Antenna question

[cstockmyer]

Does anyone here use a radio shack antenna 20-176 on a pro 97? If so does it work well? Or can you suggest another one that works better?

 

[KC4ZEX]

The 20 176 works well on any scanner for vhf high and uhf frequencies. fair on 800 and poor on low band. The scantenna is a little better but about $20 to $25 more.

 

[LarrySC]

The problem with the 176 is the SO239 connector that requires a PL 259 plug. Not rated for anything above UHF. Do this: Install a PL to "F" adp and run RG-6 cable to scanner. Put an "F" to BNC adp on scanner. This is the only way to get around the limited capture area of only 30" [ 18+6+6=30 ] Remember the ground elements dont do anything and dont count for receiving. Measure all of the elements length of a Scantenna. Well over 100 total inches. Thats the real secret. Capture area. Good Luck

 

[MB]

The problem with the 176 is the SO239 connector that requires a PL 259 plug. Not rated for anything above UHF. Do this: Install a PL to "F" adp and run RG-6 cable to scanner. Put an "F" to BNC adp on scanner. This is the only way to get around the limited capture area of only 30" [ 18+6+6=30 ] Remember the ground elements dont do anything and dont count for receiving. Measure all of the elements length of a Scantenna. Well over 100 total inches. Thats the real secret. Capture area. Good Luck

Why use so many abapters? This just adds even more loss. Just use a PL259 on one end and BNC on the other. Also use a low loss cable like 9913F7 or LMR400.

The so called "capture area" rule sounds good but in reality it just doesn't work that way. Pick up any Antenna Theory and Design text book and read a liitle.

 

[KC4ZEX]

Capture area doesn't have anything to do with reception. The antenna is cut to receive the frequencies that it is designed for dependent on wavelength. Which in this case is the high band from about 120 to about 170mhz and also works well from about 435 to about 475. it is physically to long for 800 to work very well but will work on close by systems. The pl 259 and SO 239 are not going to hurt noticeably for scanning reception. If you were using a commerical transceiver to transmit at 800 then it would have a little effect on loading an optimum performance of the transmitter.

 

[cjs180]

I just bought one and I think it works great. I have limited knowledge on this subject though and mostly listen to the 150's range. Chris

 

[cstockmyer]

It works great except for 800 trunked systems witch is about 90% of what I listen to. I just ordered a Scan antenna, I hope that works.

 

[Grog]

I'm not sure how using a PL-F adaptor "fixes" the "flaws" of antenna. It's just more stuff to loose signal. I agree with using the right cable to begin with. I used to use a BNC-N 20 foot cable with a 460 beam.