Just wondering if there is any reason to upgrade the stock antenna that comes on the BCD396XT. My scanner is on the way. I used a Diamond SRH77CA on my 346XT. I kept it when I sold the scanner. Any better upgrades out there? Thanks for any input.
Naw, Learning a more difficult scanner will help you in the future.Maybe I should have went with the HP model
Well, depending on how soon the switch is coming waiting might be the best idea, unless you know what freq's they will be on. Between the stock and diamond you should be set for now. If they switched to 800mhz then I would say the RS800 Antenna... But I think you're good.I cover all my surrounding counties police, fire, rescue etc...usually in the 155.xxx range... My cousin is a dispatcher for my local county EMS and he said they are switching to a digital service sometime soon
Just wondering if there is any reason to upgrade the stock antenna that comes on the BCD396XT. My scanner is on the way. I used a Diamond SRH77CA on my 346XT. I kept it when I sold the scanner. Any better upgrades out there? Thanks for any input.
If you have a lot of 155.xxx frequencies (Vhf-high), then the Diamond antenna is a good choice. It's much better than the stock antenna for that band. It's only drawback is the length.I cover all my surrounding counties police, fire, rescue etc...usually in the 155.xxx range. I am not real big on the numbers game and I really don't know how to get the most out of my scanner but am trying to learn on the fly. My cousin is a dispatcher for my local county EMS and he said they are switching to a digital service sometime soon. Maybe I should have went with the HP model but I like trying to learn programming and such.
Since the 346XT is, in effect, the analog sibling to the 396XT, the 'learning curve' won't be that steep at all. You do have more options on the 396XT: Setting backlight display colors for one thing. Also, when your local agencies do begin to shift to digital operation, you can set the NAC codes, or search to find them by setting the audio for that frequency to "digital only" and specifying "search".Naw, Learning a more difficult scanner will help you in the future.
I use the R/S 800MHz antenna here in the DFW Metro area on the 396XT I carry with me, since we have a large number of 800MHz trunked systems in the my listening range. However, once I get out of the area, especially to the west, where Vhf predominates, I switch to one of the Diamond antennas.Well, depending on how soon the switch is coming waiting might be the best idea, unless you know what freq's they will be on. Between the stock and diamond you should be set for now. If they switched to 800mhz then I would say the RS800 Antenna... But I think you're good.
I put the whole show in the hood! It is a great carrier - just dont bend over to pick anything up or tie your shoes!the Diamond antenna is a pretty good one however, its length can be a drag, cant shove your scanner in your coat or hoodie with it.
Yes I do have the adapter. The RS800 antenna does not pick up anywhere near as good as my Diamond. I purchased one last night. Any other suggestions on a shorter antenna for easier carry.I have the same scanner and use both the RH77CA and the very bendy RHF40. I love the performance of both.
If you are going to be switching antennas very much be sure to get a SMA to BNC adapter so you dont wear out the threads on the scanner.
Did you test it out on freqs in the 800mhz band? That's the only thing the RS800 is for.Yes I do have the adapter. The RS800 antenna does not pick up anywhere near as good as my Diamond. I purchased one last night. Any other suggestions on a shorter antenna for easier carry.
When I purchased my BCD396Xt scanner new, the SMA to BNC adapter came with the scanner in a small plastic bag that contained the belt clip and the hand-held lanyard.The scanner you went with is great, so I think you made a good choice. As far as the antenna, the Diamond one you kept should be fine unless you went with something mounted outside. I have the BNC version and I love it.
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Im glad im not the only covert scanner userthe Diamond antenna is a pretty good one however, its length can be a drag, cant shove your scanner in your coat or hoodie with it.
The RHF-40 works ! It's bendy shape allows you to bend it into a horseshoe to reduce its length. Great for a big outer pocket on a winter coat. Or an inside vest pocket. The stubby Comet ( I forget the model # ) promises much, but from what I have read here it only delivers if you are really close to the targeted transmitter.Yes I do have the adapter. The RS800 antenna does not pick up anywhere near as good as my Diamond. I purchased one last night. Any other suggestions on a shorter antenna for easier carry.
Anyone have experiance with Comtelco A1483 for the 800MHz range with a 996XT?
My experience with this style antenna has been subpar exhibiting 0 gain .In comparison test this antenna has performed well on both 800 and the lower end of VHF hi . The key is to utilize a base loaded 800 antenna along with high grade dual shield coax. The typical RG-58 coax actually attenuates incoming signal levels below the level a 800 duck would deliver from inside a typical vehicle. For portable use the RS 800 antenna gives a nice boost (3db) to your receive .
Anyone have experiance with Comtelco A1483 for the 800MHz range with a 996XT?
My experience with this style antenna has been subpar exhibiting 0 gain .In comparison test this antenna has performed well on both 800 and the lower end of VHF hi . The key is to utilize a base loaded 800 antenna along with high grade dual shield coax. The typical RG-58 coax actually attenuates incoming signal levels below the level a 800 duck would deliver from inside a typical vehicle. For portable use the RS 800 antenna gives a nice boost (3db) to your receive .