Hey everyone New to the scanner world. I'm stuck in a situation on antennas I'm using the stock one that comes with the BCD996P2 and it is not so mobile-friendly and is very static while moving. It's ok when idle. I'm currently in the Bay Area CA using 800 MHz Simulcast , 150 MHZ for fire/ ems, and 400 MHz for PD. I don't really want to drill a hole in my car is there any other route I can go with to install an antenna i was thinking of window antennas or a bracket trunk/ hood and or what best antennas I can go with im seeing a lot of laird 150-450, 700-800 antennas, Larsen NMO150-450-800 Tri-Band antennas or any other recommendations much appreciate
Antennas Recommendations BCD996P2
- Thread starter Luis650
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- antenna advice bcd996p2
Bob1955
Member
Luis650- I own a Bearcat BCD996P2 just like you, however it is NOT the greatest in simulcast, but you can adjust the P25 Digital Squelch Thershold in the menu system but let's first address your antenna question so here it goes: I would purchase from "The Antenna Farm"(Not Amazon-3rd part seller), a Hustler Magnetic Mount Scanner Antenna #MRM-B and it is $34.28 from Shop.Com (BEST PRICE) I use one on my 2021 Honda CRV-EX as I'm with the NEWS Media plus I hold a valid amateur HAM radio license.
Using the telescoping antenna with the metal surrounding your vehicle will NOT work out.
What type of vehicle do you own? Let's start off here first.
Hope you had a nice Easter holiday weekend.
Bob (KB2GQK)
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
What kind of car is it? There may be options.
The newer Larsen NMO-150/450/758SF is a newer antenna that has served me well over the last few years. I've been running one on my personal truck and am happy with it.
Larsen NMO150/450/758 Mobile Antenna Tri-Band 150-165,450-470,700/800MHz
Tri-band antenna covers 150-174, 430-520 & 750-870, 100 Watts, Whip Length 16.5"
theantennafarm.com
On my work truck, I'm using an EM Wave multiband antenna that has worked well:
EM Wave EM-M43002 - Triple Band Mobile Antennas
Tri-Band 150-162/450-490/763-870 MHz IP67 Rated Roof Mount Antenna
theantennafarm.com
Avoid the Chinese/hobby grade stuff. No reason a good antenna like one of the ones above shouldn't outlast your car.
I have a newer model Hyundai Elantra and thinking of some sort of lip mount that would work out ?
It’s a newer model Hyundai Elantra I’m testing of these Amazon bingfu antenna I think that’s what they are called and they not so good little better than the stock antenna but would like a good recommendation that would fit my vehicle thank youWhat kind of car is it? There may be options.
The newer Larsen NMO-150/450/758SF is a newer antenna that has served me well over the last few years. I've been running one on my personal truck and am happy with it.
Larsen NMO150/450/758 Mobile Antenna Tri-Band 150-165,450-470,700/800MHz
Tri-band antenna covers 150-174, 430-520 & 750-870, 100 Watts, Whip Length 16.5"
On my work truck, I'm using an EM Wave multiband antenna that has worked well:
EM Wave EM-M43002 - Triple Band Mobile Antennas
Tri-Band 150-162/450-490/763-870 MHz IP67 Rated Roof Mount Antenna
Avoid the Chinese/hobby grade stuff. No reason a good antenna like one of the ones above shouldn't outlast your car.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
OK. Not hard to do better than Bingfu.
So, Hyundai, don't want to drill holes.
Couple of options:
Magnetic mount. Not ideal and not my personal favorite. But it does give you the option of trying different mounting locations to see what works best for you. Ideal location is centered on the roof. You could try center of trunk lid, or anywhere else you feel like.
Drawbacks: Long term use of magnetic mounts can damage paint. Coax running across the roof/trunk can flap in the wind, make lots of noise and damage paint. Getting coax into the vehicle can result in damaged coaxial cable, damaged weather stripping, water leaks, or security risk if you have to leave a window cracked.
Trunk lip mounts can work, but it requires the antenna being off to one side, or up against the back window. Offset mounting of the antenna can make it slightly directional. Up against the back window, especially if it has a defroster or metallic window tint, can reduce performance. Cable routing may be slightly easier.
Drawbacks: Can do damage to the trunk lid/hood since the mount needs to be tightened down well. It's rarely a 'damage free' mount. Coax can still get damaged. For higher frequencies, it also puts the antenna down below the roofline, which can impact performance.
So, picking the mount type really depends on what tradeoffs you are most comfortable with. Or, to be honest for many, looks.
Couple of things:
Stick with NMO mounts. Industry standard and that mount gives you the widest option of antennas. It's manufacturer agnostic, so swapping brands/styles of antennas is easy to do. Fun to experiment with different types depending on your needs. Also, if you decide to pursue your amateur radio license, GMRS, CB, etc. you can easily swap out antennas for something that will work for your future needs.
