Austin Spectra Mobile Antenna

[radiocacher]

I've been looking at the Austin Spectra as a possible replacement for my RS mag mount. Would like to hear some opinions on this antenna. Thanks

 

[kb5udf]

What bands are important to you?

What bands/frequency ranges do you most monitor?

 

[gg750]

I've had outstanding results with VHF and UHF. 800 is no better or worse than the RS mag that I can tell. Not much in the lower bands around my area, but seemed to work well with what little there is.

If VHF and/or UHF are your primary concern, then the Spectra is a great antenna.

G

 

[radiocacher]

I monitor a variety of systems including VHF, UHF and 800 trunked.

 

[K5MAR]

IMHO, it's one of the best scanner antennas on the market. Been using mine for about three years now, and if something happened to it, I'd order another one the next day. I monitor VHF-low, VHF-high, UHF, and 800 MHz.

Mark S.

 

[radiocacher]

OK guys, thanks for the info.

 

[ka3jjz]

Perhaps the only real weakness in that antenna is the lack of aircraft coverage; otherwise it would be nearly ideal for my purposes. As it is, I do use it and am generally pleased with it. I use it with a Diamond trunk lip mount; I cut the top section to resonate around 39 Mhz, and make sure my mount was making a good ground connection (a simple test between the base of the mount and one of the bolts holding the seat to the chassis confirmed it), and I did notice some improvement on the VHF lo side. Besides I don't need or want a big antenna anyway, as I live in a semi-urban environment. Having a big antenna would likely cause all sorts of problems with overload and desense.

73s Mike

 

[jack103]

Austin Antenna

Never heard anything good about these antennas do a google search and check strong signals and possibilty scan capecod!

 

[K5MAR]

Never heard anything good about these antennas do a google search and check strong signals and possibilty scan capecod!

Don't know about scancapecod (what do they monitor, fishing boats? :lol: ), but strongsignals has always had a bias for antennas, that in any real-world test, don't perform worth a dang. Those of us out in the real world, especially those whose livelyhood depends on good reception, use the Austin Spectra because it's one of the best multiband antennas on the market.

Mark S.

 

[soupster]

strong signals and scan cape cod

As far as strong signals there comparison is a little dated. Also scan cape cod has one of the most extensive sites regarding massachesetts scanning they also provide a live broadcast of scanning.I have also had the austin spectra for a while I have been happy with it. But to be honest I am now wondering if anything is any better...

 

[ResQguy]

I have had an original Austin Spectra (all black) for a long time now. If it wasn't so darn ugly, I would reccommend it to everyone I know. It works well across all bands in my application, but it screams "Hello, I have a scanner!" Definitely not for the low-profile install. It does, however, disappear when installed on an Excursion...

 

[wesct]

i have sold alot of spectra scanner antennas from austin. the tv stations and radio stations both buy them. they want the best, so thats what i sell them. and if i had something better, i would have them try it out. so far, i havent found anything better.

wesct

 

[radiocacher]

Austin spectra Mobile Antenna

Thanks for all the input guys, guess I'll bite the bullet and try one.