Antenna suggestions

[EJB]

Hi.
Just got a 396 (amazing radio) the other day.
I would like to upgrade my antenna, the stock antenna is ok for 800 but I would lke to get a portable one like the RH77A for VHF.

Coould anyone suggest a decent ducky? I wish I could use my other antenna but they are BNC and the 396 isnt.

Any suggestions appreciated.
Eric-Southern ontario

 

[KE5BCP]

Did your scanner not come with the SMA to BNC adapter?

 

[EJB]

Oops no it didnt, bought it used.

 

[KE5BCP]

If you bought it used, then you may have not gotten the adapter.

If you bought it new, the box should have contained an SMA to BNC adapter.

 

[EJB]

Jay, didint understand your question :-(.

No, it did not come with that.

 

[LordJ]

I have a Watson wsma-889 telescopic and love it...orederd it from a company in the UK, was cheaper even after shipping than from Durham...now if you can go pick it up, it might be cheaper...

 

[W4KRR]

Hi.
Just got a 396 (amazing radio) the other day.
I would like to upgrade my antenna, the stock antenna is ok for 800 but I would lke to get a portable one like the RH77A for VHF.

Coould anyone suggest a decent ducky? I wish I could use my other antenna but they are BNC and the 396 isnt.

Any suggestions appreciated.
Eric-Southern ontario

Eric, there is an SMA version of the Diamond RH77CA, its the SRH77CA. Also similar in design is the MFJ 1717S. Another good ducky antenna is the Comet SMA-3.

 

[KA2ZEY]

sma-3

I just purchased an SMA-3. Still waiting for it to arrive. I also have the Radio Shack 800 antenna and a Maldol AS-30. As soon as I get the SMA-3, I'll post some comparisons. I find that the RS800 is excellent for 800 and even UHF-hi. The Maldol is great for VHF and ok for UHF.

more later....

Oh, I have the BCD396T

 

[Universaldecoder]

There is an Antenna Forum outside of this one that's got all the info you want on antennas.

 

[EJB]

Thanks guys. Appreciated!
I will take a look at them thru the day tomorrow.
I like the performance of the Diamond RH77ca although
the ideal antenna for mewould be as short as possible.

 

[jastx]

The RH77CA is very flexible. This somewhat compensates for its length. The performance is much better than the stock antenna on my BC246T. It's a matter of evaluating all the trade-offs and deciding which are more important to you.

 

[EJB]

Follow Up

I was very lucky in that a member on here that builds my battery pack forr my 296 saw these posts and when he was east of Toronto he picked up a BNC/SMA connector and now I can use my Larsen and/or Diamond 77.. antenna. Makes a big difference from the stock antenna.
Thanks G.

Thanks to all those who offered suggestions & ideas.
Eric