Antenna for 996

[Lizbit]

My 996 will be used primarily in my office, in a stationary location. I will use it to scan both convention frequencies and 800 mhz digital. With the "bunny" antenna that came with the unit, I am picking up statewide traffic on the 800 mhz because of the towers (there are towers nearby). I'd like to be able to pick up some traffic / towers 100 miles away.

I'd like to get a new powerful antenna for my building that will pick up 800 mhz towers about 80-100 miles away (I am woman, I want what I want!) but at the same time allow me to get the local counties that are on the conventional frequencies. I believe the nearest tower on the next statewide channels is about 80 miles away. I have read other threads on the forum that indicate that's asking an awful lot. But with an excellent antenna, if I can reach just that first tower, shouldn't that open the door to another district that I can listen to?

I like the Diamond I bought for my 396 handheld. For the 996, mounted on my building, perhaps the Diamond DI 30J?

 

[JohnJRambo]

Check your pm. JJR

 

[Lizbit]

Ditto that!

 

[W4KRR]

80 to 100 miles? On 800MHz? I doubt it very much. Even 40 to 50 miles would be a stretch.

 

[Lizbit]

Sigh. I guess I will save my money, then. Thanks for the advice.

Guess I don't really understand HOW the trunking system works; I am picking up state police that are EASILY 75+ miles away... they are in my district, most likely coming across because of the towers nearby me.

I am bummed. Really hoped I could reach the next district.

 

[W4KRR]

Sigh. I guess I will save my money, then. Thanks for the advice.

Guess I don't really understand HOW the trunking system works; I am picking up state police that are EASILY 75+ miles away... they are in my district, most likely coming across because of the towers nearby me.

I am bummed. Really hoped I could reach the next district.

I once was hearing police 200 miles from me. However, the tower that I was hearing them on was like 5 miles away from me. So just because you're hearing something that's going on many miles away from you doesn't mean that's where the tower you're hearing it on is located.

 

[RPSINFOMAN]

Lizbit, I see your still trying to figure out what antenna to get. Just because you can't recieve the system you want, don't let that stop you from getting an antenna. You will surely benefit in other ways with enhanced reception of other stations. Short of moving into District 6, I am afraid thats your only option.

 

[Lizbit]

Ken, your response made me grin. A friendly grin. I knew my antenna wasn't reaching 200 miles away. That was why I asked about an antenna that might reach me about 85 miles to the nearest tower in that system, hoping something might be powerful enough. I don't really want to move (RPSInfoman's suggestion... another friendly grin!) so I guess I will just be happy with what I am currently picking up!

RPSInfo, I will likely buy that antenna to improve on what I have, but without expectations or anticipations of reaching the areas in question.

I am afraid of heights - this will be fun putting it up.

 

[W4KRR]

You reception range will depend on a lot of factors, such as height of the transmitting antenna, transmitter power, obstructions between you and the transmitter like buildings, mountains, woods, ect. I see lots of people post about how they can regularly receive systems 30, 40, or 50 miles away. Yet, there was once a Public Safety trunked system that was nine (9) miles from my location, and I couldn't receive them without putting up a directional yagi antenna. So go figure.

 

[Lizbit]

the discone antenna I ordered just arrived at my doorstep. I emptied everything out and am scratching my head.... why do I feel so lost! Who wrote those "destructions" for putting this thing together?!? The "Welcome to your new antenna" notice says this is simple and easy to put together...." then goes on to day that it will take about 2 hours for a beginner to assemble this.... Gonna be a FUN DAY..........