Antenna help

[Eddy1982]

Hi everyone,
I’m in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. I bought a Uniden sds100 scanner. I’m trying to see what’s a great antenna to receive my local police, fire, and EMS frequencies, as well as the local hospitals, etc. Can you all help me with this issue? I’m new to police scanning and its ins and outs. Thanks.

 

[jtwalker]

What frequency bands are all those things on? Antennas don’t care if it’s police, railroad or dog catcher, it’s the frequency that is important when selecting the best antenna.

 

[Eddy1982]

The frequencies is from 155 to 453

 

[mayidunk]

The frequencies is from 155 to 453

I would first try working with the antenna that came with it. Adjust it longer for lower frequencies, and shorter for higher frequencies. Experiment, and see what works best.

Oftentimes, the back of the set antenna is more than enough. However, if it turns out that you're further away from the signal sources, then it'll be time to start looking to spend more money on an outdoor antenna (or at least, one that fits in the attic.)

Start small, because signal overload is usually more of an issue than most people expect. We think that the bigger the antenna is, the better. However, in this case, starting small usually pays off!

Experiment, and explore. It's all part of the fun!

 

[W8WCA]

As I recall the SDS100 comes with a 'rubberduck' antenna not a whip that is adjustable

I would still give it a try with the supplied antenna.

The Diamond SRH789 is one that is adjustable.

The Diamond make a couple of nice antenna's (RH77CA is one) but you need to get the BNC version and use the BNC adapter that comes with the SDS1000

RemTronix REM-920S seems popular I have not used it though

The thing you have to watch out for is: Many SMA Antenna's do not fit into the SDS-100 Antenna Socket.

 

[tzukows]

I have RemTronix REM-920S coming tonight. I have program lists all set to load as soon as I get my SDS100 tonight, so I'll give a non-scientific test and see what I notice for differences between stock Uniden antenna and the RenTronix 920S. I'll let you know.

My understanding is the 920 is tri-band and supposed to pull in signals much better across all bands. I am looking for better reception over longer distance in the 155mhz range, 400mhz and 800mhz (which I would probably get area 800 signals in my area with a paper clip for antenna LOL). I'll experiment and see what happens.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Welcome to the RR forums @Eddy1982. Do you feel your "local" reception is lacking with the stock rubber duck antenna? Are you monitoring indoors, outdoors, both? Before going the antenna upgrade route, try experimenting with different filter settings