Antenna Coupler

[mikebires]

In regards to my previous article about using an 800 mhz antenna and a Diamond Discone.....

Is there a splitter out there which will allow me to use this combination to feed it into my BC796?

 

[Al42]

Be aware that if you use a 2-port coupler you only get (at most) half the signal on each scanner. 1/3 for a 3-port, 1/4 for a 4-port, etc.

And, if you get a coupler with more than 2 ports now, to allow for future expansion, you still have to terminate all the ports.

 

[N_Jay]

Now, for those who are new:

Loosing 1/2 the signal is a 3dB loss, which most people can not even detect.

The question is; what is better IN TOTAL,

the 3.5 db splitter loss with the gain from the added 800 MHz antenna?

OR

Where you are now?



70 feet of RG8X is about 8.5 db of loss at 800 MHz
70 feet of LMR400 is about 2.5 db of loss at 800 MHz
70 feet of RG6 is about 6 db of loss at 800 MHz

At 800 MHz, you cable become MUCH more important than your antenna.

 

[mgosdin]

70 feet of RG8X is about 8.5 db of loss at 800 MHz
70 feet of LMR400 is about 2.5 db of loss at 800 MHz
70 feet of RG6 is about 6 db of loss at 800 MHz

At 800 MHz, you cable become(s) MUCH more important than your antenna.

Distilled wisdom from N_Jay, very good. Definite keeper.

Mark Gosdin

 

[mikebires]

Thanks N_Jay

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it. So, if I'm getting this right...here is what you are suggesting.....

First, change out my cable to LMR400 and see if this helps with the Diamond Discone.

If that doesn't work, then move on to splitting the signal with a splitter.

Thanks again

 

[N_Jay]

Re: Thanks N_Jay

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it. So, if I'm getting this right...here is what you are suggesting.....

First, change out my cable to LMR400 and see if this helps with the Diamond Discone.

If that doesn't work, then move on to splitting the signal with a splitter.

Thanks again

I would move to a better antenna, since the splitter is going to loose you 3.5 dB on both sides.