Antenna to use in a motel?

[zonian149]

Is there a "good" telescoping antenna that just plugs into the back of a scanner? I will be listening to 800mhz mostly but would also like to pick up the lower frequencies like 150mhz and 400mhz. Should I just use my magnetic mount nmo antennex antenna stuck out the window of the motel? I have a BC796D scanner. I am open to all suggestions.

 

[K5MAR]

Radio Shack makes a nice back-of-set telescoping antenna that has a right-angle Motorola-style connector. That's the type of connector used on car radios, so for the 796 you need the adapter for a BNC connector, which Radio Shack also sells. I have several of these on my scanners that are not conveniently located for an external antenna, including a 780 sitting here next to my computer. I'm picking up distant stations quite well, including an 800 MHz trunking system 40 or so miles away. VHF-high and UHF are excellent.

Mark S.

 

[Al42]

Should I just use my magnetic mount nmo antennex antenna stuck out the window of the motel? I have a BC796D scanner. I am open to all suggestions.

That's what I use in my house and it works pretty well. Try to place it on something metallic - even a 9" pie tin is better than a concrete windowsill. (It doesn't have to be magnetic, just metallic.)

 

[twolf816]

i use either a telescopic all-band antenna, or a little suction cup thing that radio shack sells.