Antenna Confusion

[gg750]

I've been looking for at some antennas that cover the 800 range for my 296d. But, I'm lost as to what kind I need. There are so many options, I don't what would work best for just receiving 800 MHz freqs. Such options are (these are from Antenex)...

Base Loaded 5/8 Wave
Base Loaded Closed Collinear
No Ground Plane Base Loaded 1/2 Wave
No Ground Plane Close Collinear

This antenna would be for listening to Michigan's statewide P25 system.

I was also looking for dedicated VHF (150-160..give or take) antenna, but I run into the same questions...5/8 wave, no ground plane, 1/4 wave...what do I need for best reception to just receive?

Thanks in advace for suggestions.

G

 

[Al42]

In either case, a 5/8 wave antenna (properly matched) will have more gain than a 1/4 wave or a 1/2 wave antenna, and a colinear antenna will have more gain that a 5/8 wave antenna - all other things being equal

"All other things" include the connectors, the cable and the way the antenna is made, both electrically and structurally. I'd rather use a 1/4 wave, well-made antenna with low-loss cable that a 9db gain, poorly-made colinear with lossy cable. The overall gain would be higher with the lower gain antenna.