.rfwiz.com/Comtelco/ComtelcoPortableAntennas1.htm

 

[Wahoos4Life]

Quoting from Strong Signals testing performed in 1999 that can be found here:
http://www.strongsignals.net/access...pe=display&rtype=rev&class=ant&num=003#080799

"Comparing the scores for the 4 longest, non-telescoping models puts the W881 in the lead with the RH-77CA and RD-78 back one "point", and the RD-98 back 6 points. So, for all intents and purposes, the W881, RH-77CA and RD-78 perform identically. Considering the latest pricing, the RH-77CA rings in at $25, the W881 at $35, the RD-78 at $23, and the RD-98 at $25. Comparing price versus performance makes the decision between these pretty easy"

Dave

alittle confused, so would that be a good antenna? or no?

 

[thewenk]

alittle confused, so would that be a good antenna? or no?

The W881 and the RH77 are equally good in performance according to this test. So buy whatever is cheaper, which at the time of this test was the RH77. Just check prices today, if price is an issue, and decide for yourself. The W881 is a good antenna, but somewhat expensive.

Dave

 

[GTO_04]

I recently purchased a W881 and am very happy with it. I have the SMA version and it's mounted on my 396.

GTO_04

 

[Wahoos4Life]

The W881 and the RH77 are equally good in performance according to this test. So buy whatever is cheaper, which at the time of this test was the RH77. Just check prices today, if price is an issue, and decide for yourself. The W881 is a good antenna, but somewhat expensive.

Dave

What radio was it tested on by chance do you know?

id be using it for the 106

 

[hoser147]

What radio was it tested on by chance do you know?

id be using it for the 106

Those test I believe go back to 99, So I doubt that the 106 was included. It should still work fine. Just depends on what bands you want to monitor...

 

[thewenk]

What radio was it tested on by chance do you know?

id be using it for the 106

As is explained in the test report:
These readings were taken over two very similar days (clear, low 60s, moderate humidity) between the hours of 3 and 10 PM ET. My Yupiteru MVT-7100 was the test radio used for all measurements due to its wide frequency ranges, adjustable steps sizes and receive modes and more importantly, it has a well-calibrated S-meter (compared to the AR8000, HS200, IC-R1 and IC-R10).
As previously stated, the thing that matters is that all the tests were done on the same radio.
Dave