MichaelC34
Member
Anyone reccomend a good upgrade from the factory antenna? Is this a good pick?
REMTronix REM-800B UHF BNC Antenna?
REMTronix REM-800B UHF BNC Antenna?
Antenna reccomendation
- Thread starter MichaelC34
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trentbob
Silent Key W3BUX
So let everybody know, your hometown, County and State and what you like to listen to and that will help with the best recommendations 
MichaelC34
Member
Live in Boston Massachusetts mostly like to listen to police, state police, and fire do also listen to logan airport
trentbob
Silent Key W3BUX
I'm on the run right now but if nobody gets back to you... later tonight I'll chime in... Bob.
ka3aaa
Member
yes, its a good replacement for the stock piece of garbage antenna that comes with the radio.
1. Determine what you primarily want to listen to (what is most important).
For instance, if 800Mhz, get an 800Mhz antenna. REM-830B - 700~900MHz UHF
Or similar.....
2. If mixed scanning, then look at antennas such as REM-842B - VHF/UHF/800MHz Tri- Band - 136-174/420-470/800-900 MHz
Or similar......
ANTENNAS
MichaelC34
Member
Basically just like to listen to police and fire but i do like to venture out and explore whats out there and i do also listen to tower controls at the airport
That’s a good antenna. I used the Radio Shack version for years on my 396XT in Boston and the western suburbs. It improves reception on the 800 Mhz Mass State Police analog truck in fringe areas and still does fine on VHF and UHF.
trentbob
Silent Key W3BUX
Yeppers
If you live in the city, that's a good choice. Most of what you want is UHF, with MSP, MassPort, and Boston City Services on various 800Mhz trunk systems. It's probably not as good on aircraft, but again depending on where you live, you might get some of the on airport frequencies.
MichaelC34
Member
What makes channels come in static sometimes is cuz of the weather and car engine on?
Using a portable antenna in a vehicle with a rubber duck antenna is less than optimal. What type of scanner are you using? If possible, at least a magnetic antenna would be a better choice, but if a low profile is important than the Remtronics is good.
Keep in mind also the the State Police and Boston are working on major upgrade. MSP will be moving from analog to P25 Phase 2, mostly on the same frequencies they use now. Boston Police, Fire, EMS, and City Services are working on a major upgrade to the entire radio system. The city has committed $49,000,000.00 in funds to replace and upgrade. Police look to be moving to P25, mostly unencrypted, EMS maybe, Fire will mostly stay on the existing UHF frequencies on analog. There is reported to be a new city owned P25 trunk system in the works as well.
The time frame is the next 2-4 years.
Keep in mind also the the State Police and Boston are working on major upgrade. MSP will be moving from analog to P25 Phase 2, mostly on the same frequencies they use now. Boston Police, Fire, EMS, and City Services are working on a major upgrade to the entire radio system. The city has committed $49,000,000.00 in funds to replace and upgrade. Police look to be moving to P25, mostly unencrypted, EMS maybe, Fire will mostly stay on the existing UHF frequencies on analog. There is reported to be a new city owned P25 trunk system in the works as well.
The time frame is the next 2-4 years.
MichaelC34
Member
I just got the BCD325P2 using the factory antenna
I have pretty good results with my BCD325P2 and the Remtronics antenna. I don't use it mobile though, so I can't comment.
MichaelC34
Member
To be honest im probably good with the one i have i live right in the middle of all the sorrounding cities around the Boston area and I live 3 miles from the airport but the antenna in a lot of areas does get staticky but for the most part when i am just in one area its loud and clear, i do want to upgrade though
MichaelC34
Member
not to familiar w those, The one i mentioned was reccomended to me by bearcat i bought my scanner directly thru them
trentbob
Silent Key W3BUX
I'm back oh, glad you got some good help Michael, my recommendation would be the REM 842 B... Good all-around coverage.
I have an 842B and it's a good overall antenna. You do lose a little off of 800/900, but gain a bit on UHF. It's okay on VHF, but I don't have a lot of that in my immediate area.
trentbob
Silent Key W3BUX
Yeah its weakest link is the 7-8 hundred MHz but it is still better on 7-8 hundred MHz than supplied POS antenna LOL.
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