Astro Spectra Antenna Question

[MOCOMD1]

I thought i would ask the experts before buying since I am not so knowledgeable about how these radio's work, but i'm looking to buy an antenna for my astro spectra (already programmed) and i found this:
800 MHz Mobile Antenna for Motorola Uniden scanner 11" - eBay (item 180429762540 end time Jan-06-10 14:21:07 PST)

My question is whether or not it will actually work with my spectra. I only ask because it says its for scanners, however it covers the frequency range of my spectra (which according to batlabs and the model number is 806-870 MHZ). I also recognize that in order to use this antenna i will also need to purchase a BNC male to Mini-U adapter.

This antenna seems to offer greatest flexibility for the cost for what i need. Thanks.

 

[FFPM571]

it will work.. not the best being its a mag mount.

 

[MOCOMD1]

Do mag mounts offer less performance?
It seems to be the most convenient in terms of portability (no perma-mount, can put it on a desk, switch cars, ect.)

 

[gary123]

A mag mount is ok. A hard mount will be a bit more efficient. The same goes for the whip, A 800 meg whip will perform exellently. I ahve been using the 10 in with the open coil style antennas on mag mounts for years with no issues.

 

[n5ims]

The RG-174 cable used with that antenna will make that antenna a very poor choice as well. While the antenna claims 3dB gain, the 20' of coax will have over 6dB of loss at 860 MHz. Commercial mag mounts generally use RG-58 coax which will have about 3dB of loss for this same 20' at 860 MHz. You can also get the mini-UHF connector for the RG-58 which will provide less loss (minimal, but still) than using an adapter.

Also, as a "scanner antenna", this may not stand up well if you ever transmit using that Astro Spectra.

 

[MOCOMD1]

I am never going to transmit on it.

Are you saying sound quality will be poor? I suppose as long as i can hear decently, and the radio is able to register with the system (since your saying it won't hold up well to transmitting), then its all i need.

 

[b7spectra]

You shouldn't have any problem with it at all. I used a 1/4 wave 800 MHz antenna for years and could pick up and lock in on a control channel well over 60 miles away.

 

[n5ims]

I am never going to transmit on it.

Are you saying sound quality will be poor? I suppose as long as i can hear decently, and the radio is able to register with the system (since your saying it won't hold up well to transmitting), then its all i need.

The radio has to transmit for it to "register with the system" (called affiliation) since you stated in an earlier post that it's programmed for a Trunking System.

It is a trunking system

While it may be possible for someone with significant knowledge and experience to program one to not affiliate, this isn't the easiest thing to do and if not done 100% correctly you may be transmitting without even knowing. Unless your radio is authorized to be on the system you will not only be in violation of FCC rules, but could easily have your radio disabled remotely by the operator of the system you're monitoring.