As for the antenna, there's rarely any big cost savings by going with the Cheap Chinese Antennas. A good commercial antenna will easily outlast your vehicle. I have 30+ year old Larsen antennas that are working like new. The Larsen or EMWave I linked to above would be an excellent choice for scanner use. The Larsen is a bit thinner, and may blend in better if aesthetics are a concern.
Thank you very much for this very informative. With that being said I will probably go with the Larsen NMO150/450/758 one that you mentioned above with a lip mount but now question is there so many lip mounts with nmo styles which is one that is good enough that would work with the Larsen antenna also is this good for home base antenna as well or mainly mobile thanks again.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Laird and Larsen make good mounts. I'd stick with those and avoid the Chinese/ham radio stuff. You will need to shop around and find one that has the correct connector to match your radio. Avoid using adapters if you can.
www.arcantenna.com
That antenna can be used as a base antenna, but you'll need to add a ground plane under it. that could be as easy as sticking it on a baking sheet, or if you want to mount it outside, get one of these and appropriate coaxial cable:
www.arcantenna.com
NMO Motorola Style Mounts
Check our NMO Mobile collection that includes combination of NMO Mounts (Thru Hole NMO, Magnetic NMO Mount, Thick NMO Mount for Thick roofs, 3/8 Hole NMO mount), Connectors (PL259 / UHF, Mini UHF, BNC, SMA, TNC and many more connectors) and Cable (RG58, RG58A/U, RG8X, LMR200, RG8, ATX195). Our...
www.arcantenna.com
That antenna can be used as a base antenna, but you'll need to add a ground plane under it. that could be as easy as sticking it on a baking sheet, or if you want to mount it outside, get one of these and appropriate coaxial cable:
MBCN: Ground plane Kit For NMO to N-Female Mobile to Base Station Antenna Kit for VHF or UHF. Includes Ground Plane Radials.
The Laird MBCN is a Mobile to Base Station Antenna adapter for use with VHF and UHF antennas. The kit includes NMO to N-Female adapter and (4) 22 inch long ground plane radials. NOTE: Whip antenna, mounting pole and coaxial cable are NOT included.
www.arcantenna.com
You'll need a BNC male for RG58U....https://www.arcantenna.com/products/sbm195-connector-bnc-crimp-male-for-195-type-equivalent
Quite frankly I would modify your order to include a mount WITH a BNC male. In addition to the plug, you'll need the appropriate tool to crimp it.
Quite frankly I would modify your order to include a mount WITH a BNC male. In addition to the plug, you'll need the appropriate tool to crimp it.
Bob1955
Member
mmcKenna-Very well written and you brought up GREAT points along with options for Luis650 too.
Nice job.
Stay safe,
Bob
thanks looking around and i don't see mount with bnc male for a nmo hood lip / trunk lip they are all RG-58/U Cable :/ ?
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Contact the company. They'll probably install one on the cable for you. With the right tools, it's not a big job.
thank you i just contacted them see if its possible for them to do so thanks for all the help.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
If they won't do it, let us know. For the cost of shipping, I'd be happy to install the correct connector on the end of the cable for you.
wow thank you very much. I emailed "ArcAntenna" earlier today just waiting on a response will update this thread when i hear back from them
Unfortunately they will not install the correct connector for the BNC male 😅
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Wait until the 27th when Antenna Farm reopens and order this:
Larsen NMOMMRBNC NMO Magnetic Antenna Mount with BNC Male Connector Installed
Heavy Duty, Low Profile Magnetic Mount. For use with NMO style antenna. 12' RG-58/U Cable, BNC male connector Installed.
theantennafarm.com
Or find that same mount somewhere else. Surprised that Arc wouldn't install a connector for you. It's not difficult if they had the right tools.
Thanks, I'm guessing this cant be used as a trunk lip correct since its a magnetic mountWait until the 27th when Antenna Farm reopens and order this:
Larsen NMOMMRBNC NMO Magnetic Antenna Mount with BNC Male Connector Installed
Heavy Duty, Low Profile Magnetic Mount. For use with NMO style antenna. 12' RG-58/U Cable, BNC male connector Installed.
Or find that same mount somewhere else. Surprised that Arc wouldn't install a connector for you. It's not difficult if they had the right tools.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
If your trunk is steel, then you can absolutely stick it near the edge.
If you want a trunk lip mount, then you can get those also:
Larsen NMOTLP - Trunk Lip Mounts
Trunk Lip Mount. No Holes Mounting Solution. Uses hidden set screws to hold in place. For use with NMO style antennas
theantennafarm.com
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