Antennas for the 436HP

[W2SJW]

Guys,

Just my 2¢ here, but I wanted to carry over the operation I had with my 396XT & have individual antennas for each main band I listen to.

These were $13 a piece from Tessco. They are Laird Tuf-Duck professional grade antennas, and I could not be more happy with their performance!

This is what the 800MHz model looks like when actually on the unit. The shrouded BNC connectors are perfectly gaped, so they won't try to unscrew the adapter when you remove them. In my basement computer room, I'm getting 100% S-meter readings on the NJSP & NJICS systems (as you can see in the picture).

 

[safetyobc]

Thanks for the info! Can we get links to those antennas?

 

[miccona]

went on there site and cant find these antennas there could u provide a link to the location thanks

 

[W2SJW]

VHF - http://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=98891&eventGroup=4&eventPage=1

UHF - Laird Technologies EXC-450-BNX 450-470 Portable Antenna, Covered BNC, 6" | TESSCO

800 - Laird Technologies EXC-806-BNX 800-866 Portable Antenna BNC, 4" | TESSCO

 

[miccona]

very nice thanks

VHF - Laird Technologies EXS-150-BNX 150-162 Portable Antenna w/ Covered BNC Connector | TESSCO

UHF - Laird Technologies EXC-450-BNX 450-470 Portable Antenna, Covered BNC, 6" | TESSCO

800 - Laird Technologies EXC-806-BNX 800-866 Portable Antenna BNC, 4" | TESSCO

 

[W2SJW]

I updated the VHF link - I accidentally linked to a 3.5" super-stubby on the first one...

 

[safetyobc]

The 800 MHz only 4"?

 

[W2SJW]

Yep, if I need more gain, I have the Radio Shack high-gain 800 model for that. The stubby is perfect for areas like Baltimore & DC with high RF environments that can cause simulcast issues. I also don't live more than 5 miles from the closest state tower site here in NJ (plus, it makes the scanner look cool!)...

 

[safetyobc]

I live about 15 miles from the nearest tower. I ordered the 800 MHz. I'll let you know how it works.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[XTS3000]

Only antenna I use is the Comet SMA-503. Started using that antenna in 2005 when the 396T came out, and haven't found a better one for V/U7/8 listening.

Under around 70mhz, the Comet-SMA-503 is a poor performer.

Comet SMA-503 is great for 70mhz and above.

 

[DaveIN]

I still use the RS 800 MHz antenna, but have many other duck antennas for specific bands.

 

[teufler]

a 5 dbd gain antenna is the Larsen Blade antenna. FB35T800WA. ITS FOR 800 MHZ, 20" tall, has a ground plane that is 3 1/2 inches,, 4 blades that the antenna mounts too, n connector, an outside antenna that is small enough to be mounted inside. A real big difference for monitoring the 800 trunking sytems .Its short enough that it can be mounted in the attic then get coax for whatever length you need. Otherwise the Austin Condor is the antenna that I use on my 396xt.The Larsen KoolDuck antennas I have are bnc type so I can use them on my 296d.

 

[yaesumofo]

I have been VERY happy with the Diamond SRH77CA.
This is the SMA version of the RH77CA.
It is a gain antenna on VHF and UHF.
It may be a little LONG for some.
I like how it receives.
Diamond® Antenna ~ SRH77CA Dualband HT Antenna

Yaesumofo

 

[KC2JS]

Is everyone having good luck with after market antennas? I have the Watson WSMA-801 on my 396xt and it works great. On the 436, the stock antenna performs better. Wondering if anyone else has the same results.

 

[mrkelso]

Is everyone having good luck with after market antennas? I have the Watson WSMA-801 on my 396xt and it works great. On the 436, the stock antenna performs better. Wondering if anyone else has the same results.

That watson antenna has given me great results.

 

[KC2JS]

I have been VERY happy with the Diamond SRH77CA.
This is the SMA version of the RH77CA.
It is a gain antenna on VHF and UHF.
It may be a little LONG for some.
I like how it receives.
Diamond® Antenna ~ SRH77CA Dualband HT Antenna

Yaesumofo

After I saw your post I realized I have one of these for an HT. I tried it on the 436 and it working the best so far.

Thanks.

 

[greggk]

BCD436 Antenna

I don't know for sure if I am in the right place; I searched for 20 minutes hoping I would find stuff I could read rather then type this.

What is recommended as a good replacement antenna for the BCD 436 HP? I haven't a clue. I am not real happy with the reception I get here inside the house. Outside I don't know how it does as its been to cold to take the 436 out until I buy it a coat.

Seriously, any suggestions for an antenna that will really make a difference? Thank you.

Greg

 

[krokus]

Which frequency ranges are you trying to listen to!

How far away are you from those signal sources?

Sent via Tapatalk

 

[greggk]

The frequencies I would monitor would be various I suppose; 800's will be there for a P25 system, also some in the 400 range. Its sort of a mix.

I do not know how far I am away from the sources. Chicago is fun to monitor, and they worked good with my 996T and an outdoor antenna; But very scratchy with my 436. They are about 40 miles away.

Lake county would be great to..but again, lots of static.

I wish I could give you better info..but that's all I have. Thank you.

Greg

 

[davenlr]

Are you looking for a portable antenna, or a base station antenna? For base stations, you might find good results with a discone antenna outside. I pick up stations over 80 miles away with mine.

As for portable use, for the best results, you need to pick a band, and get an antenna for that band I would think. I dont know of any wide range antennas with any gain that would work better than the antenna that comes with the scanner.

A cellular antenna would be a good match for the 800 band.